Air Fryer Churro Bites
Air fryer churro bites
Air Fryer Churro Bites bring the classic charm of Mexican churros to your kitchen with a delightful twist. These bite-sized treats offer the same irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating and tender interior as traditional churros but are made even simpler and healthier using an air fryer. This quick and easy dessert is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the hassle of deep frying.
Why Air Fryer Churro Bites are a Must-Try
- Convenient and Easy: The air fryer simplifies the cooking process, eliminating the need for monitoring oil temperatures.
- Healthier Option: These churros require no oil for frying, making them a lighter choice.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just about 8 minutes, perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: Made with simple ingredients commonly found in your pantry.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Enjoy Fresh: Best served warm right out of the air fryer.
- Dipping Sauce: Pair with chocolate sauce for an extra decadent treat.
- Storing Leftovers: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing and Reheating: Freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to bring back the crispiness.
FAQs for Air Fryer Churro Bites
- Can I use skim milk instead of whole milk? It’s best to stick with whole milk for the dough consistency and richness.
- How can I ensure my churro bites are crispy? Avoid overcrowding in the air fryer and ensure they are golden brown before removing them.
- Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before frying.
- What if I don’t have a piping bag? You can use a large ziplock bag with a corner cut off as a substitute.
- Can I use a different type of sugar for coating? While granulated sugar is traditional, you can experiment with other types like brown sugar or even coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Is it possible to make these churros vegan? You can try using plant-based milk and butter substitutes, but keep in mind that this may alter the texture and taste slightly.
- Can I add other flavors to the churro dough? Absolutely! Experiment with adding a bit of orange zest, almond extract, or even a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a unique twist.
- How do I prevent the churro bites from sticking to the air fryer basket? Make sure to spray the basket with a non-stick spray or lightly brush it with oil before adding the churro dough.
In conclusion, these Air Fryer Churro Bites are a delightful and hassle-free way to enjoy a classic Mexican dessert at home. They’re quick, easy, and customizable, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family treat, a party snack, or just a cozy night in. So, grab your air fryer and get ready to indulge in these sweet and crispy bites of joy!
Air Fryer Churro Bites
"Enjoy quick and easy Air Fryer Churro Bites—made with pantry staples and no oil. Crispy outside, tender inside, coated in delightful cinnamon-sugar!"
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Bowl
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Piping Bag
- Kitchen Scissors
Ingredients
- 1 & 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour spooned and leveled
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter melted
- 8 tablespoons Unsalted Butter cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar + 2 tablespoons divided
- 3/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon divided
- 2 large Cold Eggs
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
- Chocolate Sauce for serving, optional
Instructions
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- In a medium shallow bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
Prepare Dough:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water, milk, vanilla, butter, salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Add flour and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a thick, smooth ball and appears to dry out (a thin film will form on the bottom of the pan), about 2-3 minutes.
Beat the Dough:
- Immediately transfer the dough to a large bowl.
- Beat on medium speed with a hand mixer (or stand mixer) for 2 minutes to cool the mixture slightly.
Add Eggs:
- Add in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, until fully combined. The mixture should appear smooth and creamy.
Chill Dough:
- Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip (e.g., Ateco 829).
- Place in the fridge and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Spray the basket with nonstick spray.
Pipe Churro Bites:
- Working in batches, hold the piping tip close to the basket and pipe strips of dough (2 & 1/2 inches long) in a single layer. Cut the end with kitchen scissors.
- Repeat until the churro bites fill the basket without over-crowding.
Air Fry:
- Air fry until golden, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
- Immediately out of the air fryer, brush the churro bites with melted butter.
- Roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Repeat:
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough.
Serve:
- Enjoy the churro bites immediately as is or with some chocolate dipping sauce!
Notes
Don't brown the butter mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil but do not let it brown before you reduce the heat.
Cool the batter before adding eggs: Mix the batter to cool it down before adding the eggs. If you add the eggs immediately, they may scramble instead of incorporating into the dough.
Don't crowd the air fryer: Only add as many churro bites as will fit in the air fryer in a single layer. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and a lack of golden brown color.
Add sugar immediately: As soon as the churros come out of the air fryer, coat them with melted butter and toss in the cinnamon-sugar. If you wait until they cool, the sugar won't stick.
