Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites are little balls of crispy, cinnamon sugar-coated goodness that you can feel good about eating! These tasty treats have all the fun and flavor of classic churros but with fewer guilt trips since they’re air-fried instead of deep-fried. The crunchy outside and soft, warm inside make each bite just perfect.
I love making these churro bites when I want a sweet snack without spending too much time in the kitchen. Using the air fryer means they cook quickly and get that nice crunch without a big mess. Sprinkling the cinnamon sugar right after they come out of the fryer gives them that fresh, melt-in-your-mouth charm that’s hard to resist. I usually double the cinnamon sugar mix because it somehow disappears fast!
These churro bites are great for sharing with friends or kids and go perfectly with a small dip of chocolate sauce or even a little honey. I like to serve them warm, straight from the air fryer, so they’re soft and gooey inside. Whenever I make these, everyone ends up sneaking one (or three) more than they planned—it’s like a mini celebration in every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Wheat Flour: This adds fiber and a slightly nutty flavor. If you want a lighter texture, use all-purpose flour instead. Gluten-free flour blends can also work if you need a gluten-free option.
Applesauce: Using unsweetened applesauce keeps the bites moist without extra fat. You can substitute with mashed banana for a different twist, but it may add more sweetness.
Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners add gentle sweetness and moisture. You can swap for agave syrup or pure maple syrup if you prefer a vegan option.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Coconut sugar is a great lower-glycemic alternative to regular sugar. Feel free to adjust the cinnamon to match your spice preference—it’s the essential flavor here!
How Do You Get Churro Bites Crispy Without Deep Frying?
The key to crispy churro bites in the air fryer is even heat and a light coating of cooking spray on the basket. Here’s how I do it:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F so the bites cook evenly from the start.
- Lightly spray the basket to prevent sticking—too much oil can cause sogginess instead of crispiness.
- Turn the bites halfway through cooking. This helps all sides get golden brown.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—give each bite space so hot air can circulate well for a crisp finish.
- Roll the bites in cinnamon sugar immediately after air frying while they’re still warm. This helps the sugar stick and adds that classic churro crunch.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love the even heat and quick cook time for crispy bites with less oil.
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients smoothly and coating the dough balls.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right balance of ingredients easily.
- Silicone spatula or spoon – makes mixing and handling the dough simple and no scratching the bowls.
- Small scoop or tablespoon – for portioning out uniform dough balls for even cooking.
- Cooking spray – helps prevent sticking and keeps the churro bites crispy without greasing too much.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Dip in dark chocolate or sprinkle with crushed nuts after cooking for added richness and crunch.
- Mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the dough for bursts of flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a warm, spicy twist.
- Use coconut sugar or vanilla sugar instead of plain sugar for a different sweet note and aroma.
Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour for lighter texture)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk (any kind, plant-based or dairy)
For Cooking & Coating:
- Cooking spray (for air fryer basket)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the dough and shape the bites, plus 8-10 minutes to air fry them. In total, you’re looking at around 20 minutes from start to finish — perfect for a quick and healthy sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Air Fryer and Dry Ingredients:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray so the churro bites don’t stick. In a medium bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon until well combined.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and well blended.
3. Combine Dough:
Add the wet ingredients gradually into the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until a slightly sticky dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, mix in a little extra flour. If it’s too dry, add a splash more milk to reach the right consistency.
4. Shape and Coat the Bites:
Scoop out small spoonfuls (about 1 tablespoon) of dough and roll them into small balls with your hands. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for coating. Roll each ball through this mixture until completely covered.
5. Air Fry the Churro Bites:
Place the coated balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer without crowding them. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, turning the bites halfway through the time so they brown evenly on all sides.
6. Final Coating and Serve:
Right after air frying, toss the warm churro bites again in the cinnamon sugar mix for an extra sweet crunch. Serve them warm by themselves or with a dip like chocolate sauce, honey, or yogurt for extra fun.
Can I Use Frozen Dough for Air Fryer Churro Bites?
Yes! You can freeze the shaped dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. When ready to cook, thaw completely in the fridge and coat with cinnamon sugar before air frying as usual.
How Should I Store Leftover Churro Bites?
Store leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to refresh their crispiness before serving.
Can I Make These Churro Bites Vegan?
Absolutely! Use maple syrup instead of honey and choose plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The applesauce keeps them moist, so no eggs are needed.
What’s the Best Dipping Sauce for These Bites?
Chocolate sauce, honey, or Greek yogurt all pair wonderfully. You can even spice up the chocolate with a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla for a fun twist!