Easy Air Fryer Churro Bites with Cinnamon Sugar

These easy air fryer churro bites are my favorite way to enjoy the classic flavors of churros—crispy edges, fluffy centers, and that irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating—without the deep frying. They come together quickly, use simple ingredients, and make the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Whether I serve them for dessert, at a party, or just because, these little bites disappear fast.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how these churro bites have all the flavor and crunch of traditional churros but are much easier (and lighter) to make. The air fryer gives them a beautiful golden texture without the mess of oil, and they’re ready in under 30 minutes. They’re bite-sized, fun to dip, and totally addicting. I can whip them up anytime I want something sweet and nostalgic—no frying required.

Ingredients

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

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Sugar
• Butter
• Water
• Egg
• Ground cinnamon
• Nonstick cooking spray (or light oil for brushing)

Directions

1. I start by heating butter, water, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts.

2. I remove the pan from heat and stir in the flour until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides.

3. Once the dough cools slightly, I mix in the egg until smooth and shiny.

4. I transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip for the churro shape.

5. I pipe small bite-sized pieces onto parchment paper and then carefully place them into the air fryer basket.

6. I lightly spray the churro bites with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and puffed.

7. While still warm, I toss the churro bites in a mix of cinnamon and sugar until fully coated.

8. I serve them with optional dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, or dulce de leche.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 bite-sized churros.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I fill the bites with Nutella or cream cheese by piping a little into the center before air frying. I’ve also added a touch of vanilla or orange zest to the dough for extra flavor. If I’m looking for a dairy-free option, I use plant-based butter and skip the egg for a slightly denser texture.

Storage/Reheating

These churro bites are best enjoyed fresh, but I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to bring back that crispy texture. I don’t recommend microwaving, as they can get soft and lose their crunch.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I prep the dough a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. I let it sit at room temp for 15 minutes before piping.

Do I need a piping bag?

It helps for that classic churro look, but I’ve also used a plastic zip-top bag with the corner snipped off in a pinch.

What’s the best dipping sauce for these?

I love serving them with warm chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or even sweetened condensed milk for a quick dip.

Can I freeze churro bites?

Yes, I freeze the raw piped dough on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. I air fry from frozen, just adding 1–2 minutes to the cooking time.

Are air fryer churro bites healthier than fried ones?

They’re definitely lighter since there’s no deep frying involved. I still get that crisp texture with much less oil, which is a win in my book.

Conclusion

These easy air fryer churro bites bring all the fun and flavor of traditional churros into a lighter, quicker, and mess-free treat. They’re crispy, sweet, and completely irresistible, whether I’m enjoying them solo or sharing at a party. Once I started making these, I stopped craving the fried version—they’re just that good.