Air fryer churro bites are a delightful treat that brings the deliciousness of traditional churros into a quick, easy, and healthier version. With their crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interiors, these tiny morsels are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth at any time of the day.
Why make this recipe
Churro bites are a fantastic addition to any dessert lineup. They are not only quick to prepare but also cooked in an air fryer, which means they typically require less oil compared to traditional frying methods. This results in a lower calorie count without sacrificing flavor. Plus, these bite-sized churros are perfect for sharing at parties, game nights, or just as a fun family treat. With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these tasty snacks in no time!
How to make Air Fryer Churro Bites
Making air fryer churro bites is simple and requires just a few steps. Let’s gather the ingredients and get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Directions:
- In a pan, add water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat and gradually add in the flour, mixing until the dough comes together. Switch off the flame.
- Remove the dough into a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool for 4-5 minutes.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing with an electric hand mixer.
- Transfer the mixture into a piping bag. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pipe bite-sized churros into the air fryer, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brush with butter and cook for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Once done, toss churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture. If it doesn’t stick, brush with melted butter and roll again in the mixture.
- Serve with chocolate syrup, honey, or Nutella.
Pro Tips for Success Air Fryer Churro Bites
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Batter Consistency: Make sure your dough is not too wet. If it seems sticky, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
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Piping Technique: Use a larger piping nozzle for easier swirling and to achieve that classic churro shape.
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Air Fryer Time: Since air fryer temperatures can vary, start checking your churros around the 10-minute mark. You want them golden and crispy!
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Storage for Later: If you make a big batch, let the churro bites cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
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Experiment with Shapes: If you’re feeling adventurous, try piping them into different shapes like swirls or knots for a fun presentation.
Flavor Variations Air Fryer Churro Bites
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Chocolate Churro Bites: Add cocoa powder to your dough for a chocolate-flavored churro.
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Italian Spices: Incorporate a little bit of anise or cardamom into the cinnamon sugar for a unique twist on flavor.
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Fruit Infusion: Mix in some zest from oranges or lemons to your dough for a hint of citrus.
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Nutty Flavor: Add finely chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, to the cinnamon sugar coating for an added crunch.
Serving Suggestions Air Fryer Churro Bites
Air fryer churro bites can be served in various ways to elevate your dessert experience. Here are some ideas:
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Dipping Sauces: Serve them with a selection of dips, such as melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or creamy Nutella.
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Ice Cream Accompaniment: Pair churro bites with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delightful dessert.
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Toppings Galore: Sprinkle a little powdered sugar or drizzle some chocolate sauce over the top before serving.
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Mini Dessert Bar: Create a dessert bar where guests can customize their churro bites with different toppings like sprinkles or whipped cream.
Storage and Freezing Instructions Air Fryer Churro Bites
To store leftover churro bites, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place cooled churro bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
FAQ About Air Fryer Churro Bites
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, it might change the texture slightly, making the churro bites denser. Keep an eye on the moisture level and adjust as needed.
Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating the air fryer is recommended as it helps achieve that crispy exterior faster. It can make a significant difference in the final texture of your churro bites.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before piping and cooking.
What can I do if the cinnamon sugar doesn’t stick?
If you find the cinnamon sugar isn’t sticking well, simply brush the churro bites with a little melted butter to help the sugar adhere better.
Can I make these churro bites gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these churro bites. Make sure to check the ingredient list to ensure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer churro bites are an excellent way to indulge your cravings while keeping things quick and simple. With a delicious flavor and fun variations, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste. Whether enjoyed on their own or with a variety of dips and toppings, these little bites are bound to bring joy to your dessert table. So gather your friends and family, get baking, and treat everyone to a delightful serving of air fryer churro bites!
Print
Air Fryer Churro Bites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful air fryer churro bites that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a healthier twist.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a pan, add water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat and gradually add flour, mixing until the dough comes together. Switch off the flame.
- Remove dough into a large mixing bowl and cool for 4-5 minutes.
- Add in egg and vanilla extract, mixing with an electric hand mixer.
- Transfer mixture into a piping bag. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pipe bite-sized churros into the air fryer, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brush with butter and cook for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Toss churros in the mixture, brushing with melted butter if necessary.
- Serve with chocolate syrup, honey, or Nutella.
Notes
Make sure the batter consistency is correct; it shouldn’t be too wet. Experiment with different shapes and flavors for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican