There’s something magical about the sweet snap of a churro—especially when made easy right at home. These crispy air fryer churro bites are my new favorite way to capture that classic cinnamon-sugar delight, but without deep-frying or fuss.
In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add flour and salt, stirring until a dough forms and pulls from the sides. Allow to cool for a few minutes, then beat in the egg and vanilla until smooth.
Shape the Churro Bites
Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe 1-inch sections onto parchment, snipping with scissors if needed.
Air Fry
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray churro bites with oil or brush with melted butter. Arrange in a single layer. Air fry for 8-10 minutes until puffed and golden.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While bites are still warm, tumble them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until perfectly coated.
Notes
Store leftover churro bites in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to revive their crispiness.