Craving the scrumptious taste of churros, but want a healthier version? My Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites recipe is here to satisfy your sweet tooth in the most delightful and nutritious way. With a light and fluffy texture and a touch of cinnamon-sugar goodness, these churro bites are a breeze to make and even easier to enjoy. Plus, they come with the added goodness of Greek yogurt and applesauce, making them a delightful treat for the whole family.
Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: The base for our churro bites, creating a light and airy texture.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness to enhance the flavor.
- Baking powder: Essential for achieving the perfect rise and fluffiness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess, protein, and a delightful tang to the dough.
- Unsweetened applesauce: A smart substitute for added moisture without the extra sugar.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and flavor to the churro bites.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the taste and aroma with a hint of vanilla goodness.
For Coating:
- Melted butter: To add a buttery richness to the churro bites.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness for the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show, infusing the bites with that irresistible churro taste.
For Optional Dipping Sauce:
- Plain Greek yogurt: A creamy and protein-packed dip to complement the churro bites.
- Honey or maple syrup: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to the dip.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the dipping sauce with a hint of warm vanilla flavor.
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add the plain Greek yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir together until a smooth and sticky dough forms.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a thin layer of oil.
- Transfer the churro dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip (about 1/2 inch wide). If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a ziplock bag and cut a small hole in one corner.
- Pipe small churro bites directly into the air fryer basket, cutting the dough with scissors or a knife to the desired length (about 2 inches). Make sure to leave space between the bites to allow for even cooking.
- Air fry the churro bites at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating. As soon as the churro bites are done cooking, roll them in the sugar-cinnamon mixture until evenly coated. Brush or dip them in butter first to help the mixture to stick.
- For the optional dipping sauce, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Serve the freshly coated churro bites warm, along with the dipping sauce if desired. Enjoy the delightful and healthier version of churros with the satisfying taste and crunch, thanks to the magic of your air fryer and the goodness of Greek yogurt!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add a nutty and wholesome twist to your churro bites. However, keep in mind that whole wheat flour may result in a slightly denser texture.
2. Can I make these churro bites vegan?
Yes, you can! Simply swap the unsalted butter for plant-based butter and use a dairy-free yogurt to achieve a delicious vegan version of these churro bites.
3. Can I freeze these churro bites for later?
Certainly! Once cooled, you can store the leftover churro bites in an airtight container and freeze them for up to 1-2 months. To enjoy them later, simply reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until they’re warm and crispy again.
4. Can I adjust the sweetness of the coating?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more or less sugar and cinnamon to the coating, depending on your preference for sweetness and spiciness.
Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites Tips and Storage Options:
- To achieve uniform churro bites, use a piping bag with a star tip. This will create the classic churro shape and ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer a softer texture, reduce the air fryer cooking time slightly to retain a slight chewiness in the churro bites.
- Store any leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes to restore their delightful crispiness.
- For a fun twist, try experimenting with different coatings, such as cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
- Customize the dipping sauce by adding a dash of ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Get creative and serve these churro bites with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience.
More Air Fryer Desserts on the Blog:
- Air Fryer Raspberry Crisp
- Air Fryer S’mores Dip
- Easy Air Fryer Donut Holes
- Air Fryer Chocolate Mug Cake
If you make these Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites, I would really appreciate a comment and rating down below, under the recipe card. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me over on Instagram, Tik Tok, or Pinterest. For more ideas, check out my Dessert Recipes page.
Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Coating
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add the plain Greek yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir together until a smooth and sticky dough forms.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C)
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a thin layer of oil.
- Transfer the churro dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip (about 1/2 inch wide). If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a ziplock bag and cut a small hole in one corner.
- Pipe small churro bites directly into the air fryer basket, cutting the dough with scissors or a knife to the desired length (about 2 inches). Make sure to leave space between the bites to allow for even cooking.
- Air fry the churro bites at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating. As soon as the churro bites are done cooking, roll them in the sugar-cinnamon mixture until evenly coated.
- For the optional dipping sauce, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Serve the freshly coated churro bites warm, along with the dipping sauce if desired. Enjoy the delightful and healthier version of churros with the satisfying taste and crunch, thanks to the magic of your air fryer and the goodness of Greek yogurt!
