These Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites are little pockets of cinnamon-sugar goodness with a light, crispy texture. Made with simple ingredients and cooked right in the air fryer, they’re a fun and health-conscious twist on the classic churro we all love. The outside is perfectly crunchy, and the inside is soft and tender—just the way churros should be!
I love making these churro bites when I want a sweet treat that doesn’t leave me feeling too guilty. Using the air fryer means you get that great crispiness without all the oil from deep frying, which is a big win in my book. Plus, they’re quick to make, so they’re great for last-minute cravings or a fun weekend snack that everyone can enjoy.
One of my favorite ways to serve these is with a small bowl of warm chocolate sauce or honey for dipping. It turns a simple snack into a little celebration of flavors! I’ve also found that these bites are perfect for sharing at parties or family get-togethers because they’re bite-sized and easy to eat. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole wheat flour: This adds fiber and a nuttier flavor compared to all-purpose flour. If you want a lighter texture, feel free to swap for all-purpose flour without changing the amount.
Coconut sugar: I like this because it has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar. You can replace it with granulated sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol for fewer calories.
Almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk keeps the recipe dairy-free and light. Any plant-based milk or regular milk works well here, just keep it unsweetened to balance flavors.
Coconut oil: This adds a nice richness and helps with crispiness. If you don’t have coconut oil, use melted butter or a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil.
Cinnamon sugar coating: Adjust the sugar amount based on your sweetness preference. Using coconut sugar makes it a bit healthier, but regular sugar or a sugar-free topping also works.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Churro Bites in an Air Fryer?
The key to crispy churro bites is balancing moisture and heat while ensuring even cooking. Here’s what works best:
- Portion size: Use small, similar-sized dollops for even cooking. About 1 tablespoon each is ideal.
- Brushing oil: Lightly brushing each piece with melted coconut oil before air frying helps the exterior crisp up nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give the bites room so hot air can circulate. Cooking in batches means better crispiness.
- Flip halfway: Turning them halfway through cooking helps both sides brown evenly without burning.
- Immediate coating: Toss the hot bites right after air frying in the cinnamon sugar to help the sugar stick and keep the crunch.
With these steps, you’ll get tasty bites that are crispy on the outside and tender inside—just like traditional churros but healthier!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I recommend this because it crisps the bites evenly without extra oil.
- Mixing bowls – for whisking wet and dry ingredients separately. They keep your workspace organized.
- Small cookie scoop or spoon – helps portion out uniform batter portions for even cooking.
- Parchment paper – to line the air fryer basket and prevent sticking, making cleanup easier.
- Brush – a small brush or pastry brush to lightly coat the bites with melted coconut oil before cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap coconut sugar for maple sugar or brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon sugar for more warming spice flavors.
- Mix chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips into the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Use vanilla or almond extract instead of plain vanilla for a different aromatic touch.
Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Batter:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar or granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted (plus extra for brushing)
For The Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to air fry the churro bites, depending on the size of your air fryer and how many batches you need to cook. Overall, you can expect roughly 20 to 25 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Batter:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). In one bowl, whisk together the flour, coconut sugar, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, beat the almond milk, vanilla, egg, and melted coconut oil until smooth. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ones, stirring until you have a smooth, sticky batter.
2. Portion and Prepare Churro Bites:
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop about 1 tablespoon of batter onto a parchment-lined plate or tray. Brush each dollop lightly with melted coconut oil — this helps them become crisp and golden in the air fryer.
3. Air Fry & Coat:
Place the batter balls in the air fryer basket, leaving room between each so they cook evenly. Cook for 7-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. While they cook, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the coating. When the churro bites come out, immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture so it sticks nicely. Serve warm, and enjoy!
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Whole Wheat Flour?
Yes! All-purpose flour works perfectly and will give you a lighter, fluffier texture. Whole wheat adds more fiber and a nuttier flavor, but both are great options.
Can I Make These Churro Bites Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures like all-purpose flour. Just be sure to check your blend doesn’t contain xanthan gum if you want a different texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Churro Bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to bring back their crispiness.
What’s a Good Dipping Sauce to Serve with These?
Warm chocolate sauce, honey, or even a simple caramel dip pairs deliciously with churro bites. You can also try Greek yogurt mixed with a touch of honey for a healthier option.
