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Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 24 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes per batch
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 30 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

These Air Fryer Churro Bites are a deliciously easy and quick dessert or snack perfect for sharing. Made from a simple dough cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, they are then coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar blend for that classic churro flavor without the need for deep frying. Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft inside, these bite-sized treats are excellent served with chocolate or caramel dipping sauce for extra indulgence.


Ingredients

Churro Dough

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Serving

  • Chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce


Instructions

  1. Combine Water, Butter, and Salt: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt. Place it over medium heat and bring to a rolling boil, ensuring the butter fully melts before boiling.
  2. Add the Flour: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately add all the flour at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the pan sides.
  3. Cool the Dough Slightly: Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool about 5-10 minutes to prevent the eggs from cooking when added.
  4. Add the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the dough becomes a smooth, glossy batter despite looking curdled initially.
  5. Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract evenly through the dough.
  6. Transfer to Piping Bag: Put the churro dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, or use a large zip-top bag with a corner cut off.
  7. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
  8. Pipe the Churro Bites: Pipe small 1-2 inch bite-sized pieces directly into the air fryer basket, spacing them to avoid sticking. Work in batches if needed.
  9. Air Fry: Cook the bites in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, watching closely as times may vary.
  10. Check for Doneness: Cut one bite open to confirm it’s cooked inside and not doughy; air fry a little longer if needed.
  11. Remove and Repeat: Transfer cooked bites to a wire rack to cool slightly; repeat with remaining dough.
  12. Combine Sugar and Cinnamon: Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish until evenly blended.
  13. Coat the Churro Bites: While warm, toss the churro bites in the cinnamon sugar to coat them evenly.
  14. Serve Immediately: Serve warm and crispy with your favorite dipping sauce for best enjoyment.

Notes

  • Make sure the dough cools slightly before adding eggs to avoid scrambling them.
  • Pipe the bites spaced apart in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and proper crispiness.
  • If your air fryer is small, cook the churro bites in batches to prevent overcrowding.
  • Use a large star tip for piping to achieve the traditional churro ridged texture.
  • Serve fresh for best texture; reheating may soften the crispness.
  • Feel free to experiment with dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, or dulce de leche.