Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these churro bites because they bring all the joy of traditional churros in a bite-sized, mess-free, and slightly lighter version. They’re quick, fun to make, and perfect for sharing. The air fryer gives them a satisfying crisp without a pot of hot oil, and the cinnamon-sugar coating takes them over the top.

Ingredients

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

Dough:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup water

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter plus 1 tablespoon

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 large egg

Coating:

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. I preheat the air fryer to 375 °F (190 °C) and lightly spray the basket.

2. In a saucepan, I bring water, butter, salt, and sugar to a boil.

3. I reduce the heat and stir in the flour until a smooth dough ball forms, then remove from heat.

4. After cooling the dough for 4–5 minutes, I beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined.

5. I transfer the dough to a piping bag (or use a spoon) and drop small mounds or pipe shapes into the air fryer basket, spacing them evenly.

6. I brush the bites with melted butter and air-fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

7. While still warm, I toss the bites in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re fully coated.

8. I serve immediately with chocolate sauce, honey, or Nutella for dipping.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

• Calories: ~328 kcal per serving

Variations

• I add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for extra warmth.

• I dip the cooked bites in melted white or dark chocolate before serving.

• I stuff them with a small dab of dulce de leche or Nutella before air frying for a surprise center.

• I shape them into sticks or spirals for variety.

• I add a splash of citrus zest to the dough for brightness.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness. They’re best eaten fresh.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes—I prep the dough and store it in the fridge for a few hours. I bring it to room temp before piping and air frying.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

I do, to ensure the bites start crisping right away and cook evenly.

Can I freeze these?

I don’t recommend freezing once cooked—they lose texture. But I can freeze the uncooked dough bites and air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Can I make them without a piping bag?

Definitely. I use a spoon to drop small mounds of dough if I don’t have a piping bag.

What’s the best dip for serving?

I love serving them with warm chocolate sauce, but caramel, Nutella, or even fruit jams work wonderfully too.

Conclusion

These Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites are my favorite way to satisfy a churro craving without the hassle of frying. Quick to make and fun to eat, they’re a warm, cinnamon-sugar delight that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to myself.