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Air fryer churro bites close-up. Easy, healthy dessert recipe.
Lady Maria

Air Fryer Churro Bites

Enjoy crispy, golden-brown churro bites made healthier and easier in your air fryer. This recipe delivers the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor you love, without the guilt of deep-frying, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil or other neutral oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free blend
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Cooking spray

Equipment

  • air fryer
  • medium saucepan
  • wooden spoon
  • Spatula
  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer (optional)
  • Piping bag (optional)
  • Large star tip or round tip (optional)
  • Resealable plastic bag (optional)
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Large plate or shallow dish

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, coconut oil, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  2. Once boiling, remove the pan from the heat and immediately add all the flour.
  3. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir the mixture vigorously until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This takes about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes.
  5. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Add the vanilla extract and egg.
  6. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer (or by hand) until smooth and well combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
  7. In a shallow dish, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Mix well.
  8. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (or a plain round tip). If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
  9. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  10. If using a piping bag, pipe small, 1-2 inch lengths of dough directly into the air fryer basket. If not using a piping bag, carefully drop small spoonfuls of dough into the basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket; work in batches if needed.
  11. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until the churro bites are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as cooking times can vary depending on your air fryer.
  12. Immediately after removing the churro bites from the air fryer, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are evenly coated.
  13. Serve the air fryer churro bites warm and enjoy. They are delicious on their own or with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel.

Notes

For best results, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Work in batches to ensure even cooking. If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time. Store leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a spicy kick or serve with chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or whipped cream for dipping.