Instant Pot Churro Bites

These Instant Pot Churro Bites are the ultimate solution for sweet cravings without the fuss of deep frying. Soft on the inside, perfectly golden, and rolled in cinnamon sugar, they offer everything you love about churros only faster and easier! Great for parties, movie nights, or just a little indulgence after dinner, these bites are irresistibly fun to make and even more fun to eat. The Instant Pot makes them ultra convenient, and with a quick roll in buttery cinnamon sugar, you’ll be transported straight to a carnival in just one bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water

• ¼ cup unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 large egg

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Directions:

1. In the Instant Pot (on Sauté mode), combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Stir until butter melts and mixture begins to simmer.

2. Add flour and stir vigorously until a dough forms. Cook for another minute, then turn off the pot.

3. Let the dough cool slightly, then add egg, vanilla, and cinnamon. Stir until fully incorporated and smooth.

4. Transfer dough to a piping bag with a star tip. Pipe 1-inch bites onto a parchment-lined tray.

5. Place a trivet in the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. Arrange bites in a silicone mold or foil-lined basket, leaving space between each.

6. Seal lid and cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before quick releasing.

7. Remove bites and let cool slightly. Brush with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar coating. Serve warm!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 135 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings

Discover the Magic of Instant Pot Churro Bites

Few desserts can ignite feelings of nostalgia and delight quite like churros. With their golden brown crust, tender inside, and cinnamon sugar coating, churros are a classic indulgence enjoyed at fairs, carnivals, and cozy kitchens worldwide. But what if you could recreate the magic of churros in bite-sized form, right at home, and without the mess of deep frying? Enter: Instant Pot Churro Bites a fun, fast, and delicious treat that brings all the flavor of traditional churros, made easier and safer in your trusty pressure cooker.

This modern take on a classic dessert turns churros into poppable bites that are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself). Whether you’re an Instant Pot pro or a curious beginner, this recipe will win you over with its simplicity, speed, and of course, taste.

Why Use the Instant Pot for Churro Bites?

The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen gadget that has revolutionized cooking for many home chefs. While it’s often used for savory dishes like stews, soups, and rice, its ability to create steam and maintain even heat makes it an excellent tool for desserts, too.

Using the Instant Pot for churro bites has several benefits:

1. No Deep Frying Required

Traditional churros are deep-fried, which not only adds more fat and calories but can also be messy and intimidating for some. The Instant Pot method eliminates hot oil from the equation, making the process safer and cleaner.

2. Faster & More Efficient

Forget waiting for oil to heat and batches to fry. With this method, the churro dough is piped into molds or placed on a trivet, pressure-cooked to perfection, and then lightly coated in butter and cinnamon sugar.

3. Kid-Friendly & Family Approved

Because there’s no hot oil involved, this recipe is a great one to make with kids. Let them help pipe the dough, roll the finished bites in cinnamon sugar, or sneak a taste of the warm, buttery goodness.

What Do These Churro Bites Taste Like?

Imagine everything you love about a traditional churro the warm, soft interior, the crisp sugar-dusted exterior, and that unmistakable cinnamon aroma all wrapped up into a tiny, fluffy package. These churro bites are slightly cakier than their deep-fried cousins, but just as flavorful and satisfying.

The combination of butter, egg, and cinnamon in the dough creates a rich, aromatic base, while the sugar coating adds just the right amount of crunch. They’re best enjoyed warm, ideally with a dipping sauce like chocolate ganache, dulce de leche, or even a caramel drizzle.

Perfect Occasions for Instant Pot Churro Bites

These adorable, poppable treats are more than just a weeknight indulgence. They’re great for a variety of occasions:

• Birthday parties – Make a batch and serve them with dipping sauces on a sweets platter.

• Movie nights – These bites are the perfect alternative to popcorn.

• Holiday gatherings – Add them to your dessert buffet alongside cookies and fudge.

• Picnics or potlucks – Since they don’t need refrigeration and can be served at room temp, they’re perfect to take on the go.

• After-school treats – A fun surprise for the kiddos!

Easy Customizations and Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. While the classic cinnamon sugar combo is always a win, here are some ways to shake things up:

1. Fill Them with Something Sweet

Before piping the dough, you can spoon a small amount of Nutella, cream cheese, or fruit jam into the center to create a surprise filling.

2. Add a Chocolate Twist

Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough or melt chocolate chips to create a dipping sauce. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the finished bites for a fancy touch.

3. Spice it Up

Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or even cayenne pepper to the dough or sugar coating for a unique flavor profile.

4. Make It Vegan

Swap the butter with plant-based butter, and use a flax egg or another egg substitute to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.

5. Add Citrus Zest

Brighten the flavor by adding orange or lemon zest to the dough. It pairs beautifully with the warm notes of cinnamon and sugar.

Tips for Success

While this recipe is relatively foolproof, here are a few pro tips to ensure your churro bites turn out perfect every time:

• Let the dough cool slightly before adding the egg to avoid scrambling it.

• Use a piping bag with a star tip to mimic the classic ridged look of churros and ensure even sizing.

• Don’t overcrowd your mold or basket in the Instant Pot leave space between each bite to avoid sticking.

• Roll in the sugar while warm so the coating adheres properly.

• Serve immediately, if possible. These are best fresh out of the Instant Pot, while they’re warm and soft.

Are Instant Pot Churro Bites Healthy?

While these bites are still a dessert, they are a lighter alternative to traditional churros. Skipping the deep frying reduces oil and fat content, and making them from scratch allows you to control the ingredients. You can even use organic flour, unrefined sugar, or gluten-free alternatives to tailor them to your dietary preferences.

Portion control is also easier with bite-sized servings, making it possible to enjoy this treat without overindulging.

Conclusion:

Instant Pot Churro Bites are the ultimate dessert hack for busy families, party hosts, or anyone craving something sweet without the hassle of deep frying. They’re light, fluffy, cinnamon-kissed, and incredibly addictive and thanks to the Instant Pot, they’re also quick and low-maintenance.

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight treat, a holiday snack, or a unique dessert to impress your guests, these churro bites deliver on every front. With endless ways to customize them and the simplicity of pressure cooking, they’re bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.