Name: Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup almond flour (blanched almond flour preferred) (Gives a lighter texture; almond meal is coarser.); 1/4 cup coconut sugar (Plus extra for rolling, can use brown sugar as a substitute.); 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Plus extra for rolling.); 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (Use pumpkin puree for a fall twist.); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Cooking spray or a light oil for greasing the air fryer basket (Important to prevent sticking.)

I first tested these Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites on a rainy afternoon when I wanted something warm, sweet, and not-fussy. They’re small almond‑flour pastries, lightly spiced with cinnamon, air-fried until golden, and optionally tossed in coconut sugar for that classic churro crunch — but without deep‑frying or refined sugar. They’re perfect for after‑school snacks, a light dessert, or a quick weekend treat. If you like quick air-fryer sweets, try a contrasting option like these 2-ingredient air fryer donut bites for another simple comfort bite.

Why you’ll love this dish

These churro bites hit a sweet spot: a familiar cinnamon-sugar finish with fewer ingredients and less oil than traditional churros. They’re quick (about 15–20 minutes total), naturally gluten‑free if you use almond flour, and kid‑friendly — small pieces cook evenly and are easy for little hands. Make them for a casual brunch, a movie night, or when you want dessert without committing to a full batch of fried pastries.

“Lightly crisp on the outside, tender inside, and the cinnamon sugar gives them just enough nostalgia — but healthier.” — a regular tester

(Quick note: these use almond flour, which has a pronounced nut flavor. If you need nut‑free options, see the Variations section.)

How this recipe comes together

Step-by-step overview:

Mix dry ingredients (almond flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt).
Add applesauce and vanilla to form a soft dough; adjust moisture by teaspoon if needed.
Shape into 1‑inch balls or short logs for even cooking.
Air‑fry at 350°F (175°C) until golden (about 8–10 minutes).
Optional: roll warm bites in coconut sugar + cinnamon for the churro finish.

If you’re experimenting with other air-fryer snacks, you might also enjoy the crunchy results from an air fryer cauliflower recipe — it shows how spacing and temperature affect crispiness.

What you’ll need

1 cup almond flour (blanched almond flour gives a lighter texture; almond meal is coarser)
1/4 cup coconut sugar, plus extra for rolling (or brown sugar as a substitute)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus extra for rolling
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (use pumpkin puree for a fall twist)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cooking spray or a light oil for greasing the air fryer basket

Notes: If the dough is crumbly, add applesauce 1 teaspoon at a time. For a lower‑sugar version, skip the rolling sugar; the dough still has sweetness from coconut sugar.

Step-by-step instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, 1/4 cup coconut sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps.
Stir in the applesauce and vanilla. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. If the dough seems dry, add applesauce 1 teaspoon at a time until it holds together.
Pinch off small portions and shape into 1‑inch balls or short logs. Bite‑sized pieces cook more evenly and faster.
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or rub a little oil on the basket to prevent sticking.
Arrange the bites in a single layer so they don’t touch. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding — this helps them brown properly. (For another example of avoiding overcrowding for crisp results, see this air fryer cauliflower guide.)
Air‑fry for 8–10 minutes, checking at 8 minutes. They should be golden and set — a touch soft in the center is okay since they firm as they cool.
Remove the bites and let them cool for 2–3 minutes on a wire rack so they firm up slightly.
Optional: while still slightly warm, toss the bites in a small bowl with extra coconut sugar and cinnamon for the classic churro finish. Serve warm.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serve these warm on a small platter with:

A small ramekin of melted dark chocolate or peanut butter for dipping.
Greek yogurt mixed with a touch of honey and cinnamon for a protein-rich dip.
Fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries for contrast.

For a brunch spread, pair them with a pot of coffee and softer pastries — they work well alongside baked bites like baked cranberry brie bites for a sweet-and-savory balance.

Storage and reheating tips

Room temperature: Store cooled bites in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the sugar coating separate if you want to preserve crispness.
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Warm in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes to refresh.
Freezing: Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 4–6 minutes, checking frequently.

Food safety note: these are quick‑made low‑moisture bites; always cool fully before sealing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Pro chef tips

Weigh your almond flour or spoon it into a measuring cup and level — almond flour can compact and change results.
Keep bites uniform in size (1‑inch) so they cook at the same rate.
Don’t skip greasing the basket lightly; almond flour can brown and stick. A thin oil layer is better than heavy spray.
If you prefer crispier exterior, add 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely so they don’t overbake.
For a deeper cinnamon flavor, toast the almond flour in a dry skillet on low for 2–3 minutes before mixing (cool completely first).

Creative twists

Chocolate chip: press a mini dark chocolate chip into each ball before air‑frying.
Nut-free: swap almond flour for a blend of oat flour + a tablespoon of tapioca starch (texture will change).
Maple‑cinnamon: replace vanilla with 1 teaspoon maple extract and roll in a mix of maple sugar + cinnamon.
Vegan sticky glaze: whisk powdered coconut sugar with a teaspoon of water and a pinch of salt, drizzle over warm bites.

Your questions answered

Q: Are these churro bites vegan?
A: The base recipe is vegan if your coconut sugar and vanilla are vegan (most are). Applesauce and almond flour are plant‑based.

Q: Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
A: You can, but results differ. All‑purpose flour yields a less tender, more doughy bite. If using AP flour, reduce to about 3/4 cup and watch texture — you may need slightly more applesauce.

Q: How do I make them crispier?
A: Don’t overcrowd the basket, air‑fry at 350°F, and give them an extra 1–2 minutes at the end. A light oil brush will help browning.

Q: Are they safe for nut allergies?
A: No — almond flour contains tree nuts. See Variations for nut‑free swaps (oat flour + tapioca).

Q: What’s the prep and cook time?
A: Prep ~10 minutes, air‑fry 8–10 minutes per batch. Total time ~20 minutes including shaping and small batches.

Conclusion

If you want a quick, lower‑oil take on a cinnamon sugar classic, these Healthy Air Fryer Churro Bites deliver warm, bite-sized comfort without the deep frying. For inspiration from other home cooks’ versions, see Air Fryer Churro Bites – The Country Cook and a naturally vegan take at Air Fryer Churro Bites (Naturally Vegan) – Bake Angel. Enjoy warm, and store extras properly to keep them tasting their best.