Fluffy air fryer churro bites are a quick, fun, and delicious way to enjoy the classic taste of churros—without the hassle of deep frying. I love how light and tender these bites turn out, with a crispy golden shell and a soft, airy center, all rolled in cinnamon sugar. They’re perfect for dipping in chocolate sauce, caramel, or just enjoying straight from the air fryer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these churro bites satisfy my sweet cravings with minimal effort. They’re easy to make in the air fryer, mess-free, and come together with simple ingredients I usually already have on hand. There’s no need to heat a pot of oil or stand over the stove. Whether I’m making a weekend treat or a party snack, these fluffy churro bites always disappear fast. Fluffy Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the churro dough:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter (melted)
Milk
Egg
Vanilla extract

For the coating:

Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon
Melted butter (for brushing)

Directions

I preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
In a separate bowl, I mix the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla until combined.
I stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
I scoop small balls of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and lightly roll them into bite-sized rounds.
I place the dough balls into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each one.
I air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bites are puffed and golden brown.
While they’re still warm, I brush them with melted butter and roll them in cinnamon sugar until coated.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 20–24 churro bites.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6–8 minutes per batch
Total time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

I add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
I serve them with a side of chocolate ganache, dulce de leche, or raspberry sauce for dipping.
I stuff the dough with a bit of Nutella or cream cheese before air frying for a surprise center.
I use plant-based butter and almond milk to make them dairy-free.
I shape the dough into small logs instead of balls to mimic traditional churros.

Storage/Reheating

These churro bites are best fresh, but I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

To reheat, I pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes to re-crisp. I avoid microwaving since it softens the coating.

If I want to freeze them, I let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a bag. I reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer until warmed through. Fluffy Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. I let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping and air frying.

Do I need to grease the air fryer basket?

If my air fryer tends to stick, I give the basket a light spray with oil to prevent sticking, but I avoid using too much to keep the texture crisp.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes, I bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes until golden. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.

What’s the best way to serve these?

I like to serve them warm, dusted in cinnamon sugar, with a chocolate or caramel dipping sauce on the side.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I check that it includes xanthan gum for the best texture.

Conclusion

Fluffy air fryer churro bites are a fun and easy treat I love making when I’m craving something sweet, warm, and nostalgic. With their crispy coating and soft interior, they bring all the joy of traditional churros—without the deep fryer. Whether I’m making them for a weekend snack or sharing with friends, they always deliver that perfect cinnamon-sugar bite.