These Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites are little pockets of cinnamon-sugar goodness with a crispy outside and soft, warm inside. Made lighter than your typical churros, they’re perfect if you’re looking for a treat that feels indulgent but won’t weigh you down. The air fryer helps make them golden and crunchy without the mess of deep frying.
I love making these churro bites when friends come over because they’re easy to pop into the air fryer while we chat and hang out. Plus, you get that wonderful cinnamon smell filling the kitchen, which always feels so cozy. One of my favorite touches is to roll them right after air frying so the cinnamon sugar sticks perfectly. It’s a little trick that makes all the difference!
These bites are great served with a small side of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping, but honestly, they’re delicious on their own too. I sometimes enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet little pick-me-up. If you want a fun weekend snack that’s simple but still feels special, these churro bites definitely hit the spot.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Wheat Flour: This adds fiber and a slight nuttiness, making these churro bites healthier. If you want a softer bite, swap it for all-purpose flour.
Coconut Oil: I like using coconut oil for its mild sweetness and healthy fats. Olive oil is a great substitute if you prefer a neutral taste.
Sweeteners: Maple syrup or honey work well to add natural sweetness and moisture. Feel free to use agave or a sugar-free syrup if you want to cut sugar further.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Using coconut sugar makes the coating healthier with a lower glycemic index. Regular granulated sugar is fine if you want classic taste.
How Do You Get Crispy, Golden Churro Bites in the Air Fryer?
The key is cooking them evenly and rolling them right after air frying. Here’s how I do it:
- Preheat your air fryer to ensure it’s hot before cooking; this helps the bites puff and brown nicely.
- Lightly oil or spray the basket to prevent sticking and promote crisping.
- Space the bites out so hot air can circulate around each piece.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway to brown all sides evenly.
- Roll the bites immediately in cinnamon sugar while they’re warm so the coating sticks well.
These simple steps make your churro bites crispy outside and soft inside, without the oil mess of deep frying.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan – I like this for boiling the water and mixing the dough; it’s easy to clean and heats evenly.
- Mixing bowl – good for letting the dough cool and mixing in vanilla extract; a versatile kitchen essential.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helps get the right amounts so the dough turns out perfect.
- Small cookie scoop or spoon – makes shaping the dough into uniform bites quick and easy.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking on the air fryer tray and makes cleanup easier.
- Air fryer – of course, this is key to getting them crispy with less oil.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate drizzle or dipping sauce – add melted dark chocolate for a richer treat.
- Different spices – sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with cinnamon for more flavor complexity.
- Almond extract – swap in for vanilla to give the bites a nutty, sweet aroma.
- Nutty crunch – toss the cinnamon sugar with chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for added texture and flavor.
Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour for lighter texture)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or olive oil), melted
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
- Non-stick cooking spray or a light brush of oil for air fryer basket
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Dip:
- Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the dough and shape the bites, 8 to 10 minutes cooking time in the air fryer, plus a few minutes to coat the bites in cinnamon sugar and serve. All together, plan for roughly 20–25 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Churro Dough:
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, melted coconut oil (or olive oil), maple syrup (or honey), and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove from heat and quickly stir in the flour and baking powder until a smooth dough forms.
2. Cool and Add Flavor:
Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then stir in the vanilla extract to add a lovely aroma. The dough should be thick but a little sticky.
3. Prepare the Air Fryer and Shape Bites:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket to keep the bites from sticking. Using your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the dough into small bite-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined air fryer basket, leaving some space so hot air can circulate.
4. Air Fry the Bites:
Cook the dough bites in the air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly. They’re ready when they’re puffed and golden.
5. Coat and Serve:
While the churro bites cook, mix together the cinnamon and sugar for coating in a shallow bowl. As soon as the bites come out of the air fryer and are still warm, roll each one in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated. Serve them warm with the optional Greek yogurt dip if you like.
Can I Use Frozen Churro Bites in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can air fry frozen churro bites, but it’s best to thaw them slightly first for even cooking. Thaw in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before air frying. You may need to add an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I Make These Churro Bites Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole wheat or all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just keep an eye on the dough’s consistency since gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently.
How Should I Store Leftover Churro Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to keep them crisp. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheat briefly in the air fryer or oven to refresh the crispiness.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Churro Bites?
Reheat churro bites in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.