Fluffy Air Fryer Churro Bites
Fluffy Air Fryer Churro Bites are a quick and healthier snack that delivers the perfect harmony of crispy exterior and soft, airy interior. Made with simple pantry ingredients and air-fried to golden perfection, these churro bites are coated with cinnamon sugar for that signature sweet and warm flavor. Ideal for a last-minute dessert or fun snack, they are family-friendly, customizable, and much easier to make than traditional deep-fried churros.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 20-25 churro bites 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Prepare the Dough: Combine water, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: When the dough is warm but not hot, beat in the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and mix until the dough becomes glossy and smooth, perfect for piping.
- Pipe the Bites: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small 1-inch rounds onto a parchment-lined plate or tray, making sure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Place churro bites in the basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and puffed.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: While bites are still warm, gently toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated, giving them their signature churro finish.
Notes
- Ensure dough is cool enough before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
- Use fresh cinnamon powder and vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even puffing and crisping.
- Pipe uniform-sized bites for consistent cooking results.
- Coat the churro bites immediately after air frying while warm for best sugar adhesion.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 pieces
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: churro bites, air fryer snack, cinnamon sugar snack, healthy dessert, gluten-free churros, easy churros