Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could have fresh, hot churros without the mess of frying, these Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites are about to make your dessert dreams come true! Golden on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and coated in that classic cinnamon-sugar sparkle, they’re a bite-sized treat that’s way too easy to pop in your mouth. Perfect for movie nights, parties, or when that sweet craving strikes—trust me, this one’s a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy without the deep fryer: Thanks to the air fryer, you get that signature crunch with way less oil.
• Fun-sized treat: Bite-sized churros are perfect for sharing (or not 😉).
• Quick & easy: Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Crowd-pleaser: Pair them with chocolate or caramel sauce and watch them disappear.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for these delicious air fryer churro bites:

• Water: The base liquid for creating the dough.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness in the dough, plus more for coating.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the structure of the dough.
• Eggs: Give the churros a fluffy, airy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth.
• Ground Cinnamon: Mixed with sugar for that classic churro flavor.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Helps the bites crisp up in the air fryer.

Note: Full ingredient amounts and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a saucepan, heat water, butter, sugar, and salt until simmering. Stir in the flour until a sticky dough forms.

Step 2: Cool and Add Eggs

Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Let it cool slightly, then beat in the eggs one at a time. Mix in the vanilla until smooth.

Step 3: Pipe the Churros

Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe 2-inch strips onto a parchment-lined tray.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Spray the churro pieces lightly with nonstick spray. Air fry in batches for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and puffed.

Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While still warm, toss the churro bites in a mix of cinnamon and sugar. Serve immediately with chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t skip the star tip: It gives the churros their signature ridged look and crisp texture.
• Work in batches: Overcrowding the air fryer can make the bites soggy instead of crispy.
• Toss while warm: The cinnamon-sugar coating sticks best when the churros are fresh out of the fryer.
• Pair with dips: Chocolate, dulce de leche, or even Nutella make these next-level.

How to Serve

These little bites of joy are best served fresh and warm. Try them with:

• Chocolate ganache for a rich, indulgent dip.
• Salted caramel sauce for that sweet-salty combo.
• Vanilla ice cream to turn them into a churro sundae.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Freeze uncooked piped churro dough on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry straight from frozen (adding a few extra minutes).

Reheating

Pop cooked churro bites back in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F to bring back the crispiness.

FAQs

Can I make these without a piping bag?
Yes! You can use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, but you won’t get the same ridges that help with crispiness.

Do I need to flip the churros in the air fryer?
Nope! Since they’re small and light, they cook evenly without flipping.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?
You can—bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, but they won’t get quite as crispy as the air fryer version.

Can I make them ahead for a party?
Definitely! Pipe and freeze the dough ahead of time, then just air fry right before serving for fresh, hot churros.