Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites are a fun and tasty twist on a classic treat. These little bites are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated with just the right amount of cinnamon sugar. Using the air fryer gives them a perfect crisp without all the oil and extra calories of traditional frying.
I love making these churro bites when I want something sweet but don’t want to feel guilty afterward. They’re quick to whip up, and I usually enjoy dipping them in a little chocolate sauce or honey. Plus, the smell of cinnamon filling the kitchen while they cook always makes me smile.
These bites are perfect as a snack or a simple dessert for sharing with family or friends. Whenever I bring them to get-togethers, they disappear fast, and people always ask me for the recipe. I think the air fryer magic and the cozy cinnamon flavor make these churro bites a real crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Wheat Flour: This adds fiber and a nice nutty flavor. You can swap it for all-purpose flour for a softer bite, or gluten-free flour if needed.
Greek Yogurt: It keeps the dough moist and tender. If you avoid dairy, unsweetened applesauce works well to keep that texture.
Coconut Sugar & Cinnamon: Coconut sugar has a mild caramel flavor and is less processed. You can use regular sugar or a sugar substitute. Cinnamon is key for that classic churro taste.
Coconut Oil: Using coconut oil gives a subtle flavor and helps the bites crisp up. You can substitute with any neutral oil or melted butter if preferred.
Dark Chocolate: I like dark chocolate for the dipping sauce because it’s less sweet and pairs perfectly with cinnamon. Milk chocolate or a dairy-free chocolate can work too.
How Do You Get the Bites Crispy Without Deep Frying?
The air fryer is your best friend here for crispness with minimal oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking right from the start.
- Lightly brush each dough ball with oil so they brown nicely without soaking up too much.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—give each bite space to get crispy on all sides.
- Shake or turn them halfway to brown evenly.
- Immediately toss in cinnamon sugar while hot so the coating sticks well.
This method keeps them light and crispy, but still soft inside, just like traditional churros.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I recommend this because it crisps the bites evenly with less oil.
- Mixing bowls – for whisking the dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the proportions just right.
- Silicone spatula or spoon – for mixing the dough smoothly.
- Small bowl – to mix the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Small saucepan – if making the chocolate dipping sauce.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Replace cinnamon with nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a different flavor twist.
- Add a splash of almond extract or orange zest to the dough to enhance the aroma.
- Stir mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the dough before shaping for extra texture.
- Use coconut or vanilla-flavored yogurt for a sweeter, more aromatic churro bite.
Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Churro Bites:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar or granulated sweetener of choice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or unsweetened applesauce for dairy-free)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted (plus more for brushing)
- ¼ cup granulated sweetener (e.g. coconut sugar) mixed with 2 tsp ground cinnamon for coating
For The Dipping Sauce:
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
It will take about 15 minutes to prepare the dough and shape the bites, plus 8–10 minutes to cook each batch in the air fryer. Preparing the cinnamon sugar coating and dipping sauce takes just a few minutes. Overall, you can enjoy your churro bites within 25–30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, coconut sugar, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the egg with Greek yogurt and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the melted coconut oil.
3. Make the Dough:
Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients little by little, stirring until a soft dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour to make it easier to handle.
4. Shape the Bites:
Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Prepare for Air Frying:
Brush each dough ball lightly with melted coconut oil. Place about 8 to 10 balls into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for even cooking.
6. Air Fry the Bites:
Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Shake or turn the bites halfway through to ensure even browning.
7. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
While the churro bites cook, mix the granulated sweetener and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Once the bites are hot from the air fryer, toss them gently in the cinnamon sugar to coat well.
8. Make the Chocolate Dipping Sauce (Optional):
Warm almond milk over low heat in a small saucepan, then add chocolate chips and maple syrup. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the warm churro bites with the chocolate sauce for dipping. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful, and healthier treat!
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Whole Wheat?
Absolutely! All-purpose flour works well if you prefer a lighter texture. Just keep in mind the bites may be slightly less nutty in flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Churro Bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to restore crispness.
Can I Make These Churro Bites Dairy-Free?
Yes! Simply swap the Greek yogurt for unsweetened applesauce and use a dairy-free milk for the chocolate sauce.
Is It Necessary to Brush the Dough Balls With Oil?
Brushing with oil helps create a crispy, golden exterior, but if you prefer, you can lightly spray the balls with cooking spray instead.