Description
Crispy, cinnamon-sugar snackies made in your air fryer — no deep-fryer drama required. Below is a fresh take on the recipe with clear steps and handy tips.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- ⅓ cup + 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or essence)
- 1 large egg
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
Optional dips: melted chocolate, dulce de leche, Nutella, honey, or vanilla ice cream.
Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine the water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring to a vigorous simmer over high heat. Remove from the heat and immediately stir in the flour until the mixture pulls away from the sides and forms a smooth ball.
Let the dough rest 4–5 minutes so it cools but stays warm. Beat in the egg and vanilla with a hand mixer (or vigorous whisking) until the batter becomes glossy and smooth.
Bold tip: Make sure the dough cools a bit before adding the egg — if it’s too hot the egg will scramble.
Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (or use a zip-top bag and snip off the corner). Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and spray the basket lightly with nonstick spray. Pipe small bite-sized rounds, or drop spoonfuls, leaving space between each piece.
Bold tip: Do not overcrowd the basket — work in batches so each piece crisps evenly.
Brush the tops lightly with melted butter (this helps browning) and air-fry for 10–12 minutes until the churro bites turn golden and puff slightly.
Stir together the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While the churros are warm (not scalding), toss them in the cinnamon-sugar until well coated. If the coating won’t stick, brush the churros lightly with a touch more melted butter or spray with a little water.
Bold tip: Roll them while warm — the heat helps the sugar cling.
Notes
Serve & Enjoy
Plate warm with dipping sauces. These are perfect for movie nights, after-school snacks, or impromptu dessert cravings.
Pro Tips & Variations
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FYI: Use all-purpose flour for the classic texture; whole wheat will make them dense.
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For a seasonal twist, swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or add cocoa to the coating.
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To make mini churro-rings, pipe rings instead of rounds and reduce cook time by a minute or two.
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If your dough seems too loose to hold shape, add a tablespoon more flour; too stiff, add a splash of warm water.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll soften over time. To refresh and re-crisp, heat them in the air fryer 1–2 minutes at 350°F.
Quick FAQ
Q: Can I skip the butter brush?
A: Yes, but butter improves color and helps the sugar stick.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Freeze cooked bites in a single layer, then bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the air fryer to revive crispness.
Enjoy your safer, less-messy churros — crunchy outside, tender inside, and dangerously easy to make.