Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe
Introduction
These Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the classic cinnamon sugar coating with a light, airy texture. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert, they’re ready in just a few simple steps using your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 1 cup plain flour (King Arthur all-purpose recommended)
- 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cinnamon powder (freshly ground preferred)
- 1 cup white sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a pan, combine 1 cup water, 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat and gradually add 1 cup plain flour, stirring continuously until the dough forms a smooth ball. Remove from heat.
- Step 2: Transfer the dough to a large bowl and let it cool for 4–5 minutes. Add 1 tsp vanilla essence and 1 large egg. Use an electric hand mixer to blend until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and spray the basket with a neutral nonstick cooking spray like coconut oil spray. Transfer the churro dough to a piping bag and pipe bite-sized pieces into the basket without overcrowding. Alternatively, drop spoonfuls of dough directly into the basket.
- Step 4: Lightly brush the churros with melted butter and air fry for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the fryer.
- Step 5: In a shallow bowl, mix 1 cup white sugar with 1 tbsp cinnamon powder. Once cooked, toss the churro bites in this cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly. For better adhesion, you can brush the churros with melted butter before coating.
- Step 6: Serve the churro bites warm, optionally alongside dips like chocolate syrup, honey, or Nutella. Enjoy this sweet, crunchy snack!
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly ground cinnamon for a more intense and aromatic flavor in the coating.
- For a richer taste, brush the churros with melted butter before coating them in cinnamon sugar.
- Try different dips such as caramel sauce, dulce de leche, or fruit preserves for variety.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a zip-top bag with a small corner cut off to pipe the dough.
Storage
Store leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to maintain crispiness. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days but reheat in the air fryer briefly to restore texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these churro bites without an air fryer?
Yes, you can deep fry or bake the churro dough instead. Deep frying will give the crispiest results similar to traditional churros, while baking at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes may yield a lighter version.
Why do my churro bites sometimes turn out dense?
Ensure the dough is cooked enough to form a smooth ball and cool slightly before adding the egg. Thoroughly mixing the egg in with an electric mixer helps incorporate air, resulting in lighter churros.
PrintSweet Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe
These Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites offer a crispy, golden exterior with a soft, doughy center. Perfectly coated in a cinnamon sugar blend, these bite-sized treats are a quick and delicious snack or dessert cooked using an air fryer for a healthier twist on traditional fried churros.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20–25 bite-sized churro bites 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 1 cup plain flour (King Arthur all-purpose flour recommended)
- 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
For the Coating:
- 1 tbsp cinnamon powder (freshly ground preferred)
- 1 cup white sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough Base: In a pan, combine 1 cup water, 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and gradually add 1 cup plain flour while stirring continuously until the dough forms a smooth ball. Remove the pan from the stove.
- Cool and Mix Dough: Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool for 4-5 minutes. Once slightly cooled, add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla essence. Using an electric hand mixer, combine thoroughly until the mixture is smooth.
- Pipe the Churros: Place the churro dough into a piping bag. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and spray the air fryer basket with a neutral nonstick spray like coconut oil. Pipe bite-sized churros into the basket, taking care not to overcrowd. Alternatively, drop spoonfuls of dough for variation.
- Cook the Churros: Lightly brush the tops of the churros with butter. Air fry them for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Depending on air fryer size, cook in batches for even results.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow bowl, mix 1 cup white sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder. While the churros are still warm, toss them gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture. To help the coating adhere better, optionally brush churros with melted butter or spray lightly with water or nonstick spray before rolling.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the churro bites warm alongside optional dips such as chocolate syrup, honey, or Nutella for a delightful sweet snack.
Notes
- Use freshly ground cinnamon powder for a more fragrant and flavorful coating.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Allow dough to cool slightly before adding egg to prevent cooking the egg prematurely.
- Butter brushing before cooking adds richness and helps with browning.
- These churros are best enjoyed fresh and warm for optimal texture and taste.
Keywords: air fryer churros, churro bites, cinnamon sugar churros, sweet snack, easy dessert, bite-sized churros
