Sticky fingers. Sugar on the floor. And a golden tray of Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites that disappear faster than you can say “Just one more.” This easy recipe is popping up all over Pinterest crunchy, cozy, and ready in minutes. No oil splatter, no fuss, just sweet, crispy joy.
These guys are basically cinnamon donut holes, made in the air fryer with biscuit dough, a buttery roll in sugar, and warm spice. Everything’s already in your pantry or close enough. It’s mix, cut, and puff. Sweet, simple, chaotic magic. Full details in the blog!
I first made these when my nieces begged for “those churro balls from TikTok.” We devoured them during movie night, couch blanket and all. My kitchen test went sideways but turned out perfect. I tested a twist. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love These Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites
These sweet air fryer churro bites are everything we love about cooking: nostalgic, comforting, and oh-so-easy. Here’s why they’re worth trying:
Quick & easy: From mixing the dough to rolling them in cinnamon sugar, this comes together in under 45 minutes.
No frying mess: The air fryer gives all the crunch without the splatter cozy cooking without chaos.
Family-friendly: Perfect for weekend movie nights or sharing with friends (but good luck keeping them on the plate).
Pantry staples: Everything you need is already in the kitchen or super easy to grab from the store.
Key Ingredients & Simple Swaps
The magic begins with just a handful of ingredients. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need:
Ingredient
Purpose
Swaps
Plain flour
Forms the base of the dough
Sub with pastry flour for a lighter texture.
Unsalted butter
Adds richness and flavor
No unsalted? Salted butter works; just skip the added salt!
White sugar & cinnamon
The iconic coating
Swap white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Pro Tip: Make sure your butter is melted but not too hot when mixing into the dough. It keeps everything smooth and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get those churro bites ready for the air fryer. Don’t worry if things get a little messy the result is totally worth it.
Make the dough: Boil water, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Once boiling, stir in the flour with a wooden spoon until a smooth ball forms. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla: Beat the egg and vanilla essence into the cooled dough until glossy and smooth. This may take some elbow grease!
Form the bites: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to make small dough balls. They’ll puff up in the air fryer, so keep them bite-sized.
Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Place the bites on parchment paper, leaving space between them, and cook in batches for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
Coat in cinnamon sugar: While warm, toss each bite in the sugar-cinnamon mix. Be generous it’s the best part!
Air Fry Frying Guide
Temperature: 360°F
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
Batch Size: Cook in single layers for best results
Pro Tip: If your bites start sticking to the parchment paper, lightly spray with cooking spray before scooping them out.
Serving & Storage Tips
These churro bites are best enjoyed fresh, but here’s how to keep the leftovers just as scrumptious:
To serve: Pile them up on a plate and pair with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or warm caramel for dipping.
Storing: Keep any extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to bring back the crunch.
Storage Chart
Room Temperature
2 Days
Refrigeration
Not recommended (may turn soggy)
Freezer
Up to 1 month (freeze before coating)
Note: Want freshly coated churro bites later? Freeze them without the cinnamon sugar coating and roll them after reheating for the same fresh-out-of-the-air-fryer flavor.
Expert Insight: Mastering Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites
Sweet air fryer churro bites offer a crisp, golden exterior with minimal oil, preserving that traditional churro crunch while keeping them lighter. The rapid air circulation not only ensures even cooking but also locks in the cinnamon-sugar coating, making every bite delectably satisfying and less greasy than classic frying methods.
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The Journey to Perfect Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites
It took several rounds of trial and error to get these Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites just right. I learned the hard way that timing and cinnamon sugar balance are everything, but after a few burnt edges and too-soggy middles, this recipe is finally the crispy, sweet delight my family loves.
FAQs ( Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe )
How long do you cook churro bites in the air fryer?
Cook your sweet air fryer churro bites at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning. The exact time depends on your air fryer model and desired crispiness. Start checking at 8 minutes to ensure they don’t overcook. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when done.
Can you make churro bites without deep frying?
Absolutely! Air fryer churro bites are a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions. The air fryer creates that perfect crispy exterior using hot circulating air instead of oil. You’ll get the same delicious taste and texture with significantly less oil and calories. It’s also much safer and cleaner than deep frying at home.
What dough do you use for air fryer churro bites?
The best dough for churro bites is choux pastry, made with water, butter, flour, and eggs. This creates a light, airy texture that puffs up beautifully in the air fryer. You can also use store-bought puff pastry or even crescent roll dough as shortcuts. The key is using a dough that will expand and create that signature hollow interior.
How do you get cinnamon sugar to stick to churro bites?
The secret is coating your churro bites with melted butter or brushing them with milk immediately after air frying while they’re still warm. Then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture while the surface is slightly moist. The warmth and moisture help the sweet coating adhere perfectly. Work quickly for the best coverage and flavor.
Can you reheat leftover churro bites in the air fryer?
Yes! Reheat leftover churro bites in your air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their crispiness. This method works much better than the microwave, which can make them soggy. Store leftover bites in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You may need to add a light dusting of fresh cinnamon sugar after reheating for the best flavor.
Wrapping Up Your Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites Adventure
Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites come together in under 45 minutes and deliver that perfect crispy, cinnamon-sugar crunch you’ll crave again and again. This recipe is a total kitchen win simple, fast, and family-approved. You’ll love how easy these bites are to whip up and enjoy.
Feel free to swap brown sugar for white, or toss in a pinch of nutmeg for a cozy twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container and give them a quick air-fry reheat to revive that fresh-baked magica neat trick I picked up from a baker friend. These little bites are as flexible as they are fun!
Give this recipe a whirl and let me know: Did you grow up on churros or discover your own sweet snack story? Snap a pic, leave a comment, or send this to your favorite kitchen crew. Trust me, you’ll wanna make these again (and again).
Enjoy these sweet air fryer churro bites, a perfect treat that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside. This medium difficulty recipe takes about 30-45 minutes to prepare and cook. A delightful snack with cinnamon sugar coating that you can easily make at home.
Ingredients
Scale
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
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
Instructions
In a saucepan, combine water salt sugar butter and bring to a boil.
Remove from heat and stir in flour until mixture forms a ball.
Let cool slightly then beat in egg and vanilla essence until smooth.
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Pipe dough into small bite-sized pieces onto parchment paper.
Air fry bites for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Mix white sugar and cinnamon powder, then roll churro bites in mixture while still warm.
Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
For best results, pipe the bites evenly and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
