Name: Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Spanish-inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup plain flour; 1 cup water; 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla essence; 1 large egg; 1 cup white sugar (for coating); 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder (for coating)

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These sweet air fryer churro bites are my go-to treat when I want something indulgent without the hassle of deep-frying. I get that same golden, crispy texture with a soft center, but without the mess and danger of hot oil. They remind me of the county fair churros I grew up loving, and now I can make them anytime right in my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. The air fryer gives me perfectly crispy churro bites in less than an hour, making them ideal for last-minute dessert cravings or a fun family baking project. I also love that the smaller portions make them perfect for sharing, and the cinnamon-sugar coating is simply irresistible. Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:
1 cup plain flour
1 cup water
1/3 cup and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 large egg

For the coating:
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon powder

Directions

I start by heating the water, butter, salt, and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it comes to a boil.
Once boiling, I add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
I let the dough cool slightly, then mix in the vanilla essence.
I beat in the egg until the dough is smooth and glossy.
I transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
I pipe bite-sized lengths of dough directly into the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each piece.
I lightly spray or brush the dough pieces with oil.
I air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown, working in batches if necessary.
While the churro bites are still warm, I toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
I serve immediately, preferably with chocolate sauce or dulce de leche.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 churro bites.
Preparation time: 10–15 minutes
Cooking time: 20–30 minutes
Total time: 30–45 minutes

Variations

I like swapping the classic cinnamon-sugar coating for a cocoa-sugar blend when I want a chocolate twist. Around the holidays, I use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a seasonal flavor. Sometimes I dip the cooked churro bites in melted chocolate or drizzle them with caramel for extra indulgence.

Storage/Reheating

I think these churro bites taste best fresh out of the air fryer, but I can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 1–2 minutes, then give them a fresh roll in cinnamon sugar. I can also prepare the dough up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the fridge, bringing it to room temperature before cooking.

FAQs

How do I keep the churros from losing their shape in the air fryer?

I make sure my dough isn’t too wet and that I’m not overcrowding the basket. A firm but pipeable dough holds its shape best.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, I can pipe the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze it until solid, then store it in freezer bags. I air fry straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I make these gluten-free?

I can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture might be slightly different from traditional churros.

What’s the best oil to spray them with?

I use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil because it doesn’t affect the flavor.

Why is my cinnamon-sugar coating falling off?

I toss the churro bites while they’re still warm so the sugar sticks better. If they cool too much, I lightly mist them with water before coating.

Conclusion

I love how this sweet air fryer churro bites recipe brings all the fun and flavor of fairground churros into my home with none of the deep-frying fuss. They’re crispy, warm, and coated in just the right amount of cinnamon sugar—perfect for sharing or enjoying all to myself. Whether for a party or a cozy night in, these little bites always hit the spot.