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There’s something about churros that just feels like pure joy, don’t you think? I still remember the first time I savored a churro at a local fair. The moment I bit into that crispy, sugary shell, I was transported to a world of bliss where happiness equals warm pastries and cinnamon sugar dusting. Today, I want to share with you my secret to making those delightful treats at home—Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites. Trust me, they’re a crowd-pleaser and as easy as pie (or should I say churro?).
Why you’ll love this recipe
What makes these churro bites so special? For starters, they’re guilt-free, made in an air fryer! Gone are the days of deep frying and the heavy, greasy aftermath. Instead, you get light, crispy bites that burst with sweet, buttery flavors and cinnamon warmth. The combination of that slight crunch on the outside, paired with the soft, airy interior? It’s a textural masterpiece.
Plus, these churro bites are perfect for any occasion—from a cozy family movie night to a fancy gathering. There’s something universally loved about them. They’re also super customizable; you can roll them in chocolate, dip them in caramel, or serve them with a glass of milk for a delightful retro experience. Trust me; once you try these churro bites, you will be infatuated!
Gather these ingredients
Let’s dive into what makes these churro bites magical, one ingredient at a time!
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1 cup water: The base of our churro batter. It’s essential for creating a light and fluffy dough.
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1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and a lovely buttery flavor.
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1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Just a hint of sweetness to elevate the dough.
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1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances all those sweet notes.
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1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the structure for our churro bites. Feel free to swap it with gluten-free flour if needed.
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2 large eggs: They help bind everything together and give that lovely fluffiness.
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that extra touch of flavor that says “home.”
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1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating): This is where the magic happens when we roll those warm churro bites later.
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating): The classic pairing that transports you to those fairground stalls.
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Cooking spray or oil for air frying: A little bit helps create that golden envelope in the air fryer.
Preparing Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites
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In a saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Give the mixture a good stir to blend it all.
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Once boiling, add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously! You’ll notice the mixture starts pulling away from the sides of the pan, forming a ball. This step is magic, so don’t shy away from putting some muscle into it!
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Remove from heat and let that dough cool slightly—just enough so you don’t scramble the eggs.
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Now for the fun part! Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth. Add in the vanilla extract and give it another good mix to incorporate.
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Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This is key to getting that crispy texture!
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Grab a pastry bag or a zip-top bag (with the corner snipped off) and pipe small circles or bites onto parchment paper. Aim for about the size of a quarter.
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Lightly spray or brush those churro bites with cooking spray or oil. This will help them brown beautifully.
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Place the churro bites in a single layer in your air fryer. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown and crispy. No need to flip!
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While they’re cooking, mix your sugar and cinnamon in a bowl for that perfect coating.
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Once the churro bites are cooked, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they’re still warm.
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Serve warm and enjoy the delectable crunch!
Best way to enjoy it
Looking for the best way to enjoy your churro bites? Simple! Serve them warm, straight from the air fryer. You could also set up a cozy little station with diverse dips—like melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or even a luscious vanilla sauce. How about a scoop of ice cream on the side? This is comfort food at its peak, perfect for gatherings or indulgent me-time.
Storage and reheating tips
Got leftovers (if you’re lucky enough)? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them even longer, pop them in the fridge, although I recommend savoring them fresh for the best taste!
If you need to reheat, all you need is a quick turn in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to revive that crispy magic.
Extra tips and advice
To ensure your churro bites turn out perfect, here are a few pro tips:
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Make sure your dough is slightly warm when adding the eggs—it helps them emulsify better.
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Use a pastry bag for more control while piping. This makes a noticeable difference in the shapes!
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If you’re feeling adventurous, try toasting your cinnamon in the pan for a few seconds before mixing it with sugar. It enhances the flavors and adds depth.
Creative Twists
Why not switch things up a bit? If you’re a flavor explorer, consider adding a citrus zest to the dough for a vibrant twist. Think orange or lemon! Or for a more decadent experience, drizzle your churro bites with melted chocolate or a dash of nutella before rolling them in sugar. You can also dip them in fruity sauces—strawberry or raspberry would add a delightful pop.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Cooking spray or oil for air frying
Directions to follow
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In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
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Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until a ball forms and pulls away from the sides.
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Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
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Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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Pipe small circles or bites onto parchment paper using a pastry bag or a zip-top bag.
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Lightly spray or brush with cooking spray or oil.
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Place in the air fryer in a single layer and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
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Mix sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
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Toss cooked churro bites in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
Your questions answered
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Can I make these churro bites gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. -
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can still make them! Just deep fry in hot oil until golden. -
How long will the leftovers last?
They can be stored at room temperature for up to two days. -
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the unpiped dough in an airtight container for up to a month. -
What dips go well with churro bites?
Chocolate, caramel, or even a nice berry sauce for a fruity kick.
Making these crispy air fryer churro bites is more than just whipping up a snack; it’s an invitation to create memories with loved ones, indulge in sweet moments, and share laughs over delightful treats. Embrace the process, let the sweet aromas fill your kitchen, and before you know it, you’ll be in a whirl of cinnamon sugar bliss! So go ahead, give this a go and let me know how it turns out. Happy cooking!
Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites
Delicious and guilt-free churro bites made in an air fryer, bursting with sweet, buttery flavors and coated in cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
Churro Batter
- 1 cup water Base of the churro batter, essential for creating a light dough.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter Adds richness and buttery flavor.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar A hint of sweetness for the dough.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances the sweet notes.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Provides structure; can be swapped for gluten-free flour.
- 2 large eggs Bind ingredients together and add fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds extra flavor.
Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar For rolling the warm churro bites.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon Classic coating for churros.
For Air Frying
- as needed Cooking spray or oil Helps create a golden exterior.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until a ball forms and pulls away from the sides.
- Remove from heat and let the dough cool slightly.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Cooking
- Pipe small circles or bites onto parchment paper using a pastry bag or a zip-top bag.
- Lightly spray or brush with cooking spray or oil.
- Place the churro bites in a single layer in the air fryer and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- While they’re cooking, mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl for coating.
- Once cooked, toss churro bites in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while still warm.
Notes
Best enjoyed warm. Serve with various dips such as melted chocolate or caramel. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
