Air Fryer Beignets in Your Kitchen

Air Fryer Beignets are the perfect dessert to bring a taste of New Orleans into your home. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy beignet with a crispy, golden-brown exterior, all without the mess and extra calories of deep frying. Using an air fryer to make beignets is a game-changer, providing a healthier alternative while still achieving that signature texture. Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or just craving a sweet treat, Air Fryer Beignets offer a quick, easy, and satisfying way to indulge in this classic pastry.

In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about making Air Fryer Beignets—from the ingredients to the steps involved and some pro tips to ensure your beignets turn out perfectly every time.

What Are Air Fryer Beignets?

Beignets, which are deep-fried dough pastries often dusted with powdered sugar, are a beloved treat that originated in New Orleans. Traditionally served as a breakfast item or dessert, these treats have become a cultural icon of the city, particularly due to their popularity at Café du Monde.

However, air frying beignets offers a modern twist, eliminating the need for heavy oil while still achieving a fluffy interior and crispy exterior. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to mimic the deep-frying process, making these pastries just as light and crispy, but without all the oil.

Key Characteristics of Air Fryer Beignets:

• Texture: Soft and fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside.

• Shape: Typically square-shaped or sometimes rectangular.

• Flavor: Slightly sweet with subtle notes of vanilla, complemented by the richness of butter and sugar.

Why Make Beignets in an Air Fryer?

Using an air fryer to make Air Fryer Beignets offers a healthier, faster, and less messy alternative to traditional methods. By reducing the amount of oil required, you can enjoy a crispy, golden exterior and a light, fluffy interior without the guilt of deep frying. Here are some key benefits of using an air fryer for this recipe:

Advantages of Air Frying Beignets:

• Healthier Option: Less oil equals fewer calories and fat compared to deep frying.

• Faster Cooking Time: Air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens, making the process quick and efficient.

• No Mess: Say goodbye to hot oil splatters. The air fryer keeps everything contained and mess-free.

• Crispy Results: Air fryers use rapid air circulation, which results in a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft interior.

Ingredients You Need for Air Fryer Beignets

To make Air Fryer Beignets, you’ll need only a few simple ingredients. Most of these are pantry staples that you may already have at home:

• Warm Milk – Whole milk helps activate the yeast, giving the beignets their fluffy texture.

• Active Dry Yeast – The key to achieving the perfect rise and airy interior.

• Sugar – Used to sweeten the dough and activate the yeast.

• All-Purpose Flour – The base of the dough, which provides structure.

• Egg – Adds richness and structure to the dough.

• Unsalted Butter – Both in the dough and brushed on top of the beignets for flavor and to ensure golden browning.

• Vanilla Extract – For a subtle depth of flavor.

• Salt – To balance the sweetness.

• Powdered Sugar – For dusting, giving the beignets their iconic look.

• Cooking Spray – To prevent the dough from sticking to the air fryer basket.

How to Make Air Fryer Beignets: Step-by-Step

Making Air Fryer Beignets is easy, especially with the help of an air fryer. Here’s how you can prepare these delicious pastries:

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

1. In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup of warm milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast.

2. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

1. In a stand mixer bowl, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar.

2. Pour in the yeast mixture, followed by 1 beaten egg, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

3. Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer and mix on low speed until combined.

4. Increase the speed to medium-low and continue mixing for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

1. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.

2. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The dough should puff up but will not quite double in size.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

1. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.

2. Roll the dough into a 6×8-inch rectangle.

3. Cut the dough into 2-inch squares, yielding about 12 squares.

Step 5: Air Fry the Beignets

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

3. Place 4 to 6 beignet squares in the basket, leaving space between each.

4. Brush with melted butter and air fry for 6 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Dust with Powdered Sugar

1. Once the beignets are cooked, immediately dust them with powdered sugar while they’re still hot.

2. Repeat with the remaining dough squares, serving each batch fresh from the air fryer.

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Beignets

To ensure your Air Fryer Beignets come out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use the Right Temperature for Milk: Ensure the milk is between 100-110°F to activate the yeast properly. If the milk is too hot or cold, the yeast won’t bloom effectively.

• Butter Cooling: Always let the melted butter cool before adding it to the dough to prevent cooking the eggs or killing the yeast.

• Air Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Beignets need space to puff up, so air fry them in batches for the best texture.

• Serve Immediately: Beignets are best served hot and fresh from the air fryer for that crispy exterior and soft, airy interior.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Air Fryer Beignets

Can I make Air Fryer Beignets without an air fryer?

Yes, you can make these beignets without an air fryer. If you don’t have one, you can bake them in a convection oven, which also uses circulating hot air to cook food. This method will give you a similar texture. Simply place the beignet squares on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 10-13 minutes or until they puff up and turn golden brown. After baking, brush with melted butter and dust with powdered sugar for that classic beignet look and taste.

How do I store leftover Air Fryer Beignets?

