🖋️ Written by Olivia
There was a time when churros and the word “healthy” couldn’t exist in the same sentence. That time is over. Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites are not a compromise—they’re the upgrade. You get golden, crunchy, cinnamon-coated bites with zero frying, zero guilt, and all the nostalgia of a theme park treat.
The best part? These Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites take less than 15 minutes to make and taste like they came straight out of a churro cart. With just a few pantry ingredients and your air fryer, you’ll create a snack that disappears faster than it cools. You can even keep them on hand for last-minute dessert cravings—because they freeze like a dream.
Already loving air fryer recipes? You’ll also enjoy our Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe for something savory to balance the sweetness.
Table of Contents
Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Roll out the crescent dough on a clean surface and press seams together if needed. Slice into 1-inch strips and gently twist each strip.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place twisted dough bites in a single layer, leaving space between each.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- While warm, brush with melted butter or coconut oil and toss in a mix of cinnamon and sugar.
- Serve immediately or let cool and freeze for later. Reheat in air fryer before serving.
Notes
Ingredients for the Best Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites
Pantry Staples You’ll Need
You won’t need anything fancy. This recipe uses basic ingredients you likely already have. Crescent dough keeps prep simple, but you can swap in your own homemade dough.
- 1 can crescent dough
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or coconut oil)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
Need something gluten-free? Visit our Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks recipe for GF snack inspiration.
Why This Combo Works So Well
The butter helps the cinnamon-sugar stick like a dream. The salt? Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and gives that professional finish. Don’t skip it.
How to Make Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites
Prepping Your Dough Bites
Start by rolling out the crescent dough on a clean surface. Press seams together if needed. Slice into 1-inch strips, then twist each strip gently. No need to overthink it—imperfection adds charm.
Love working with dough? Try our Cheesy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Wraps—they use similar prep.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place dough bites in a single layer with space between them. Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown. While they’re still warm, brush with melted butter and toss in cinnamon sugar.
The smell alone will pull people into the kitchen.
Storage and Freezing Tips
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any left (unlikely), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll soften slightly but re-crisp easily in the air fryer.
Looking for long-lasting snacks? Our Freezer Breakfast Burritos hold up beautifully when prepped ahead.
How to Freeze and Reheat
Freeze before coating in cinnamon sugar for best results. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer for 3 minutes at 350°F, then toss in fresh cinnamon sugar.
Perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
Why You’ll Love These Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites
Quick, Kid-Friendly, and Dangerously Good
This snack is ready in 15 minutes. Kids devour them. Adults sneak seconds. They’re also great for themed nights, movie snacks, or weekend treats.
Our Viral Honey Bun Cake is another nostalgic dessert favorite.
Actually Healthier Without Losing Flavor
Air frying means zero oil soaking. Less sugar, less fat, same flavor. You’ll be surprised how much like the original they taste.
Want more healthy treats? Don’t miss our Healthy Peanut Butter Balls.
Mistakes to Avoid with Churro Bites
Overcrowding the Basket
Give your churro bites room to breathe. Crowding leads to uneven cooking and soggy results. Cook in batches if needed.
Curious about more air fryer tips? Check out our Air Fryer Frozen French Fries for golden perfection every time.
Skipping the Salt or Using Stale Cinnamon
Don’t underestimate the salt—it’s the flavor booster. Also, stale cinnamon dulls the whole bite. Keep your spices fresh for the best taste.
Flavor Variations and Substitutions
Vegan or Gluten-Free Options
Use a plant-based crescent dough and swap butter for coconut oil. For gluten-free, use GF dough brands or homemade versions.
More on GF swaps? Try our Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos—they’re crispy and crowd-approved.
Flavor Upgrades That Work
Want something bold? Add a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon sugar for a Mexican chocolate-style twist. You can also drizzle with melted chocolate or serve with caramel dip.
