Craving something sweet, crispy, and totally irresistible? These Air Fryer Churro Bites are your go-to snack! Perfectly golden on the outside and soft on the inside, these mini treats are coated in cinnamon sugar for that classic churro flavor—without the mess of deep frying. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dessert for the family or entertaining guests, these bite-sized churros deliver all the flavor with a fraction of the oil.
Made in the air fryer, these treats are faster, easier, and a bit healthier than traditional churros. No hot oil, no splattering, and minimal cleanup. Serve them warm with a dipping sauce like chocolate or caramel and watch them disappear in minutes!
Ingredients Notes
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the dough and gives the churros their structure.
- Water & Butter – Heated together to create a light pâte à choux-style dough.
- Eggs – Add richness and help puff up the churros when cooked.
- Sugar & Cinnamon – Classic churro coating that brings that signature flavor.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds a subtle sweet note to the dough.
- Salt – Balances out the sweetness.
- Cooking Spray – Helps the bites crisp up in the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Churro Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and a pinch of salt to a boil. Remove from heat, then stir in flour until a dough ball forms. Let cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix in Eggs & Vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until smooth. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 3: Pipe the Bites
Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe 1-inch pieces onto a parchment-lined tray.
Step 4: Air Fry
Spray churro bites with cooking spray and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes or until golden and puffed.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Immediately toss warm bites in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Churro Bites
- Don’t Overmix – Once the flour is added, mix until just combined to keep the dough light.
- Let the Dough Cool Slightly – Adding eggs too early can scramble them.
- Use a Star Tip for Piping – This gives that traditional churro texture.
- Don’t Crowd the Air Fryer – Give bites space to puff and brown evenly.
- Toss in Sugar While Warm – The coating sticks better when churros are fresh from the fryer.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Churro Bites
🎉 Quick & Easy – Done in under 30 minutes!
💛 Healthier Than Fried – No deep fryer needed.
🍫 Perfect for Dipping – Pair with chocolate or dulce de leche.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun – A hit with kids and adults alike.
🌟 Crispy Outside, Soft Inside – The perfect churro texture every time.
The Science Behind Their Texture
These churro bites get their puffiness from the steam created by the egg-enriched dough, much like cream puffs or éclairs. The air fryer’s circulating heat crisps the outside while keeping the center soft and airy. Tossing the warm bites in cinnamon sugar creates a crunchy, flavorful coating that’s impossible to resist.
Variations and Substitutions
🍩 Filled Churro Bites – Inject with Nutella or caramel using a piping bag.
🍓 Fruity Twist – Serve with strawberry or raspberry dipping sauce.
🌾 Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
🔥 Spiced Sugar Coating – Add a pinch of cayenne or cardamom for a unique twist.
🍦 Churro Sundae – Serve with ice cream and chocolate drizzle for dessert perfection.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes.
Freezer – Freeze uncoated, air-fried churro bites for up to 1 month. Reheat and toss in cinnamon sugar before serving.
FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 1 day before frying.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
It helps for even cooking. Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the churros.
Why aren’t my churro bites puffing up?
Make sure the dough is smooth and not too dry, and don’t skip the eggs—they’re key to the texture.
Can I bake them instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, but they may be slightly less crisp.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Churro Bites are the ultimate fuss-free dessert. They’re fun, flavorful, and the perfect bite-sized indulgence for any time of day. Whether you’re serving them at a party or treating yourself after dinner, these mini churros deliver big flavor without the deep-fryer hassle. With endless ways to customize and enjoy, they’ll quickly become your go-to air fryer dessert!
