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Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites

Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites

Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites are a delightful and guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet cravings, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fried churros without compromising on that irresistible warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar plus more for coating
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon plus more for coating
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • Coconut oil spray or cooking spray
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar for coating
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for coating

Equipment

  • Medium Bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Small bowl or plate
  • Air Fryer
  • Piping bag with a star tip (optional)

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Set aside.
    1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and butter (or coconut oil). Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the butter is fully melted. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
    1 cup water, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  3. Pour the hot liquid mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a thick dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  4. Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes, or until it's no longer piping hot to the touch. Add the egg to the dough and beat it in vigorously until fully incorporated and the dough is smooth and glossy. This might take a minute or two of energetic stirring.
    1 large egg
  5. In a small bowl or plate, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This will be your coating. Lightly spray your air fryer basket with coconut oil spray or cooking spray.
    1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, Coconut oil spray or cooking spray
  6. You have a couple of options here depending on your desired shape. For small, rustic bites, use two spoons to dollop small mounds of dough directly into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded (cook in batches if necessary). For more uniform shapes, you can pipe the dough into the air fryer using a piping bag with a star tip, or roll small portions into bite-sized logs.
  7. Arrange the dough bites in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket (preheat to 375°F or 190°C for 3-5 minutes). Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and puffed up. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of your bites.
  8. While the churro bites are still warm, immediately toss them in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F (175°C) if they lose crispness.