Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites are a fun and tasty treat that feels like a little celebration in every bite. These churro bites have just the right amount of cinnamon sugar coating and a crispy outside with a soft, warm inside. Using the air fryer means they get perfectly crunchy without the extra oil, making them a lighter way to enjoy a classic favorite.
I love making these churro bites when I want something sweet but don’t want to feel guilty afterward. The air fryer makes it so easy and quick, and they come out delicious every time. I usually sprinkle just a bit more cinnamon sugar right after cooking for that extra cozy flavor. It feels like a little homemade snack party!
My favorite way to serve these bites is with a small bowl of warm chocolate sauce or caramel for dipping, which everyone always enjoys. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or as a special after-dinner treat. I always find that these churro bites bring a bit of joy and a smile, no matter the day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Wheat Flour: This adds fiber and a nuttier flavor compared to regular flour. If you want a lighter texture, all-purpose flour works just fine.
Coconut Sugar: I like this for a subtle caramel taste and lower glycemic index. Brown sugar or regular granulated sugar are good swaps.
Almond Milk: You can use any plant-based milk or dairy milk depending on your preference or dietary needs.
Coconut Oil: It adds a mild sweetness and helps the coating stick. If you don’t have coconut oil, a neutral oil like vegetable or olive oil works well.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: This is what gives churro bites their classic flavor. Feel free to adjust cinnamon and sugar amounts to your taste.
How Do I Make Sure the Churro Bites Get Crispy and Cook Evenly in the Air Fryer?
Getting that crispy outside without drying the inside can be tricky. Here’s what helps:
- Preheat your air fryer before cooking so the bites start cooking right away.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; leave space for air to circulate for even crisping.
- Spray or brush a little oil on the bites before coating. This helps the cinnamon sugar stick and creates a crunch.
- Shake or flip the bites halfway through cooking to brown them evenly on all sides.
- Cooking for about 8-10 minutes at 350°F usually hits the right balance, but keep an eye near the end to avoid overcooking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I recommend this because it crisps the bites evenly without much oil.
- Mixing bowls – useful for whisking dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to accurately measure ingredients and ensure perfect results.
- Silicone spatula or spoon – makes mixing and handling the dough easier.
- Small cookie scoop or spoon – helps shape the dough into uniform bite-sized balls.
- Cooking spray or brush – for lightly greasing the bites before cooking and coating.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Cheddar cheese and cinnamon – add a bit of shredded cheese for a sweet and cheesy twist.
- Dark chocolate chips – fold in into the dough for pockets of melty chocolate inside.
- Apple pieces – small chopped apples give a fruity touch that pairs well with cinnamon.
- Caramel drizzle – after cooking, add a drizzle of caramel for extra sweetness and richness.
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 tablespoon coconut sugar (or light brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
For the Coating:
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Cooking spray or a little coconut oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 8 to 10 minutes to air fry each batch. Overall, expect around 20-25 minutes in total depending on the size of your air fryer and how many batches you make.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This makes sure all the dry ingredients are well combined for a smooth dough.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a smaller bowl, mix together the almond milk, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil until everything is blended nicely.
3. Make the Dough:
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture until it forms a sticky dough. If it’s too sticky to handle, dust your hands lightly with flour.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to warm it up while you prepare the churro bites.
5. Shape the Churro Bites:
Use your hands to roll the dough into small, bite-size balls—about one inch each.
6. Prepare and Coat the Bites:
Lightly spray or brush each dough ball with coconut oil or cooking spray; this helps the cinnamon sugar coating stick better. In a shallow bowl, combine the ¼ cup coconut sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Toss each bite in the cinnamon sugar mixture so they’re fully coated.
7. Air Fry the Churro Bites:
Place the coated bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook them at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and cooked through. Shake the basket or turn the bites halfway through to help them cook evenly.
8. Cool and Serve:
Take the bites out of the air fryer and let them cool a bit. Serve warm, and if you like, add a side of warm chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping to make the treat extra special.
Can I Use Frozen Dough for Air Fryer Churro Bites?
Yes! You can freeze the shaped dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and air fry as usual, adding a minute or two to the cooking time if needed.
Can I Make These Churro Bites Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too to keep them light and fluffy.
How Should I Store Leftover Churro Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to bring back their crispiness.
What’s a Good Dipping Sauce for These Churro Bites?
Classic options like warm chocolate sauce or caramel work great. For a healthier twist, try Greek yogurt mixed with a touch of honey and cinnamon for dipping.