Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe – Easy & Irresistible Treat

Who says you need to visit a carnival or Mexican restaurant to enjoy delicious churros? These air fryer churro bites bring all the crispy, cinnamon-sugar goodness right to your kitchen in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick dessert, or simply craving something sweet, these bite-sized treats are guaranteed to satisfy.

Unlike traditional deep-fried churros, our air fryer version uses significantly less oil while maintaining that perfect golden exterior and tender interior. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients you probably already have at home.

Recipe Information

• Serves: 4-6 people
• Prep Time: 8 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Cuisine: Spanish/Mexican-inspired

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (3.5-quart or larger)
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Piping bag or large zip-lock bag
• Kitchen scissors
• Small mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling rack (optional)

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Ingredients

For the Churro Bites:

• 1 cup water
• 2½ tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cooking spray

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Optional Dipping Sauces:

• Chocolate sauce
• Dulce de leche
• Caramel sauce
• Vanilla glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix together ⅓ cup sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. Have the melted butter ready in a separate small bowl.

Step 2: Make the Churro Dough

1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, 2½ tablespoons sugar, salt, and vegetable oil
2. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat
3. Remove from heat and immediately add flour all at once
4. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth dough that pulls away from the sides
5. Let cool for 2-3 minutes, then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated

Step 3: Prepare for Air Frying

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes
2. Transfer the dough to a piping bag or large zip-lock bag with one corner snipped off
3. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray

Step 4: Pipe and Cook the Churros

1. Pipe small 1-inch pieces of dough directly into the air fryer basket, using kitchen scissors to cut the dough
2. Leave space between each piece to allow for even cooking
3. Lightly spray the churro bites with cooking spray
4. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

1. While still warm, brush the churro bites with melted butter
2. Roll immediately in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated
3. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce

Pro Tips for Perfect Churro Bites

Temperature Matters: Make sure your air fryer is properly preheated. This ensures immediate crisping and prevents soggy churros.

Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.

Coat While Warm: The butter and cinnamon sugar adhere best when the churros are still hot from the air fryer.

Texture Check: Perfectly cooked churro bites should be golden brown outside and slightly hollow inside.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Storage and Reheating

Fresh Storage: Best enjoyed immediately, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.

Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as this makes them soggy.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the dough up to 4 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before piping.

Flavor Variations

Chocolate Churro Bites: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the flour before mixing.

Orange Zest: Add 1 teaspoon orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.

Spicy Cinnamon: Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper with your cinnamon sugar for a kick.

Filled Churros: Inject cooled churros with dulce de leche or Nutella using a piping bag with a thin tip.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

These air fryer churro bites prove that you don’t need a deep fryer to create restaurant-quality desserts at home. With their crispy exterior, tender interior, and irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re perfect for any occasion. The best part? They come together in just 16 minutes with minimal cleanup required.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating your family to something special, these churro bites are sure to be a hit. Experiment with different coatings and dipping sauces to make them your own, and don’t forget to serve them warm for the ultimate experience!

Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments below how your churro bites turned out, and share your favorite dipping sauce combinations!