Who Will Love This Recipe
Perfect for Families, Guests, and Busy Schedules
These bites please everyone. From picky toddlers to adults trying to snack smarter, they hit the mark every time. They also make great classroom treats or after-dinner desserts.
Like party snacks? Save our Crack Corn Salad for your next BBQ.
Fits Any Occasion
Serve with coffee, hot chocolate, or just keep a batch in your freezer. No judgment here.
FAQs About Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites
How long should you air fry churros for?
Typically, air fry at about 375 °F (190 °C) for 8–12 minutes, shaking halfway until golden and crisp.
How to make churros crispy again in an air fryer?
Preheat your air fryer to 350–375 °F (175–190 °C) and air fry leftover churros for ~2–3 minutes, flipping or shaking once.
How to cook frozen churro bites?
Place frozen churro bites in a single layer, air fry at 375 °F (190 °C) for 6–10 minutes until hot and crisp, shaking halfway.
Can I make frozen churros in an air fryer?
Yes — frozen churros can be air‑fried; follow package instructions or use ∼375 °F for 8–12 minutes, depending on size.
What is the best temperature for churros?
Air fry churros at around 375 °F (190 °C) for optimal crispiness without burning.
How many minutes to fry churros?
In deep‑fry: about 2–3 minutes in 350–375 °F oil. In air fryer: roughly 8–12 minutes at 375 °F.
How to cook churro bites from Costco?
For Costco churro bites (pre‑frozen): air fry at 375 °F (190 °C) for approximately 6–10 minutes, shaking halfway.
How long to cook Aldi churros in an air fryer?
Frozen Aldi churros air fry well at 375 °F (190 °C) for circa 8–12 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway.
What temperature to cook frozen churros?
Use about 375 °F (190 °C) in air fryer — adjust time based on size, usually 6–12 minutes.
Can you cook frozen desserts in an air fryer?
Yes — many frozen desserts like churros, bites, and items with breading can crisp up nicely in an air fryer.
Can you fry frozen churro dough?
Yes, you can fry frozen churro dough — whether in oil (2–3 min at ~350 °F) or air fryer (~8–12 min at 375 °F).
Can I air fry frozen stuff?
Absolutely — air fryers work very well with frozen items, including churros, bites, fries, snacks and more.
Are churros healthy?
Churros are typically deep‑fried and sugary — delicious but high in calories and fat. In moderation, air‑fried churros reduce added oil but still contain sugar and carbs.
Why are my churros not crispy?
They may be under‑cooked, overcrowded, or too moist. Make sure air fryer is preheated, avoid stacking, and cook long enough at ~375 °F.
Are churros Spanish or Portuguese?
Churros likely originated in Spain (possibly introduced by Portuguese shepherds), but today are popular across Spanish and Portuguese cultures.
How long do I air fry churros for?
Same as Q1 — about 8–12 minutes at 375 °F (190 °C), flipping or shaking halfway until golden.
How long to heat up churros in an air fryer?
Leftovers: heat at 350–375 °F for 2–4 minutes until warmed and crisp.
How to tell if churros are cooked?
They should be golden‑brown, crisp on the outside, hot inside; break one open — no doughy center.
Can churro bites be frozen?
Yes — homemade churro bites freeze well. Store in freezer‑safe bag, re‑heat in air fryer for crispness.
What are churro bites?
Small, bite‑sized churros — often pre‑frozen and perfect for snacking or desserts.
How many calories are in Costco churro bites?
Calories vary by size and recipe, but typically Costco churro bites have ~200–250 cal per serving (check nutrition label on package).
Final Thoughts
Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites aren’t just “good for being healthy”—they’re good, period. Easy, fast, freezer-friendly, and approved by everyone who tries them.
You’ll want to save this recipe, share it, and make it again—because when a snack this good is also healthier, there’s no going back.
Try it today and then treat yourself to Air Fryer Potato Chips for another crunchy win.
📌 Want more real-life meal ideas? Follow @whattomaketoday for daily recipes you’ll actually want to cook.