Though beignets are best served hot, if you happen to have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to reheat them, simply pop them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to warm them up without losing that crispy texture. If you’ve already dusted the beignets with powdered sugar, it’s better to reheat them in the oven to prevent the sugar from flying around the air fryer basket.

Why didn’t my Air Fryer Beignets puff up?

If your Air Fryer Beignets didn’t puff up as expected, there are a few potential reasons for this:

• Inactive yeast: Make sure the yeast is fresh and that the milk used to activate it isn’t too hot or too cold. Yeast needs warmth to bloom, but excessive heat can kill it.

• Insufficient rising time: If the dough doesn’t rise long enough or rises too much, the beignets might not puff properly. Let the dough rise until it is about 50% larger than its original size, but don’t overdo it.

• Incorrect air fryer temperature: Ensure your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature of 375°F and that you’re cooking the beignets at the right time. If they’re undercooked, they may not rise properly.

Can I use different flour for Air Fryer Beignets?

The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with other flours, though it may affect the texture. For instance, you could try bread flour for a slightly chewier texture. If you use gluten-free flour, make sure it’s a one-to-one substitute for all-purpose flour, though the results may vary in texture and taste.

Can I add extra flavors or fillings to the Air Fryer Beignets?

Yes! While traditional Air Fryer Beignets are simple and sweet, you can get creative with different flavors. For instance, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor. You can even fill the dough with a dollop of chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, or cream cheese before air frying to create a filled beignet. Just be careful not to overstuff the dough, as it could affect how they puff up during cooking.

How do I prevent my beignets from sticking to the air fryer basket?

To prevent the Air Fryer Beignets from sticking, be sure to:

• Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray before adding the dough squares.

• Use parchment paper designed for the air fryer, which can help minimize sticking.

• Make sure you leave enough space between each beignet for air circulation.

Can I freeze Air Fryer Beignets?

Yes, you can freeze Air Fryer Beignets before cooking them. Once the dough is cut into squares, arrange them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze them for about 30 minutes or until firm. After that, transfer the frozen dough squares into a ziplock bag or airtight container. To cook frozen beignets, there’s no need to thaw them—just air fry them directly at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and puffed.

Troubleshooting Your Air Fryer Beignets

Even with a great recipe, things can sometimes go wrong. If you encounter issues while making Air Fryer Beignets, don’t worry! Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

• Beignets are not browning: If the beignets are puffing but not turning golden brown, ensure that your air fryer is preheated and that you’re using melted butter on top of the dough before cooking. Butter helps the beignets crisp up and gives them that golden color.

• Beignets are too dense: This usually happens when the dough hasn’t risen enough. Let the dough rise for the full 1 to 1 1/2 hours to ensure that it has enough time to puff up.

• Dough is too sticky to shape: If your dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour while kneading. But don’t add too much—keep the dough soft and slightly tacky to get that perfect texture.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Beignets

Air Fryer Beignets are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and toppings. Here are some ideas:

• Coffee or Café au Lait: Beignets are traditionally enjoyed with a cup of coffee or café au lait. The slight sweetness of the beignets complements the richness of coffee perfectly.

• Chocolate Sauce or Ganache: For an indulgent twist, serve the beignets with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce or ganache.

• Fresh Berries: Top your beignets with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing contrast to their sweetness.

• Whipped Cream: If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of your beignets will elevate the experience.

Recipe Card for Air Fryer Beignets

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup warm whole milk (110-120°F)

• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast

• 1/3 cup + 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (divided)

• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• Cooking spray (for air fryer)

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour and remaining sugar. Add the yeast mixture, beaten egg, melted butter (reserve some for brushing), vanilla, and salt.

3. Using a dough hook, mix on low speed until the dough comes together. Then increase the speed to medium-low and mix for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth.

4. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, and cover it. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until it’s about 50% larger.

5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 6×8-inch rectangle, then cut it into 2-inch squares.

6. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the dough squares, leaving space between each.

7. Brush the beignets with some of the melted butter and air fry for 6 minutes, checking halfway through and brushing with more butter if needed.

8. Dust the hot beignets with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

Notes:

• Ensure the milk is not too hot when blooming the yeast, as it can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.

• For a golden color, brush melted butter on top of the beignets before air frying.

• Air fry in batches to ensure the beignets have enough room to puff up.

• You can substitute bread flour for all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 153 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 24g

• Protein: 3g

• Fat: 5g

• Saturated Fat: 3g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 1g

• Trans Fat: 0.2g

• Cholesterol: 26mg

• Sodium: 58mg

• Potassium: 43mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 8g

• Vitamin A: 150IU

• Vitamin C: 0.001mg

• Calcium: 15mg

• Iron: 1mg

Recipe Information:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 6 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 26 minutes

• Method: Air Fryer

• Cuisine: American (New Orleans)

• Servings: 12 beignets

• Calories: 153 kcal per serving

• Yield: 12 beignets