As someone who loves baking, I’ve always been drawn to desserts that are both delicious and a little healthier than the usual indulgences. Recently, I experimented with churros, a classic treat that is often deep-fried and heavy on sugar. I wanted to create a version that retains all the crunchy, cinnamon-sugar goodness while being lighter and more wholesome. After several attempts in my kitchen, I finally perfected these Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites. They are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated in just the right amount of cinnamon sugar—without the guilt.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These churro bites are a delight for anyone craving something sweet without overindulging. The air fryer gives them a perfectly crunchy texture without using large amounts of oil, which makes them lighter and healthier than traditional churros. Plus, they are small, bite-sized, and perfect for snacking, sharing, or even serving at a party.

Versatile

The best part about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve the churro bites plain, dusted with cinnamon sugar, or paired with a healthy chocolate or caramel dipping sauce. They’re also great as a breakfast treat, a snack with coffee, or a guilt-free dessert after dinner.

Affordable

All the ingredients for these churro bites are pantry staples, making this recipe very affordable. There’s no need for fancy or expensive items—just simple ingredients that you likely already have at home.

Ingredients

1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
2 tbsp almond milk (or any milk of choice)
2 tbsp coconut sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon for coating

How to Prepare Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the dough. This ensures the churro bites will cook evenly and get that perfect golden-brown exterior.
Mix the dry ingredients by combining the flour, baking powder, salt, and 2 tablespoons of coconut sugar in a medium-sized bowl. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Combine the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Add the unsweetened applesauce, vanilla extract, melted coconut oil, and almond milk. Whisk together until smooth.
Incorporate wet and dry ingredients by gradually adding the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir with a spatula until a sticky dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more almond milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it holds together but is not too wet.
Shape the churro bites by rolling small portions of dough between your palms into 1-inch balls. Ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
Prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating by mixing 2 tablespoons of coconut sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
Coat the churro bites by lightly brushing each ball with a tiny bit of melted coconut oil, then rolling them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This will give them a crispy, sweet exterior.
Place the bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them. Overcrowding the basket can result in uneven cooking and less crispiness.
Air fry the churro bites at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep a close eye in the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
Check for doneness by gently pressing one bite; it should be firm on the outside but soft and airy inside. If needed, cook for an extra 1–2 minutes.
Serve immediately for the best texture. You can pair these churro bites with a low-sugar chocolate sauce, yogurt dip, or enjoy them on their own.

Quick and Easy

This recipe is designed for convenience without sacrificing flavor. From start to finish, you can have these churro bites ready in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for a last-minute dessert or snack.

Customizable

You can experiment with flavors by adding a pinch of nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or even a drizzle of natural peanut butter on top. For a kid-friendly twist, try dipping them in yogurt or honey instead of chocolate.

Popular with Many People

These churro bites have been a hit with everyone I’ve shared them with. They’re a healthier alternative to traditional fried churros but maintain the irresistible texture and sweetness that make churros so beloved.

Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites

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These Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites are a guilt-free twist on a classic treat. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and lightly coated in cinnamon sugar, they are perfect for snacking, dessert, or a fun treat for the whole family. Air frying reduces oil usage, making them lighter while keeping all the flavor you love.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 10
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 15 1x

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and 2 tablespoons coconut sugar.
In a separate bowl, whisk together applesauce, vanilla extract, melted coconut oil, and almond milk.
Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients until a sticky dough forms. Adjust with almond milk if necessary.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls for uniform cooking.
Mix 2 tablespoons coconut sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
Lightly brush each dough ball with melted coconut oil, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Place churro bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between them.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Check doneness; bites should be crispy outside and soft inside. Cook 1–2 minutes longer if needed.
Serve immediately or with a healthy dipping sauce.

Notes

Dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before shaping.

Adjust the cinnamon-sugar coating to taste.

For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these churro bites gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well for baking. Make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement for best results.

Q: Can I use regular sugar instead of coconut sugar?
A: Absolutely. You can use granulated sugar, brown sugar, or even a sugar substitute that measures like sugar. The taste may vary slightly but will still be delicious.

Q: How do I store leftover churro bites?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.

Q: Can I make these churro bites larger or smaller?
A: Yes. Keep in mind that larger bites will need a few extra minutes to cook, while smaller bites will cook faster. Adjust the air frying time accordingly.

Q: Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
A: You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Shape the churro bites just before air frying to maintain the best texture.

Q: Are these churro bites suitable for kids?
A: Definitely! They’re small, sweet, and lightly sweetened, making them a great snack for children without too much sugar or oil.