Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Churros are a beloved snack, but frying them traditionally can often result in excess oil and mess. With the help of the air fryer, you get the same crispy, golden outside and soft, tender inside, with far less oil. These Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites are not only healthier but also incredibly quick and simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a little time, you’ll have a batch of churro bites that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 large egg
For the coating:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once the mixture reaches a boil, remove it from the heat. Stir in the plain flour until a dough begins to form.
- Allow the dough to cool for a few minutes before adding the egg and vanilla essence. Stir until the dough is smooth and well combined.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag or a plastic bag with the tip of the corner cut off.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Pipe the dough into small bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-2 inches long, into the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded and have some space in between.
- Air fry the churro bites at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- While the churro bites are air frying, prepare the coating by mixing the white sugar and cinnamon powder in a shallow bowl.
- Once the churro bites are done, remove them from the air fryer and immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat them completely.
- Serve the churro bites warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes approximately 20-24 churro bites.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Dipped Churro Bites: For an extra indulgence, serve your churro bites with a side of melted chocolate for dipping.
- Maple Syrup Coating: Instead of the traditional cinnamon-sugar mix, try coating the churro bites in a mixture of cinnamon and maple sugar for a unique twist.
- Stuffed Churro Bites: You can stuff the churro dough with a small piece of chocolate or fruit preserves before air frying for a fun, flavorful surprise inside.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the churro bites back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 2-3 minutes to restore their crispiness.
FAQs
Can I make these churro bites gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these churro bites gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, allow it to come to room temperature before piping and air frying.
Can I use a different coating for the churro bites?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different coatings, such as powdered sugar, brown sugar, or even a combination of sugar and cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
How do I know when the churro bites are done?
The churro bites should be golden brown and crisp on the outside. If you’re unsure, cut one open to check that it is cooked through and fluffy inside.
Can I use a different type of fat instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute butter with vegetable oil or even coconut oil for a different flavor profile. However, butter gives the churro bites their signature richness.
Can I make churro bites without a piping bag?
Yes, you can use a plastic sandwich bag with a corner cut off or even roll the dough into small balls by hand and flatten them slightly.
What is the best way to store leftover churro bites?
The best way to store churro bites is in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them and reheat in the air fryer.
Can I freeze churro bites?
Yes, you can freeze churro bites. Once they are fully cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer when ready to enjoy.
How do I make churro bites crispy in the air fryer?
To ensure your churro bites are crispy, make sure the air fryer is preheated, don’t overcrowd the basket, and coat them with a light spray of cooking oil before frying.
Can I make churro bites in a regular oven?
Yes, you can bake these churro bites at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown. While the texture will differ slightly, they will still be delicious.
Conclusion
Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites are an irresistible treat that’s both quick and easy to make. With the air fryer, you can enjoy the crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior of churros with far less oil and fuss. Coated in a cinnamon-sugar blend, these churro bites are perfect for snacking, serving at parties, or even as a fun dessert. Enjoy these delicious, bite-sized delights and share them with friends and family!
Print
Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 churro bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy healthier, lighter Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, coated in a perfect cinnamon-sugar blend. A quick and easy dessert or snack made with minimal oil, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the dough:
1 cup plain flour
1 cup water
1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 large egg
For the coating:
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
Instructions
-
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
-
Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the plain flour until a dough forms.
-
Let the dough cool for a few minutes, then add the egg and vanilla essence, stirring until smooth and well combined.
-
Transfer the dough to a piping bag (or a plastic bag with the corner cut off).
-
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease the basket with cooking spray.
-
Pipe the dough into bite-sized pieces (1-2 inches long) into the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re spaced out.
-
Air fry the churro bites at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
-
While the churro bites cook, mix the white sugar and cinnamon powder in a shallow bowl.
-
Remove the churro bites from the air fryer and immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
-
Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Variations:
Chocolate Dipped: Serve with a side of melted chocolate for dipping.
Maple Syrup Coating: Use a cinnamon-maple sugar blend for a unique twist.
Stuffed Churro Bites: Add chocolate or fruit preserves inside before air frying.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat at 350°F in the air fryer for about 2-3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish