Air Fryer Churro Bites

These Air Fryer Churro Bites are a delightful treat that brings the flavor of traditional churros to your kitchen without the mess of frying. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or just a sweet snack, these bites are irresistibly crispy on the outside and pillowy soft within. Plus, with no oil required, they’re a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these churro bites in under an hour.
• No Frying Required: Enjoy all the deliciousness of churros without the hassle of deep frying—just air fry them!
• Customizable: Serve them plain or dip in chocolate sauce for an extra indulgence. You can even experiment with different toppings!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or an after-school treat, these churro bites fit right in.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen by piping the dough and rolling the bites in cinnamon-sugar.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Air Fryer Churro Bites, gather your tools and ensure you have everything ready. This will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon
• Hand mixer (or stand mixer)
• Piping bag with large open star tip
• Kitchen scissors

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This tool allows you to achieve that crispy texture without the use of excess oil.
• Piping bag: Using a piping bag helps create uniform shapes for your churro bites, ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients

These Air Fryer Churro Bites are made with a few simple pantry items and just a bit of time. Coated in cinnamon-sugar, this Mexican pastry is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. No oil needed!

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar + 2 tablespoons, divided
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 2 large cold eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• chocolate sauce, for serving (optional)

How to Make Air Fryer Churro Bites

Step 1: Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

In a medium shallow bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

Combine water, milk, vanilla, butter, salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until it melts and reaches a rolling boil. Then reduce heat to low.

Step 3: Incorporate Flour

Add in flour while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until incorporated. The mixture should form a thick ball that dries out slightly; this should take about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4: Beat Dough

Transfer the dough to a large bowl and beat on medium speed with a hand mixer (or stand mixer) for about 2 minutes to cool slightly. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth.

Step 5: Chill Dough

Spoon dough into a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip (an Ateco 829 works well). Place in the fridge to chill for about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Preheat Air Fryer

While dough chills, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and spray the basket with nonstick spray.

Step 7: Pipe Churro Bites

Working in batches, hold the tip close to the basket and pipe strips of dough approximately 2 & 1/2 inches long. Cut ends with kitchen scissors to separate them as you go. Avoid overcrowding the basket.

Step 8: Air Fry

Air fry churro bites until golden brown—this should take about 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 9: Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar

Immediately after removing from the air fryer, brush churros with melted butter. Roll them in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 10: Repeat Until Finished

Repeat steps with any remaining dough until all churro bites are cooked.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!

Enjoy these delicious Air Fryer Churro Bites warm as is or serve them alongside some chocolate dipping sauce for an extra treat!

How to Serve Air Fryer Churro Bites

Air Fryer Churro Bites are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these churros are versatile enough to fit any occasion.

With Chocolate Sauce

• A rich chocolate sauce adds a decadent touch, making these bites even more irresistible. Simply melt chocolate and enjoy!

Dusted with Extra Cinnamon Sugar

• For those who love a little extra sweetness, dusting your churro bites with more cinnamon sugar will enhance their flavor and crunch.

Served with Fresh Fruit

• Pairing churro bites with fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet pastry.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm churro bites alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delicious dessert sundae experience.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the flavor profile, adding a buttery richness that complements the cinnamon-sugar coating.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Create an enticing dessert platter by serving churro bites alongside other sweets like brownies, cookies, and fruit tarts for variety.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Churro Bites

Perfecting your Air Fryer Churro Bites is easy with just a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your churros turn out crispy and delicious every time.

• Use Cold Eggs: Cold eggs help create more fluffy and airy churros. Make sure they are straight from the fridge before mixing.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give each churro bite enough space in the air fryer basket. This ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer allows for consistent cooking temperatures, resulting in perfectly golden churros.
• Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Depending on your air fryer model, cooking times may vary. Keep an eye on your churros to prevent overcooking.
• Brush with Butter Right Away: Brushing melted butter immediately after cooking helps the cinnamon sugar adhere better to each bite.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add different spices to your sugar mix, like nutmeg or cardamom, for unique flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Churro Bites

Serving Air Fryer Churro Bites alongside complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream balances the warm and crunchy churros perfectly.
2. Fresh Berries: Light and juicy berries provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of churros.
3. Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of cinnamon-sugar.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station for guests to dip their churro bites into melted chocolate.
5. Fruit Salsa: A fruity salsa made from diced mangoes or strawberries offers a sweet and tangy complement to the dessert.
6. Nutella Dip: The hazelnut spread creates an indulgent dipping experience that kids and adults alike will love.
7. Coconut Cream: Serve with coconut cream for an exotic twist that contrasts nicely against the spice of cinnamon-sugar.
8. Coffee or Espresso: A hot cup of coffee or espresso serves as an excellent beverage pairing for this sweet treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Air Fryer Churro Bites, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to watch for.

• Skipping the chilling step – Not chilling the dough can result in churros that spread too much in the air fryer. Always chill for at least 30 minutes.
• Overcrowding the basket – Filling the air fryer basket too full can lead to uneven cooking. Pipe churro bites in batches for best results.
• Not preheating the air fryer – Skipping preheating can cause churro bites to cook unevenly. Always preheat to ensure a perfect golden brown finish.
• Using too much flour – Over-measuring flour can result in a dry texture. Use a spoon to scoop and level flour for accuracy.
• Ignoring butter application – Forgetting to brush melted butter on hot churros will prevent the cinnamon-sugar from sticking. Apply right after air frying for optimal flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Air Fryer Churro Bites in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Make sure they cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing Air Fryer Churro Bites

• Freeze churro bites in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Label your bags with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Air Fryer Churro Bites

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. This method may make them slightly soft.
• Stovetop – Heat a skillet over low heat, add churros, and cover until warmed through, about 3-4 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have more questions about making Air Fryer Churro Bites, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.

How do I make Air Fryer Churro Bites gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute in this recipe. Just ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I use different fillings for my churros?

Absolutely! You can fill your churro bites with chocolate or caramel before piping them out for extra flavor.

Are Air Fryer Churro Bites healthy?

While they are lighter than traditional fried churros, they still contain sugar and butter. Enjoy them as an occasional treat!

What dipping sauces pair well with Air Fryer Churro Bites?

Chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or even whipped cream make excellent dips that complement the flavors of churros perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Churro Bites are a delightful twist on a classic treat, offering a crispy exterior and tender inside without excess oil. They are perfect for dessert lovers and customizable with various fillings and dips. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!