Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites are little pockets of cinnamon-sugar goodness with a crispy outside and a soft, warm inside. They’re a lighter twist on the classic churro, made with simple ingredients and cooked perfectly in the air fryer for that satisfying crunch without all the oil. Sweet, cinnamon-spiced, and easy to make, these bites are a great snack or dessert when you want something sweet but not too heavy.
I love making these churro bites when I’m craving something special but want to keep it a bit healthier. They come together quickly, and using the air fryer means less mess and way less grease than deep frying. My favorite part is rolling them in cinnamon sugar right when they come out of the fryer—everything sticks just perfectly, making them smell and taste absolutely irresistible.
These treats are perfect for sharing with family or friends, especially when served warm with a little dipping sauce like chocolate or caramel. I sometimes serve them at weekend brunch or as a fun surprise after dinner. They’re also great to have on hand when you want a quick sweet bite without feeling guilty. I promise once you try making these churro bites in the air fryer, they’ll become your go-to snack for a quick, tasty treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole wheat pastry flour: This flour keeps the churro bites lighter and adds fiber. If you don’t have it, all-purpose flour works just fine for a more traditional texture.
Coconut sugar: It adds a mild sweetness and a touch of caramel flavor. Brown sugar is a good substitute and easier to find in most kitchens.
Almond milk: Using unsweetened almond milk keeps the recipe dairy-free and light. You can swap it with any milk you like, such as oat or regular cow’s milk.
Coconut oil: It gives the churro bites a nice buttery flavor and helps achieve golden crispiness. If you don’t have coconut oil, melted butter or a neutral oil like canola will work.
Cinnamon sugar coating: The classic topping is simple but key to that churro flavor. I like using half cinnamon and half granulated sugar for the perfect balance of spice and sweetness.
How Do I Get Crispy Churro Bites in the Air Fryer?
Getting that perfect crunch without deep frying is the goal here. The air fryer heats food with circulating hot air, so spreading out the bites is important.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F to ensure even cooking.
- Lightly brush each churro bite with melted coconut oil before cooking to help them brown and crisp up.
- Avoid crowding the basket—leave space between bites so hot air can circulate around.
- Shake or flip the bites halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Once cooked, immediately toss the bites in cinnamon sugar while still warm so the coating sticks well.
Following these tips will give you churro bites with a crisp outside and soft inside, just how they should be. Don’t rush the air frying time; a few extra minutes can make a big difference!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I like it because it cooks the churro bites evenly and makes them crispy without much oil.
- Mixing bowls – useful for whisking dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Rolling pin and cutting board – help shape the dough into a long rope and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Pastry brush – for lightly coating the churro bites with melted coconut oil before air frying.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keep your ingredients precise for the best texture and flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate chip: Mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips to add gooeyness to each bite.
- Maple cinnamon: Swap the vanilla extract for maple syrup for a richer, seasonal flavor.
- Nutty topping: Finish with chopped pecans or walnuts tossed with cinnamon sugar for crunch.
- Fruit zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a fresh citrus twist.
How to Make Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted (plus more for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or coconut sugar for coating
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 10 minutes to cook. You’ll also want a few minutes to mix the cinnamon sugar coating. All in all, you can enjoy your churro bites in about 25 minutes or less!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, coconut sugar, salt, and baking powder until well combined. Add the almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until you form a soft dough that holds together nicely. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour.
2. Shape the Churro Bites
Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking. Roll the dough into a long rope about 1 inch in diameter. Using a sharp knife, cut the rope into 1-inch pieces to create bite-sized chunks.
3. Prepare and Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly brush each churro bite with melted coconut oil to help them crisp up. Arrange the pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. You may need to cook in batches.
Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking or flipping the basket halfway through cooking, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Coat and Serve
While the churro bites cook, mix together the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in a shallow bowl or plate. When the bites are done, toss them immediately in the cinnamon sugar mixture so the coating sticks well. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce like Greek yogurt, chocolate sauce, or caramel sauce if you like. Enjoy!
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Whole Wheat Pastry Flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly if you don’t have whole wheat pastry flour. It will give a slightly different texture but still delicious churro bites.
How Should I Store Leftover Churro Bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Can I Make These Churro Bites Gluten-Free?
Yes! Try substituting the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that’s suitable for baking. Just be sure to check the package instructions for any adjustments.
Is It Okay to Use Regular Sugar Instead of Coconut Sugar?
Absolutely! Regular granulated or brown sugar works fine both in the dough and the coating. Coconut sugar just adds a slightly richer flavor.
