These Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites are a fun and delicious treat that everyone will love. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and coated with just the right amount of cinnamon and sugar. The best part is they’re made in the air fryer, so they’re lighter than traditional churros but still full of that classic flavor.
I love making these churro bites when I want a sweet snack that feels special but isn’t too heavy. Using the air fryer means they come out perfectly crunchy without needing a lot of oil. I usually mix my cinnamon sugar right before tossing the bites so each one gets a nice coating and that warm, sweet spice taste.
These treats are great for sharing with family or friends during movie night or as an after-dinner surprise. I like serving them with a little chocolate or caramel sauce on the side for dipping, but they’re delicious all on their own too. They’re proof that you can enjoy sweet snacks without feeling too guilty, and honestly, I find myself going back for just one more bite every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole wheat or all-purpose flour: Whole wheat adds fiber and nutrients, but all-purpose flour keeps them lighter. I switch between both depending on what I have. Either works great.
Coconut sugar or granulated sugar: Coconut sugar adds a nice subtle caramel flavor and is less refined. Regular sugar is fine if you prefer a more classic sweetness.
Almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk works well to keep these bites light and dairy-free. You can swap any plant-based milk or regular milk, whichever you prefer.
Coconut oil: I like using coconut oil for its mild flavor and healthy fat. Olive oil or a neutral oil like avocado can be good alternatives.
Cinnamon sugar coating: Mixing cinnamon with sugar is classic here. For a healthier twist, reduce sugar or use a sugar substitute like erythritol, but try to keep cinnamon for flavor.
How Do You Get Crispy, Evenly Cooked Bites in the Air Fryer?
Air frying these churro bites is simple but needs careful steps for crispiness and even cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer; this helps the bites cook evenly right away.
- Form small, same-sized balls so they all cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—give each bite a little space. Cook them in batches if needed.
- Brush or spray a bit of oil on each ball. This helps the cinnamon sugar stick and creates a crispy outside.
- Shake or gently toss the basket halfway so all sides brown evenly.
- Once done, toss them again with cinnamon sugar while warm for the best flavor.
Following these tips will give you churro bites that are crunchy outside, soft inside, and coated perfectly every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love it because it gives the churro bites a crispy crust without deep frying.
- Mixing bowls – useful for combining the dough and cinnamon sugar coating.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for accuracy and consistency in ingredients.
- Cookie scoop or your hands – helps form uniform, small balls easily.
- Brush or spray bottle – for lightly coating the bites with oil before air frying.
- Small shallow bowl – ideal for mixing cinnamon and sugar for coating.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate chips or chopped nuts — add inside the dough for extra texture and flavor even in small bites.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce — serve for a richer, sweet touch.
- Use pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg instead of cinnamon — offers a different warm spice flavor.
- Try different coatings like powdered sugar or coconut flakes — change the look and taste for variety.
Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar or granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted (plus extra for brushing)
For the Coating:
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 8-10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. You’ll also want a few minutes to roll and coat the churro bites. So, expect roughly 20–25 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy treat to whip up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Then, pour in the almond milk, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Stir everything together until you get a smooth, slightly sticky dough.
2. Shape the Bites:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, use your hands or a cookie scoop to form the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
Mix the ground cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a shallow bowl. This will give the churro bites their classic sweet and spicy coating.
4. Coat and Air Fry:
Brush each dough ball lightly with melted coconut oil — this helps the cinnamon sugar stick and creates a crisp outer layer. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated. Place the coated bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, giving them space so they cook evenly. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to brown all sides.
5. Final Touch and Serve:
Once cooked, immediately toss the warm churro bites again in cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of sweetness and spice. Serve them warm with your favorite dip, like melted dark chocolate or caramel sauce, or enjoy them as is!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for These Churro Bites?
Yes, you can freeze the dough balls before air frying. Just shape them, place on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, air fry from frozen—add an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
What Can I Substitute for Coconut Oil?
If you don’t have coconut oil, use melted butter, olive oil, or avocado oil. These oils will still help the cinnamon sugar stick and make the bites crispy without changing the flavor much.
Can I Make These Without an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake the churro bites in a 350°F (175°C) oven on a parchment-lined tray for about 12-15 minutes or until golden. Keep an eye to avoid over-browning.
How Should I Store Leftover Churro Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat and keep them crispy, warm them in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes before serving.