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Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites

Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites

Emma
Crispy, cinnamon-sugar coated churro bites made healthier in the air fryer. These naturally vegan treats deliver all the delicious flavor of traditional churros with significantly less oil and guilt-free indulgence.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Spanish
Servings 4
Calories 165 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Piping bag with star tip (or Ziploc bag)
  • Kitchen shears
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

  • For the Churro Dough:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil canola or vegetable
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt optional
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
  • For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Cooking spray or melted butter for brushing

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the coating: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
  • Make the dough: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water, oil, 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves.
  • Form the dough: Remove from heat and immediately add flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from sides of pan. Let cool for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add optional ingredients: If using, stir in Greek yogurt and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • Preheat air fryer: Set air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
  • Shape the churros: Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe 1-2 inch portions directly into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Use kitchen shears to cut dough from tip.
  • Cook: Lightly spray churros with cooking oil. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through with tongs, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Coat: Immediately transfer hot churros to cinnamon sugar mixture and toss until evenly coated.
  • Serve: Enjoy warm for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Storage: Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooked churros for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in air fryer.
  • Gluten-Free: Substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Cooking time may need adjustment.
  • Oil-Free Option: While minimal oil is used, you can experiment with reducing it further, though texture may be affected.
  • Scaling: Recipe doubles easily for larger batches. Cook in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.
  • Alternative Shapes: Can be made as full-size churros (4-6 inches) or swirl shapes with adjusted cooking time.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites
Amount per Serving
Calories
165
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword air fryer churros, healthy churros
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