Who says indulgent desserts can’t be part of a healthier lifestyle? With these Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites, you get all the sweet, crunchy, cinnamon-sugar goodness of traditional churros—without the deep frying, excess oil, or guilt. Made in the air fryer with simple, wholesome ingredients, these bite-sized treats are golden on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and irresistibly delicious.
Perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth, serving at parties, or treating yourself to a cozy night in, these churro bites offer everything you love about the carnival favorite—with a healthier spin that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Why You’ll Love These Churro Bites
✨ Crispy and fluffy – golden-brown outside, tender inside
🍩 All the churro flavor – cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar in every bite
🍽 Air fryer magic – no deep frying or messy oil required
🫶 Healthier ingredients – lower in fat, with optional whole wheat flour
🥣 Quick and easy – ready in under 30 minutes
🌱 Customizable – dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options available
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar or granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or melted butter (optional, for brushing)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp milk or dairy-free alternative
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
How to Make Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add Greek yogurt and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms—knead lightly if needed until smooth.
Tip: Dough should be soft but not sticky. Add a little more flour if it’s too wet, or a splash of milk if it’s dry.
2. Shape the Bites
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, or shape into mini logs for a classic churro look. Place shaped dough bites onto a parchment-lined plate or tray.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
4. Air Fry the Churro Bites
Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or brush with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Arrange churro bites in a single layer, not touching.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and puffed.
5. Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
While the churro bites are still warm, brush lightly with melted coconut oil or butter. Toss them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
For extra crunch, return them to the air fryer for 1–2 more minutes.
6. Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional)
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with milk and stir until smooth. Add vanilla and a pinch of sea salt.
Serve warm for dipping your churro bites!
Tips for Success
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer dough and better texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—work in batches if needed.
- Brush before coating—a little oil helps the cinnamon sugar stick and gives that signature churro crisp.
- Enjoy fresh—best served warm, right after cooking.
- Customize the flavor—add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or citrus zest to the dough for a twist.
Variations to Try
🍎 Apple Pie Churro Bites – add a spoonful of applesauce and cinnamon to the dough
🌰 Nutella-Stuffed – place a dab of Nutella inside each dough ball before shaping
🫐 Blueberry Vanilla – mix in dried blueberries and use vanilla sugar for coating
🥥 Coconut Churros – use coconut flour and top with shredded toasted coconut
🎃 Pumpkin Spice Bites – add 1/4 cup pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the dough
How to Serve
These churro bites are incredibly versatile! Serve them:
- With hot chocolate or a warm espresso
- Alongside fruit and whipped cream for a sweet platter
- As a party snack with chocolate, caramel, or peanut butter dip
- Over frozen yogurt or ice cream for a churro sundae
Storage and Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked dough bites for up to 1 month. Air fry directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the cook time.
Reheat: Re-crisp in the air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 2–3 minutes.
Healthy Swaps & Nutritional Perks
- Greek yogurt adds protein and eliminates the need for eggs or butter
- Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index than white sugar
- Air frying uses 80–90% less oil than deep frying
- Whole wheat flour provides fiber and nutrients without sacrificing texture
Final Thoughts
These Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites are everything you love about traditional churros—crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated in cinnamon sugar—but lightened up and easier to make. With no deep fryer needed and ingredients you can feel good about, they’re the perfect treat for any day of the week.
Whip up a batch for a guilt-free dessert, an afternoon snack, or a crowd-pleasing party favorite that tastes indulgent but fits your healthier lifestyle. Once you try these churro bites, you may never go back to the deep-fried version again!