Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites: Your New Favorite Quick Dessert

Who says you need deep frying to enjoy delicious, crispy churros? These air fryer churro bites deliver all the classic cinnamon-sugar goodness without the grease and calories. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings in just 20 minutes, this recipe combines fun, easy preparation with surprisingly healthy ingredients that will become your go-to dessert solution.

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute party treat, a fun family baking project, or just a sweet snack to brighten your day, these churro bites offer the perfect balance of indulgence and sensible eating. The air fryer creates that signature crispy exterior while keeping the inside wonderfully soft and fluffy.

Ingredients

For the Churro Bites:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Cooking spray or melted coconut oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, 1 tablespoon sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the flour until a smooth ball forms. Let cool for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Once the dough has cooled slightly, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky.

Step 3: Pipe and Cut

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe 2-inch strips onto parchment paper, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can roll small spoonfuls of dough into balls.

Step 4: Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the churro bites with cooking spray or brush with melted coconut oil. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Coat and Serve

While churros are cooking, mix together the cinnamon and sugar coating. Immediately toss the hot churro bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated. Serve warm for best texture.

Expert Tips for Perfect Churro Bites

Dough Consistency: The dough should be smooth but firm enough to hold its shape when piped. If too sticky, add a tablespoon more flour; if too dry, add a teaspoon of water.

Even Cooking: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and crispiness.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of chocolate sauce, caramel dip, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. For a healthier option, pair with fresh fruit.

Storage: These churro bites are best enjoyed immediately, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.

FAQ

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

The dough is best used immediately, but you can prepare it up to 2 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator.

Why are my churros not crispy?

Ensure your air fryer is properly preheated and don’t overcrowd the basket. The cooking spray or oil coating is essential for achieving that crispy exterior.

Can I bake these instead?

While possible, baking won’t deliver the same crispy texture. If baking, use parchment paper and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Enjoy these delightful air fryer churro bites as your new favorite guilt-free dessert that proves healthy eating can still be incredibly delicious and fun!

Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites: Your New Favorite Quick Dessert

These air fryer churro bites deliver all the classic cinnamon-sugar goodness without the grease and calories, combining fun preparation with surprisingly healthy ingredients. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings in just 20 minutes, they offer the perfect balance of indulgence and sensible eating with a crispy exterior and soft fluffy interior.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 280

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Cooking spray or melted coconut oil

Method

 

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, 1 tablespoon sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the flour until a smooth ball forms. Let cool for 5 minutes.
2. Once the dough has cooled slightly, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky.
3. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe 2-inch strips onto parchment paper, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can roll small spoonfuls of dough into balls.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the churro bites with cooking spray or brush with melted coconut oil. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
5. While churros are cooking, mix together the cinnamon and sugar coating. Immediately toss the hot churro bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated. Serve warm for best texture.

Notes

Dough consistency: The dough should be smooth but firm enough to hold its shape when piped. If too sticky, add a tablespoon more flour; if too dry, add a teaspoon of water. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and crispiness.