Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites are the perfect blend of crunchy exterior and soft, sweet interior, making them an irresistible treat. My first encounter with these delightful morsels was at a local fair, where I was immediately enthralled by their warm, sugary goodness. Now, I can recreate that fairground magic right at home. These churro bites are not only simple to make but also bring an authentic churro experience to your kitchen without the fuss of deep frying. Whether it’s for an after-school snack, a weekend brunch, or a special gathering, these little delights are bound to impress!

What makes this recipe special

One of the most delightful aspects of making Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites at home is how incredibly quick and simple it is. You can whip up a batch in about 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for spontaneous dessert-making. They are budget-friendly too, using just a handful of pantry staples, and kids absolutely love them, which is always a bonus when looking for family-friendly treats. Plus, by using the air fryer, you get that perfect crispy texture without the excess oil typically required for traditional frying!

"These churro bites are a game-changer! They were a hit at our family gathering. The kids couldn’t get enough, and I love how easy they are to make. I’ll definitely be making these again!" – Sarah R.

Preparing Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites

Creating these churro bites is a straightforward process that only requires a few steps. First, we will prepare the dough using a simple method, then pipe them out and let the air fryer do the hard work for us. With only a little prep and cooking time, you’ll have golden, delicious churro bites that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Key ingredients

To make Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup sugar (for coating)
• Cooking spray

Feel free to substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option, or use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version!

Step-by-step instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt over medium heat until it reaches a boil.
2. Once boiling, stir in the flour until the mixture forms a cohesive ball.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, stirring until the batter is smooth after each addition.
5. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
6. Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
7. Pipe small bites onto a sheet of parchment paper, ensuring they’re spaced apart for air circulation.
8. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
9. Arrange the churro bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket and give them a light spray with cooking spray.
10. Air fry for 10-12 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
11. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Once the churro bites are done, toss them in this mixture for a sweet, spiced finish.

Best ways to enjoy it

These Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites are delightful on their own, but don’t hesitate to dress them up a bit! Serve them warm, dusted with extra cinnamon sugar, and pair with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping. You could also whip up a quick whipped cream topping infused with cinnamon or vanilla for a luxurious touch. They make a fabulous dessert after a family dinner or a tasty treat for game nights.

Storage and reheating tips

To keep your churro bites fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to maintain their crispy texture, avoid refrigerating them. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature and then warm them in the air fryer.

Pro chef tips

• For an extra crispy texture, consider adding a pinch of baking powder to the dough mixture.
• If you want to experiment with different flavors, try infusing the butter with citrus zest or a splash of almond extract.
• Always ensure the batter is smooth before piping to avoid any disjointed bites.

Creative twists

Feel free to get creative with your churro bites! You can add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate version, or mix in mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. Drizzle these beauties with white chocolate for a decadent twist, or try using flavored sugars, like maple or vanilla, to coat them instead of just cinnamon sugar.

Common questions

How long does it take to make Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites?

From start to finish, you can expect about 30 minutes of prep and cooking time, making this a quick and satisfying treat.

Can I substitute the flour for a gluten-free option?

Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, and the churro bites will still turn out delicious.

How do I know when the churro bites are done cooking?

You’ll know they are finished when they are golden brown and have expanded slightly. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites

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Delightful crispy churro bites made in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic treat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup sugar (for coating)
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt over medium heat until boiling.
2. Stir in the flour until a cohesive ball forms.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, stirring until smooth after each addition.
5. Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
6. Transfer batter to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
7. Pipe small bites onto parchment paper, spaced apart for air circulation.
8. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
9. Arrange churro bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with cooking spray.
10. Air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
11. Toss in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon once done.

Notes

Serve warm with chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 bites
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg