Description
These crispy air fryer churro bites deliver all the classic churro flavor and crunch without the mess of deep frying. Quick, easy, and perfect for parties or a cozy dessert, they’re coated in cinnamon sugar and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, cubed
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray or oil mister (avocado oil or canola)
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Chocolate sauce (optional, for dipping)
- Dulce de leche or caramel sauce (optional, for dipping)
Instructions
- Add water, cubed butter, sugar, and salt to a small saucepan. Set over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil (about 2-3 minutes), stirring occasionally until the butter melts.
- Remove from heat. Immediately add sifted flour and baking powder. Stir quickly until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides (about 1 minute).
- Let the dough cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a mixing bowl, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat vigorously until fully combined and the dough is glossy and pipeable.
- Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 2-inch strips onto a parchment-lined plate or tray, snipping each bite with kitchen scissors as you go.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray or oil.
- Arrange churro bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry each batch for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. Watch closely after 7 minutes.
- While still warm, transfer churro bites to a shallow dish with sugar and cinnamon. Toss gently until well coated.
- Serve warm with chocolate sauce, caramel, or on their own. Best enjoyed fresh.
Notes
Let the dough cool before adding the egg to avoid scrambling. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, use vegan butter. Pipe churro bites evenly for best results. Toss in cinnamon sugar while warm for best coating. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze before coating for up to 1 month. Reheat in the air fryer to crisp up.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 5 churro bites
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 11
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 27
- Protein: 3
Keywords: air fryer churros, churro bites, easy dessert, cinnamon sugar, homemade churros, party snack, kid friendly, air fryer dessert, Spanish dessert, quick churros