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A close-up of healthy air fryer churro bites dusted with cinnamon sugar.

Classic Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites

These air fryer churro bites are a healthier take on the classic fried churros, offering a crispy exterior and soft interior without the extra oil. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Air Fryer
  • Piping Bag with Star Nozzle
  • Shallow Bowl

Ingredients
  

Churro Dough

  • 1 cup Water
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar for the dough
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

For Coating

  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon

Other

  • Cooking Spray Olive oil or avocado oil based, for the air fryer basket

Instructions
 

Dough Preparation

  • In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and salt and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat, add all-purpose flour all at once, and stir vigorously until a smooth ball of dough forms and pulls away from the pan sides.
  • Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes to prevent the eggs from cooking.
  • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated, then stir in vanilla extract until the dough is thick and pipeable.

Cooking in Air Fryer

  • Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
  • Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle and pipe 1-2 inch churro bites into the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
  • Air fry for 8-12 minutes, or until the churro bites are golden brown and crispy, adjusting time as needed.

Coating and Serving

  • While churros cook, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
  • Immediately remove hot churro bites from the air fryer and toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated, then serve warm with dipping sauce.

Notes

For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. You can adjust the amount of cinnamon to your preference. Serve these churros immediately for the best crispy texture. A simple chocolate dipping sauce or dulce de leche would complement these perfectly.