Name: Crispy Cinnamon Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup plain flour; 1 cup water; 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 cup white sugar; 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder

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Imagine biting into a warm, golden treat that’s perfectly crisp on the outside and delightfully tender in the middle—without the mess or guilt of deep frying. That’s the magic of Crispy Cinnamon Air Fryer Churro Bites. With their irresistible cinnamon sugar coating and pillowy interior, these bite-sized morsels are as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re craving a last-minute dessert or an afternoon snack to share, this recipe transforms a classic favorite into a lighter, easier delight you’ll want to make again and again.

Crispy Cinnamon Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crispy Cinnamon Air Fryer Churro Bites lies in their short and sweet ingredients list. Each component has a special role, from the rich, buttery dough to the iconic spiced sugar coating. Get ready to see your pantry staples transform into something unforgettable!

Plain Flour: Forms the foundation of the churro dough, giving these bites their classic structure.
Water: Essential for creating the choux-like dough that makes the interior so soft and tender.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor; melted into the dough, it helps achieve that signature golden finish.
Salt: A little bit goes a long way, balancing the sweetness and highlighting the warm flavors.
Sugar (for dough): Just enough to sweeten the dough without making it cloying, so the cinnamon sugar really shines.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses a lovely warmth and complexity to every bite.
Large Egg: Binds the dough and provides just the right amount of richness and structure.
Sugar (for coating): Coats the churro bites to create that iconic sparkle and sweet crunch.
Cinnamon Powder: The star spice—it’s what makes your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible!

How to Make

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by bringing water, butter, salt, and sugar to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan. Stir now and then as the butter melts and sugar dissolves. Once you see that signature boil, reduce the heat to low, pour in your flour, and stir with gusto! Keep mixing until everything pulls away from the sides and you’re left with a smooth, soft ball of dough. Transfer the pan off the heat and let it cool for about five minutes—the perfect time to get that egg and vanilla ready.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

When your dough is just warm to the touch (not hot), add the egg and vanilla extract. Grab your hand mixer or stand mixer and blend everything together until the dough becomes thick, sticky, and oh-so-pliable. The egg is what brings everything together, transforming your dough from pasty to smooth and workable. It’s a little arm workout, but so worth it!

Step 3: Pipe the Churros

Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip—this gives each churro bite that signature ridged look. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), then lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray. Pipe 2-inch logs directly into the basket, giving them enough room to breathe and crisp up evenly. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—rustic is part of the charm!

Step 4: Air Fry the Churros

Lightly brush each churro bite with melted butter to help them achieve that deep golden color and irresistible crunch. Cook the bites in the preheated air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until you spot that beautifully crisp surface. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches. Just make sure every bite has a bit of space—it helps them get so delightfully crispy!

Step 5: Coat the Churros

While the churro bites are still warm from the air fryer, it’s time for the most satisfying part—tossing them in a mix of cinnamon and sugar. Roll each piece until every ridge is beautifully coated and sparkling. This step is where that quintessential churro magic really happens: the smell is heavenly, and the taste is even better.

How to Serve

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect finish, you can dust your Crispy Cinnamon Air Fryer Churro Bites with a little extra cinnamon sugar or drizzle them with chocolate or caramel sauce. A dollop of whipped cream on the side, or a gentle shake of powdered sugar, takes the presentation to the next level without much effort.

Side Dishes

Pair your churro bites with all sorts of delicious sides. A small bowl of fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a mug of hot chocolate makes this sweet snack feel extra special. The warmth and crunch of the churros play beautifully with cool, creamy sides or juicy fruits.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation! Try stacking your Crispy Cinnamon Air Fryer Churro Bites in a tall glass, skewering them for dipping, or serving them as dessert kebabs alongside bowls of chocolate, Nutella, and caramel sauce. They’re also adorable when served in paper cones or mini baskets—perfect for parties or family snacking nights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (though that’s a big if!), stash your Crispy Cinnamon Air Fryer Churro Bites in an airtight container for up to two days. They’ll lose some crispness over time, but remain tasty and satisfying—ready for an anytime treat.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the uncoated churro bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once solid. When you’re ready for a sweet treat, simply air fry straight from the freezer and toss in cinnamon sugar for fresh-from-the-oven taste and crunch.

Reheating

To bring leftover bites back to their peak texture, pop them in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F. This wakes up their crisp exterior and keeps the inside soft, just like when they were first made. A quick reheat is all it takes to make day-old churro bites taste freshly cooked.

FAQs

Can I make Crispy Cinnamon Air Fryer Churro Bites without a piping bag?

Absolutely! While the classic ridges come from a star tip, you can use a sturdy zip-top bag with a corner snipped off, or even spoon small dollops directly onto the air fryer basket for a rustic look and the same delicious flavor.

Why are my churro bites not getting crispy?

If your bites aren’t as crisp as you’d like, make sure not to overcrowd the basket and always brush with a bit of melted butter before air frying. Giving each bite enough space allows hot air to circulate and crisp them up beautifully.

Can I use a dairy-free substitute for butter?

Yes, plant-based butter or margarine works well in the dough and for brushing. You’ll get a similar texture and flavor with the added benefit of making this treat dairy-free-friendly!

Is it possible to double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just make extra dough and cook the churro bites in batches to maintain their crispness. This recipe multiplies easily for parties or family gatherings—everyone will be glad you made more.

Can I change up the coating for a different twist?

Of course! Swap in brown sugar, add a pinch of nutmeg, or even roll your churro bites in cocoa powder for a fun flavor variation. The basic method stays the same, so let your imagination (and sweet tooth) guide you.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about sharing a plate of Crispy Cinnamon Air Fryer Churro Bites, especially when you know they’re both simple to make and delightfully irresistible. Whether you’re new to churros or a lifelong fan, I hope this recipe inspires you to whip up a batch soon—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a crowd-pleasing snack right at home!