Name: Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 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; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; Chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce

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Introduction

These Air Fryer Churro Bites are a delightfully crispy and easy-to-make treat that bring the classic churro flavor into bite-sized perfection. With a cinnamon-sugar coating and your favorite dipping sauce, they make a perfect snack or dessert for any occasion.

A white bowl holds a stack of small, golden-brown, square-shaped doughnut bites covered in sugar crystals that sparkle in the light. The doughnut bites have a soft, slightly puffy texture with a light crust. In the background, slightly out of focus, there is a white bowl filled with red dipping sauce, likely syrup, adding a contrasting color. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface, bringing a clean and bright feel to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat, ensuring the butter is completely melted.
Step 2: Remove from heat and immediately add all the flour at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula until a smooth dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Step 3: Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
Step 5: Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.
Step 6: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, such as Wilton 1M.
Step 7: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
Step 8: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly spray it with cooking spray.
Step 9: Pipe short lengths (1-2 inches) of dough into the basket, leaving space between each. Cook in batches if necessary.
Step 10: Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway if needed.
Step 11: Remove and place on a wire rack to cool slightly.
Step 12: In a shallow dish, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
Step 13: While churro bites are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
Step 14: Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce like chocolate or caramel.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, spray the churro bites lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
Try different dipping sauces such as dulce de leche, berry compote, or cream cheese frosting for variety.
Use a piping bag with a smaller star tip to create thinner churro bites for a crunchier texture.

Storage

Store leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness before serving.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with small, square-shaped fried dough pieces, each coated heavily with sugar crystals that give them a sparkling texture; the dough pieces are golden brown with a slightly rough surface, stacked neatly inside the bowl, with a small white cup of dark red dipping sauce placed in the background on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare and cook the churro bites fresh for the best texture. However, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours, but allow it to come to room temperature before piping.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the churro bites in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Flip halfway through baking for even color.