Name: Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Spanish-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or granulated sugar (plus more for coating); ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus more for coating); ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice); 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Cooking spray (for air fryer)

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These Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites are a lighter twist on the classic fairground favorite. They’re golden, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture—without the deep frying. Made in the air fryer with wholesome ingredients, these churro bites are a quick and satisfying treat I can feel good about enjoying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these churro bites give me that nostalgic churro flavor in a healthier, bite-sized version. Because they’re air-fried, they use way less oil than traditional churros but still come out perfectly crisp. They’re easy to make in under 30 minutes, and I don’t need any fancy equipment beyond the air fryer. Plus, they’re perfect for dipping—whether it’s in chocolate sauce, caramel, or even a bit of Greek yogurt for a healthy twist.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Coconut sugar or regular granulated sugar
Cinnamon
Unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
Coconut oil (melted)
Vanilla extract
Cooking spray (for air fryer)

Directions

I start by mixing the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
In another bowl, I whisk together the almond milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and a small amount of sugar.
I combine the wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms. If it feels too sticky, I add a little more flour.
I roll the dough into small bite-sized balls and place them on a tray.
I lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the dough balls in a single layer, giving them space to cook evenly.
I air fry them at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning.
While they’re still warm, I toss the churro bites in a cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re well coated.
I serve them warm with a dipping sauce or just enjoy them as they are!

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 churro bites, perfect for 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep the dough and another 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer, so I have a warm, sweet snack ready in under 25 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I mix a little cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolate twist. I’ve also used oat flour for a gluten-free version—it gives a slightly chewier texture but still works well. For extra protein, I’ve added a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the dough, adjusting the liquid as needed. If I want them extra sweet, I drizzle with a little melted dark chocolate before serving.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to bring back the crispiness. I don’t recommend microwaving, as it can make them soft or soggy.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I make the dough ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When I’m ready, I just roll and air fry as usual.

Can I use a different kind of flour?

Absolutely. I’ve made these with whole wheat, all-purpose, and oat flour. Just keep in mind the texture may vary slightly depending on the type.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

I usually preheat it for a couple of minutes to make sure the bites start cooking right away, which helps them get crispy faster.

How do I keep the cinnamon-sugar mixture from falling off?

I make sure to toss the churro bites in the cinnamon-sugar while they’re still warm so the coating sticks perfectly.

Can I freeze these churro bites?

Yes, I freeze them after cooking. When I want to enjoy them, I reheat directly in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes until hot and crispy again.

Conclusion

These Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites give me all the joy of classic churros with a lighter, homemade touch. They’re quick, fun to make, and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to myself. Whether it’s for a weekend treat or a quick dessert after dinner, I always find myself coming back to this easy, delicious recipe.