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Crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, and coated in cinnamon sugar, these Air Fryer Churro Bites bring all the fairground flavor into your home without deep frying! Made with simple pantry ingredients and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, these bite-sized churros are quick, mess-free, and irresistibly delicious.
If you love classic churros but want a healthier and easier version, this air fryer churro recipe is a must-try!
I grew up eating churros at fairs and theme parks, but I never liked the hassle of frying them at home. This air fryer version gives you the same crunchy, cinnamon-sugar goodness with way less effort and without the greasy mess!
Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Churros
- Flour (1 cup): Forms the base of the dough, giving the churros their structure.
- Water (1 cup): Helps create a smooth, pliable dough.
- Unsalted Butter (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp): Adds richness and keeps the dough soft.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Sugar (2 tbsp, for dough): Lightly sweetens the churros.
- Vanilla Essence (1 tsp): Adds a warm, classic churro flavor.
- Egg (1 large): Creates a light and airy texture.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- White Sugar (1 cup): The key to that iconic churro sweetness.
- Cinnamon Powder (1 tbsp): Gives the signature cinnamon kick.
💡 Pro Tip: For extra richness, brush the churros with melted butter before coating them in cinnamon sugar!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Churro Bites
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- Step 1: Prepare the Churro Dough
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and sugar.
- Bring to a gentle boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat.
- Gradually stir in the flour, mixing continuously until a smooth dough forms.
- Remove from heat and transfer the dough to a mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Cool & Mix the Dough
- Let the dough cool for about 4-5 minutes to prevent the egg from cooking too soon.
- Add the vanilla essence and the egg, then use an electric hand mixer to blend until smooth.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Step 3: Pipe the Churros
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray.
- Pipe bite-sized churro pieces directly into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one.
- Step 4: Air Fry the Churros
- Lightly brush the churro bites with melted butter before cooking (optional but helps with crispiness).
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a cooling rack and repeat with remaining dough.
- Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup white sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon powder.
- While the churro bites are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Enjoy these warm, crispy churro bites on their own or serve with dipping sauces like:
- 🍫 Melted Chocolate Sauce
- 🍯 Dulce de Leche
- 🥜 Nutella
- 🍦 Vanilla Ice Cream
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Storage & Reheating Instructions
- ✅ At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- ✅ Refrigerate the Dough: Make ahead and store raw dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
How to Reheat
- ✅ Air Fry: Reheat at 350°F for 1-2 minutes to restore crispiness.
- ✅ Microwave: Warm for 10-15 seconds for a softer texture.
Fun Variations & Customizations
- ✔ Chocolate Churros: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the dough.
- ✔ Spiced Churros: Mix in pumpkin spice or nutmeg for a fall twist.
- ✔ Filled Churros: Inject with Nutella, caramel, or cream cheese for an extra surprise.
- ✔ Savory Churros: Skip the cinnamon sugar and serve with cheese sauce or garlic butter.
Final Thoughts: The Easiest Way to Make Churros at Home!
These Air Fryer Churro Bites are the perfect sweet treat—crispy, golden, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar flavor. Whether you're making them for a party, a cozy night in, or a fun family dessert, they’re guaranteed to be a huge hit.
🔥 Make them today and enjoy every crispy, sugary bite! 😍✨
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these without a piping bag?
- Yes! You can drop spoonfuls of dough into the air fryer instead.
- → How do I store leftover churros?
- Keep them in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.
- → Can I bake these instead?
- Yes, bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- → What’s the best dipping sauce for churros?
- Chocolate sauce, honey, or Nutella are great options!
- → Can I freeze the dough?
- Yes! Pipe the dough onto a tray, freeze, then store in a sealed bag. Air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.