Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites

Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites are my favorite way to get all the delicious cinnamon-sugar satisfaction of churros — with way less mess and oil. These golden, crunchy bites are soft on the inside, coated in that irresistible sugar blend, and perfect for dipping. I love making them for movie nights, parties, or just when I’m craving something sweet and snackable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me all the churro flavor and texture I crave, without the hassle of deep frying. The air fryer makes them golden and crisp with very little oil, and they cook up in minutes. They’re also super easy to portion and serve — no fancy piping needed. Plus, they’re just fun to eat, especially with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

• Water
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

For the coating:

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Melted butter (for brushing)

Optional for serving:

• Chocolate sauce
• Dulce de leche
• Whipped cream

Directions

1. I start by heating the water, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until it simmers.
2. I stir in the flour all at once and mix until a ball of dough forms. I cook it for another minute to dry it out slightly.
3. I transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes before beating in the eggs one at a time, along with the vanilla, until smooth and thick.
4. I scoop or roll the dough into small bite-sized balls or use a piping bag with a star tip if I want that classic churro shape.
5. I preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), spray the basket with nonstick spray, and place the churro bites in a single layer.
6. I air fry them for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crisp.
7. While they’re still warm, I brush the bites with melted butter and toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 small churro bites and serves 4–6 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook — so around 25 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I fill them with dulce de leche or Nutella after cooking using a piping bag. I’ve also added a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar coating for extra depth. If I want to keep them dairy-free, I use plant-based butter and skip the whipped cream toppings.

Storage/Reheating

These are best eaten fresh and hot, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to re-crisp. I avoid the microwave because it makes them soft.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I prep the dough a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. I let it come to room temperature before air frying.

Do I need to use a piping bag?

Nope! I usually roll the dough into small balls or logs by hand. Piping gives them the classic churro ridges, but it’s optional.

Can I freeze churro bites?

Yes, I freeze the shaped dough bites on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. I air fry them straight from frozen, just adding a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.

What can I serve with churro bites?

I love dipping them in chocolate sauce, caramel, or even sweetened condensed milk. They’re also great with vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert.

Why are my churros doughy inside?

It might be that they need a couple more minutes in the air fryer. I make sure not to overcrowd the basket so they cook evenly.

Conclusion

Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites are a sweet, crunchy treat that’s easy to make and hard to resist. I love how they bring all the fun of churros into a quick, bite-sized snack with way less oil. Whether I’m serving a crowd or just treating myself, these churro bites always hit the spot with that warm cinnamon-sugar magic.

Print