Description

Air-Fried Protein Churro Bites with Protein Dulce de Leche Dip

Name: Air-Fried Protein Churro Bites : Healthy Snack with Cinnamon Sugar Flavor
Ingredients: 1/2 cup oat flour (or finely blended oats); 1/4 cup vanilla or cinnamon whey protein powder; 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 egg; 1 tbsp almond butter or Greek yogurt; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp cinnamon; Pinch of salt; 2 tbsp erythritol (or preferred granulated sweetener); 1 tsp cinnamon; 2 tbsp almond butter; 2 tbsp vanilla protein powder; 1 tbsp maple syrup (or sugar-free syrup); 2–3 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (adjust to reach desired consistency)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes per batch
Total Time: 20–25 minutes
Servings: ~16 bites

Ingredients

Scale

For the Churro Dough:

1/2 cup oat flour (or finely blended oats)
1/4 cup vanilla or cinnamon whey protein powder
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg
1 tbsp almond butter or Greek yogurt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt

For the Cinnamon “Sugar” Coating:

2 tbsp erythritol (or preferred granulated sweetener)
1 tsp cinnamon

For the Protein Dulce de Leche Dip:

2 tbsp almond butter
2 tbsp vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp maple syrup (or sugar-free syrup)
2–3 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (adjust to reach desired consistency)

Instructions

Preheat Air Fryer: 375°F (190°C).
Make Dough: In a bowl, mix all churro dough ingredients until sticky and cohesive. Don’t overmix.
Shape Bites: Lightly wet your hands and roll dough into 1-inch balls (~16).
Air Fry: Place bites in a single layer, not touching. Air fry 6–8 minutes, shaking or turning halfway, until golden and firm. Cook in batches if needed.
Coat: Mix erythritol and cinnamon in a small bowl. While bites are hot, roll them in the mixture until fully coated.
Make Dip: Whisk together almond butter, protein powder, and maple syrup. Gradually add almond milk until smooth and dippable.
Serve: Plate churro bites with dip for dunking, drizzle dip over bites, or enjoy individually with coffee or milk.

Notes

Sticky Dough? Wet your hands lightly to handle it easily.
No Air Fryer? Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet.
Extra Crunch: Roll bites in finely chopped nuts after coating.
Flavor Twists: Add cocoa powder for chocolate churros, pumpkin puree + spices for fall flavor, or use plant-based protein and flax egg for vegan version.