Go Back
A close-up of healthy air fryer churro bites dusted with cinnamon sugar.

Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites with Chocolate Dipping Sauce

Enjoy a healthier version of churro bites, air-fried to golden perfection and coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect with a homemade chocolate dipping sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Churro Bites
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Cooking spray (or light oil for brushing)
Optional Chocolate Dipping Sauce
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
  • 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Mixing bowl
  • Piping bag
  • Large star tip
  • Air fryer
  • Shallow bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. Combine water, butter, 1 tablespoon sugar, and salt in a saucepan, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat until the butter is melted.
  2. Remove from heat and add all-purpose flour at once, stirring vigorously until a smooth dough ball forms.
  3. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
  4. Add vanilla extract and the egg to the cooled dough, then mix thoroughly until smooth and sticky.
  5. Transfer the prepared dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
Air Frying
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray the basket.
  2. Pipe 1-2 inch dough pieces into the air fryer basket, ensuring space between them, and lightly spray the churros.
  3. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Finishing Touches & Dipping Sauce
  1. While the churros cook, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
  2. Immediately transfer cooked churro bites to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and toss gently to coat.
  3. For the optional chocolate dipping sauce, whisk together cocoa powder, maple syrup, and milk until smooth, then serve with warm churro bites.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Ensure your air fryer is not overcrowded to allow for even cooking and crispiness.