Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe

Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites are fluffy, golden nuggets coated in cinnamon sugar that deliver all the joy of classic churros—without the deep frying. I make these in the air fryer for a quick, mess-free treat that’s crispy on the outside, soft inside, and irresistibly sweet. They’re perfect for snacking, dipping, or satisfying a sudden dessert craving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, fast, and way lighter than traditional churros. There’s no hot oil or messy cleanup, and the air fryer still gives me that golden crispiness I crave. I get the flavor and texture of a carnival favorite, right at home, in under 30 minutes. Plus, they’re fun to make and even more fun to eat.

Ingredients

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

For the dough:

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Sugar

• Milk

• Butter (melted)

• Vanilla extract

For coating:

• Granulated sugar

• Ground cinnamon

• Melted butter (for brushing)

Optional dipping sauces:

• Chocolate sauce

• Caramel sauce

• Sweetened condensed milk

Directions

1. I mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.

2. I add milk, melted butter, and vanilla, stirring until a soft dough forms.

3. I roll the dough into small bite-sized balls (about 1 inch wide) and set them on a plate.

4. I preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

5. I lightly spray the churro bites with oil or brush with butter, then place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

6. I cook them for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown.

7. While they’re still warm, I brush them with melted butter and roll them in cinnamon sugar to coat completely.

8. I serve them warm with my favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 bites.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes per batch
Total time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I fill the bites with Nutella or dulce de leche before cooking by stuffing a small amount inside each dough ball. I’ve also added a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for warmth, or swapped vanilla for almond extract for a twist. If I’m feeling festive, I dip them in chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts or sprinkles.

Storage/Reheating

These churro bites are best eaten fresh and warm. If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day. I reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to revive the crispiness. I avoid the microwave since it softens the texture too much.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead?

I make the dough ahead and roll the bites, then refrigerate them until ready to air fry. I bring them to room temperature before cooking.

Do I need to use oil in the air fryer?

A light spray or brush of oil helps them crisp and brown better, but I use minimal oil compared to deep frying.

Can I use a premade dough?

Yes, I’ve used biscuit or crescent roll dough for a shortcut. Just cut into small pieces and air fry as directed.

How do I keep them crispy?

I serve them right after coating with cinnamon sugar. If I need to hold them for a bit, I keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F).

Can I freeze them?

Yes, I freeze the uncooked dough balls and air fry straight from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the cook time.

Conclusion

Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites are my go-to treat when I want something quick, delicious, and nostalgic. With their crisp exterior, fluffy interior, and warm cinnamon sugar coating, they hit all the right dessert notes. Whether I serve them plain or with dips, these little bites bring churro magic without the hassle of frying.