Easy 15-Minute Air Fryer Protein Churro Bites (Keto-Friendly)

Crispy on the outside, light and tender on the inside, and tossed in fragrant cinnamon sweetness, these Air Fryer Mini Churros bring bakery indulgence

Equipment

• Air Fryer: Circulates superheated air to achieve a golden, deep-fried crunch without excess oil.
• Piping bag with large open-star tip (e.g., Wilton 1M): Forms the iconic deep ridges essential for holding the spiced exterior crust.
• Small mixing bowl & silicone spatula: Ensures the thick protein dough blends smoothly without overworking the batter.
• Kitchen shears: Snips clean, uniform mini bites directly onto the baking surface without deflating the dough.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (56g) Superfine blanched almond flour (avoids a gritty crumb)
• 1 scoop (30g) Vanilla whey-casein protein powder (or a bake-friendly plant protein)
• 1 tbsp Granulated monk fruit or erythritol sweetener
• 1/2 tsp Baking powder
• 1 pinch Fine sea salt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) Water
• 1 tbsp (14g) Unsalted butter or coconut oil , melted
• 1 large Egg , beaten at room temperature
• 1/2 tsp Pure vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp Granulated monk fruit or erythritol
• 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
• Avocado or coconut oil cooking spray (for crisping and adhesion)

Instructions

1. Mix the Dry Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, protein powder, sweetener, baking powder, and pinch of salt until free of clumps.
2. Form the Dough: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the water and butter just until melted (do not boil). Remove from heat, stir in the dry ingredients using a spatula until a thick dough forms, then let cool for 2 minutes before vigorously folding in the beaten egg and vanilla until a smooth, pipeable paste comes together. High-Protein Tip: Let the batter rest 3 minutes; casein and almond flour hydrate quickly, creating clean piping edges.
3. Pipe and Chill: Transfer batter to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 2-inch mini ribbons onto a parchment-lined plate, cutting the ends cleanly with kitchen shears. Place the plate in the freezer for 8–10 minutes to set the star shape.
4. Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly mist the fryer basket with cooking spray. Transfer the chilled churro bites into the basket in a single layer with space between each. Lightly spray the tops with oil. Air fry at 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket gently at the 4-minute mark, until puffed, firm to the touch, and deep golden brown.
5. Coat and Serve: While frying, combine the granulated sweetener and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Immediately transfer hot churros to the bowl, give them a micro-mist of cooking spray, and toss until evenly coated. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 175 kcal · Protein: 13g · Fat: s: 11g Cholesterol: 105mg · Carbohydrates: 6g · Fiber: 2g · Sugar: 1g (0g added sugar) · Sodium: 140mg