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A bowl of golden Air Fryer Churro Bites coated in cinnamon sugar next to a small dish of chocolate dipping sauce.

Guilt-Free Air Fryer Churro Bites

Enjoy the classic, intoxicating flavor of cinnamon-sugar churros without the fuss or guilt of deep-frying. These air fryer churro bites boast an impossibly crisp shell that gives way to a soft, custardy interior, making for an addictive and easy-to-make treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican, Spanish
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • Cooking spray
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, for coating
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon, for coating

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Medium Saucepan
  • Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment (or Large Bowl and Hand Mixer)
  • Piping Bag
  • Large Open Star Piping Tip (e.g., Wilton 1M)
  • Wooden Spoon or Sturdy Spatula
  • Kitchen Scissors
  • Parchment Paper
  • Shallow Bowl or Dish

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the water, butter, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil, ensuring the butter is completely melted.
  2. Remove the pan from the heat and add all the flour at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a thick, smooth paste forms.
  3. Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, for 60-90 seconds to dry out the dough. It is ready when it pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  4. Transfer the hot dough to the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Beat on low speed for 2-3 minutes to cool it down slightly.
  5. With the mixer on low, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The final dough should be smooth, thick, and glossy.
  6. In a shallow dish, mix together the 1/2 cup of sugar and 1.5 teaspoons of cinnamon for the coating. Set aside.
  7. Transfer the choux dough to a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip.
  8. Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper. Pipe 1 to 1.5-inch long bites onto the paper, using scissors to snip the dough cleanly. Work in a single layer, leaving space between each bite.
  9. Lightly spray the tops of the churro bites with cooking spray.
  10. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until puffed, deeply golden brown, and crisp. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  11. Immediately transfer the hot churro bites from the air fryer to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Toss gently until they are all evenly and generously coated.
  12. Serve warm immediately, with optional dipping sauces like chocolate ganache or dulce de leche.

Notes

For a richer dough, substitute the water with whole milk. For flavor variations, add the zest of one orange to the water and butter mixture, or brown the butter before adding the water for a nutty flavor. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or espresso powder to the cinnamon-sugar coating. Avoid adding eggs to the dough while it's too hot, as this will scramble them. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will cause the bites to steam instead of crisp up. Always toss the bites in the sugar coating while they are still hot for the best adherence.