Sweet Air Fryer Churros

This homemade air fryer churro bites recipe transforms a classic street food into bite-sized treats you can make right in your kitchen. The air fryer gives these churros that perfect golden exterior while keeping them tender inside, all with significantly less oil than traditional deep-frying.

I discovered this technique during quarantine when my family was craving carnival treats. My daughter now requests these almost weekly, claiming they're even better than the ones from our local fair.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: Creates the perfect choux pastry base with just the right density for authentic churros
• Water: Helps create steam that makes the churros puff beautifully in the air fryer
• Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the dough without overpowering
• Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness. Look for kosher or sea salt
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and that distinctive churro flavor. Use European style for extra richness
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth. Use pure extract not imitation for best results
• Large eggs: Provide structure and help the churros puff perfectly. Room temperature works best
• Cooking spray: Prevents sticking without adding excess oil. Choose an olive or avocado oil spray
• Cinnamon sugar coating: Gives these bites their classic churro flavor. Use freshly ground cinnamon for best flavor
• Melted butter for brushing: Helps the cinnamon sugar adhere perfectly to the warm churros

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Choux Pastry:

Combine water, butter, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Watch carefully for the mixture to reach a rolling boil where bubbles continuously break the surface. This creates the perfect temperature for the flour to properly gelatinize.

Add Flour and Cook:

Reduce heat to low and add all the flour at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon making sure to scrape the bottom and sides. Continue stirring for a full 2 to 3 minutes until the dough forms a smooth ball and a thin film forms on the bottom of the pan. This cooking process is crucial for removing excess moisture.

Cool the Dough:

Transfer dough to a heat safe bowl and let it cool for 5 to 7 minutes. The dough should be warm but not hot enough to cook the eggs. Test by touching with your finger; if it feels comfortable the temperature is perfect.

Incorporate Eggs:

Add vanilla then beat in eggs one at a time using a wooden spoon or electric mixer. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough will initially separate but keep mixing until it becomes smooth, glossy, and falls from the spoon in a thick ribbon.

Pipe the Churro Bites:

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 1 inch bites onto a parchment-lined baking tray leaving about 1 inch between each. Cut the dough with scissors or a knife for clean edges.

Chill the Dough:

Place the tray in the freezer for exactly 10 minutes. This short freezing time helps the churros maintain their shape during cooking without freezing them solid. Do not skip this step.

Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 375°F and allow it to preheat completely, about 3 minutes. Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent any sticking.

Air Fry in Batches:

Place churro bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until they are puffed and golden brown. They should sound hollow when tapped.

Apply Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

While the churros are still warm, brush each one lightly with melted butter, then immediately toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The warm churros will help the sugar adhere perfectly.

Serve Immediately:

Arrange on a serving plate and enjoy while still warm for the most authentic churro experience. They are delicious on their own or with dipping sauces.

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The star ingredient here is truly the cinnamon. I discovered that freshly ground cinnamon makes an enormous difference in the final flavor. My grandmother always said that good cinnamon should warm your tongue without burning it, and I think about that every time I make these churros for my family gatherings.

Make Ahead Options

You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator in a sealed piping bag. When ready to cook, let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before piping. This makes them perfect for planning ahead for parties or special breakfasts.

Flavor Variations

While traditional cinnamon sugar is classic, these churro bites welcome creative variations. Try coating them in cocoa powder mixed with sugar for a chocolate version, or add orange zest to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a bright citrus note. For special occasions, I sometimes dip half of each bite in melted chocolate after they've cooled slightly.

Serving Suggestions

These churro bites shine brightest when served with dipping sauces. A simple chocolate ganache made from equal parts hot cream and chocolate chips is my family's favorite. Dulce de leche, caramel sauce, or even a cream cheese frosting provide wonderful contrasts to the cinnamon sugar coating. For brunch, consider serving alongside fresh fruit and coffee for a complete sweet breakfast.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, the dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Pipe them just before air frying.

→ What can I use instead of a piping bag?

If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a resealable plastic bag with a small corner cut off.

→ How do I avoid churro bites sticking to the fryer?

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before placing the churro bites to prevent sticking.

→ Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used as a substitute for traditional flour.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these churros?

Popular options include chocolate sauce, caramel, or even a fruit compote for dipping.