Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe (No Deep Frying!)

After a fun day at the county fair, my kids begged me to make churros at home. As someone who has a rocky history with hot oil, I was thrilled to learn that air fryer churro bites are not only possible but absolutely delicious. They come out golden, crispy, and coated in that perfect cinnamon-sugar blend — and the best part? No messy frying.

Why You’ll Love These Churro Bites

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples.
• Healthier Alternative: Less oil, less mess, same crispy results.
• Perfect Portions: Bite-sized snacks ideal for sharing.
• Family Friendly: A fun treat for kids to help make!

Best Flour to Use

All-purpose flour works best here. It gives that chewy yet crisp texture you’re used to in classic churros. Avoid using whole wheat flour, as it will make the dough too dense.

Pro Tip: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy. Cold flour from the fridge? Let it come to room temp first.

Ingredient Swaps

• Flour: Use bread flour in a pinch, but skip whole wheat.
• Butter: Salted butter works; just cut added salt by ¼ tsp.
• Vanilla: Substitute with extract, bean paste, or almond extract.
• Coating: Try cocoa-sugar, pumpkin spice, or powdered sugar for variation.
• Egg: Best not to replace — essential for texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Dough Consistency: Should be soft but pipeable. Too wet? Churros will flatten. Too dry? They’ll be tough.
• Overcrowding: Give each bite space in the air fryer to crisp.
• Coating: Toss while warm so sugar sticks better.
• Oil Application: Brush lightly to avoid greasy results.

What to Serve with Churro Bites

• Chocolate Dip: Melt chocolate chips with a splash of cream.
• Other Dips: Dulce de leche, cream cheese frosting, or Nutella.
• Drinks: Mexican hot chocolate or coffee balance the sweetness.

Storage Tips

• Best Fresh: Enjoy right out of the air fryer for max crunch.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Pop in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F.
• Make Ahead: Chill dough up to 24 hours, bring to room temp before cooking.

Nutrition (Estimated for entire recipe)

• Calories: 2000–2200
• Protein: 20–25g
• Fat: 90–100g
• Carbs: 300–320g

Ingredients

Dough

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 1 large egg

Coating

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cinnamon powder

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and sugar.
2. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and stir in flour until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and cool for 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Egg & Vanilla

4. Add vanilla and egg to the warm (not hot) dough.
5. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth.

Step 3: Pipe the Bites

6. Transfer dough to a piping bag.
7. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
8. Lightly grease basket with cooking spray.
9. Pipe bite-sized churros into the basket. Leave space between.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

10. Lightly brush churros with melted butter.
11. Air fry 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.
12. Work in batches as needed.

Step 5: Cinnamon Sugar Coating

13. In a shallow dish, mix cinnamon and sugar.
14. Roll warm churros in mixture until coated.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

15. Serve warm with your favorite dip!

Final Notes

These air fryer churro bites are a game-changer. Easy, delicious, and perfect for weeknight desserts, parties, or even cozy weekends. You’ll never need to deep-fry again!

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