There’s something magical about biting into a warm, crispy churro coated in cinnamon sugar. The crunch, the sweetness, the hint of spice—it’s pure comfort in every bite. But traditional deep-fried churros can feel a little heavy, and let’s be honest, not everyone wants to deal with a pot of hot oil. That’s why I fell in love with making Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites—they’re just as delicious, but lighter and easier to prepare!
I’ve experimented with different doughs and cooking methods, and this air fryer version is my absolute favorite. The air fryer gives these churro bites the perfect golden crispiness without the mess of frying. Plus, they’re ready in minutes, making them an irresistible treat for movie nights, dessert cravings, or even a fun weekend project with kids. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never go back to store-bought churros!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Water: The base of the churro dough, water helps bind the ingredients together while keeping the texture light. Using hot (but not boiling) water ensures the dough comes together smoothly.
Butter: Adds richness and a slight tenderness to the churros. Unsalted butter works best so you can control the saltiness, but if you only have salted, just reduce the added salt in the recipe.
Sugar: A little sugar in the dough balances the flavors, while the cinnamon-sugar coating is what gives churros their signature sweetness.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors and keeps the dough from tasting bland.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the churros structure. Make sure to measure it correctly—too much can make the dough dense.
Egg: Acts as a binder, adding moisture and helping the dough puff up slightly in the air fryer.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
Cinnamon: The star of the coating! Ground cinnamon mixed with sugar creates that classic churro taste.
Ingredients List
- 1 cup water
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then remove from heat. Stir in the flour all at once, mixing vigorously until a smooth dough forms. Let it cool slightly, then beat in the egg and vanilla until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Pipe the Churros
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe 2-3 inch strips onto a parchment-lined tray (or directly into the air fryer basket if it fits). Use scissors to snip the ends.
Step 3: Air Fry
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the basket, then place the churro bites in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While still warm, roll the churro bites in a mix of sugar and cinnamon until fully coated. Serve immediately for the best texture!
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t skip the star tip! It gives churros their classic ridged texture.
- Let the dough cool slightly before adding the egg to avoid scrambling it.
- Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which can lead to uneven cooking.
- Serve warm—churros are best fresh out of the air fryer!
- Customize the coating by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cocoa powder to the sugar mix.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before piping.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be as crispy but will still taste great!
Why are my churros soggy?
This usually happens if they’re undercooked or crowded in the air fryer. Make sure they’re golden and crisp before removing.
Can I freeze churro bites?
Absolutely! Freeze before cooking, then air fry straight from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the cook time.
What dipping sauce goes well with these?
Classic chocolate sauce, dulce de leche, or even caramel are perfect pairings!
Enjoy your homemade Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites—they’re sure to be a hit! 🎉