Craving the irresistible, cinnamon-sugar goodness of fresh churros but short on time? These Air Fryer Churro Bites are your new favorite dessert. They deliver that classic crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside texture in just 10 minutes, without the hassle of deep frying. This recipe is a game-changer for quick snacks, easy desserts, or a fun treat the whole family will love.
We’re covering two incredibly simple methods today. Whether you want a super-fast version using canned biscuit dough or a simple from-scratch recipe, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a sweet-smelling bakery with minimal effort!
Golden perfection, straight from the air fryer.
Why This Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe Works
This isn’t just another dessert recipe; it’s a shortcut to happiness. The air fryer circulates hot air, creating a perfectly “fried” texture with just a light spritz of oil. This method is not only faster and cleaner than deep-frying, but it’s also a bit lighter, making it an indulgence you can feel good about. It’s one of those easy dessert recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
Incredibly Fast: From prep to plate in about 10 minutes.
Minimal Ingredients: You likely have everything you need in your pantry right now.
No Messy Frying: Forget the vat of hot oil. The air fryer keeps things clean and simple.
Perfectly Customizable: Stick with classic cinnamon sugar or experiment with different dipping sauces.
The Two Paths to Perfect Churro Bites
To make this recipe as accessible as possible, we offer two fantastic dough options. Both yield delicious results, so you can choose based on the time and ingredients you have on hand.
Option 1: The Ultimate Shortcut (Canned Biscuit Dough)
For the absolute quickest route, canned biscuit dough is your best friend. It’s a brilliant hack that produces fluffy, tender churro bites with an amazing texture. Just pop open a can, cut, and air fry!
Option 2: The Quick From-Scratch Dough
If you have an extra 5 minutes, this simple from-scratch dough is well worth it. It’s a basic choux-style pastry made with water, butter, flour, and egg that provides a slightly richer flavor and a more authentic, classic churro texture.
Look at that perfect cinnamon-sugar crust!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple pantry staples. Below are the ingredients for our easy from-scratch version, which we’ll detail in the recipe card. If using canned biscuits, you’ll just need one standard can of refrigerated biscuit dough.
For the From-Scratch Dough
Water: The base liquid for our simple dough.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our bites.
Egg: Binds the dough together and helps it puff up.
Sugar & Salt: For a balanced flavor foundation.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Granulated Sugar: For that classic sweet crunch.
Ground Cinnamon: The essential warm spice.
Melted Butter: This helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the cooked bites perfectly.
How to Make Air Fryer Churro Bites (Step-by-Step)
Making these bites is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these simple steps for golden, delicious results every time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
For the from-scratch dough: In a small saucepan, bring the water, butter, sugar, and salt to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the flour until a ball forms. Let it cool for a few minutes, then beat in the egg until smooth. Transfer the dough to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe small 1-inch pieces onto a parchment-lined plate.
For biscuit dough: Open the can of biscuits and separate them. Cut each biscuit into 6-8 small pieces.
Step 2: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange the dough pieces in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. You may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the bites are golden brown and puffed.
Step 3: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While the bites are still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter. In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Toss the buttered churro bites in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are generously coated. Serve immediately!
Pro Tips for the Crispiest, Most Delicious Churro Bites
Want to guarantee perfect Air Fryer Churro Bites every single time? Follow these expert tips.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give the churro bites space to cook evenly. Working in batches is key to ensuring every single bite is perfectly crispy.
Shake Halfway Through: A good shake ensures all sides get golden brown and cook evenly.
Coat While Warm: The melted butter and cinnamon sugar will adhere much better when the bites are fresh out of the air fryer.
Adjust Cook Time as Needed: All air fryers are slightly different. Keep an eye on your first batch to nail the perfect timing for your specific model.
For another great bite-sized snack, try these football pretzel bites, perfect for game day!
Delicious Dipping Sauces to Try
While amazing on their own, these churro bites are even better with a dip! Here are a few ideas:
Chocolate Sauce: A classic pairing. You can use store-bought or make a simple ganache.
Caramel Dip: A buttery, sweet caramel sauce is a decadent choice.
Cream Cheese Frosting Dip: Mix cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of milk for a tangy, sweet dip.
Nutella: Simply warm it up for a few seconds for an instant, crowd-pleasing dip.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
Churro bites are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat and bring back some of the crispiness, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes. If you’re looking for more make-ahead friendly snacks, these no-bake peanut butter energy bites are a fantastic option.
Absolutely! Using canned biscuit dough is a fantastic shortcut. Simply cut each biscuit into 6-8 pieces and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until golden brown before tossing in cinnamon sugar.
The key is to coat the churro bites while they are still warm. Brush them with a little melted butter as soon as they come out of the air fryer, then immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The warmth and butter help the coating adhere perfectly.
Classic choices include chocolate sauce, caramel dip, and Nutella. For a tangy twist, you can also serve them with a simple cream cheese frosting dip made from cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To bring back their crispy texture, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes.
Yes, you can prepare the from-scratch dough ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container or piping bag in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you plan to air fry the bites.
The Perfect Bite-Sized Dessert
This Air Fryer Churro Bites recipe is your ticket to a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying dessert. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a cozy night in to a fun party treat. We hope you love making (and eating!) these as much as we do. If you try this recipe, we’d love to see it! Share your creations and tag us on Pinterest.
You're only 10 minutes away from these incredible Air Fryer Churro Bites!
Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe
FL Recipes
Air Fryer Churro Bites (Easy 10-Minute Recipe!)
Whip up these incredibly easy Air Fryer Churro Bites in just 10 minutes! This recipe gives you a perfectly crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, all coated in irresistible cinnamon sugar without the need for deep frying.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine water, butter, 1 tbsp sugar, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and, using a wooden spoon, stir in the flour until the mixture forms a smooth ball.
Let the dough cool for 5 minutes. Add the beaten egg and stir vigorously until the egg is fully incorporated and the dough is smooth and glossy.
Transfer the dough to a piping bag with a star tip or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe 1-inch long segments onto a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet. For an alternative method, you can use canned biscuit dough cut into 6-8 pieces per biscuit.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil. Place the churro bites in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until golden brown and puffed.
In a medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and the ground cinnamon. As soon as the churro bites are done, brush them with melted butter and immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 280kcalProtein: 4gFat: 15gFiber: 1g
Notes
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for the crispiest results. These are best served immediately but can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. Serve with chocolate, caramel, or cream cheese frosting dip.
Keyword air fryer churro bites,cinnamon sugar bites,easy churro recipe
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
