Description
There’s nothing quite like the warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated bliss of a freshly made churro. But what if you could enjoy that same crispy, golden goodness without the hassle of deep frying? That’s where these Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites come in!
Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and even easier to devour. They’re great for parties, afternoon snacks, or just a cozy night in with a cup of hot chocolate. And the best part? No messy frying oil—just the magic of the air fryer!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Cooking spray
Instructions
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Stir occasionally until the butter melts and the mixture starts to simmer.
Once it reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low and quickly stir in the flour. Keep stirring until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This step helps cook out the extra moisture, giving the churros their perfect texture.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. This cooling step is crucial—if the dough is too hot, the eggs will scramble when you add them!
Once the dough has cooled slightly, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You can use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon for this step. The dough may look a little separated at first, but keep stirring, and it will come together into a smooth, glossy batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for a hint of extra flavor.
Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic zip-top bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe small, bite-sized portions onto a parchment-lined tray.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Working in batches, place the piped dough into the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through for even cooking.
While the churro bites are still warm, mix the ½ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Lightly spray the churro bites with cooking spray, then toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they’re fully coated.
These churro bites are best enjoyed fresh and warm! Serve them with chocolate sauce, caramel, or even a side of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- These churro bites taste best fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 2-3 minutes to crisp them up again.