Air-Fried Beignets: A Tasty, Guilt-Free Treat?

Beignets are a type of fried dough pastry made famous by Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are typically deep-fried, but can also be made in an air fryer for a healthier alternative. Air-fried beignets are fluffy, sweet, and yeast-based, or made with puff pastry. They are usually served with a dusting of powdered sugar and can be enjoyed as a dessert or snack.

Air fryer beignet ingredients

Air fryer beignets are a delicious, healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. They are light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make this mouth-watering treat:

• Milk – Warm whole milk is ideal, as it helps activate the yeast, ensuring your beignets are light and airy.
• Yeast – Active dry yeast is the key to achieving that fluffy texture. It comes in packets or jars and should be combined with warm milk and sugar to activate before adding it to the other ingredients.
• Butter – Melted butter is used in the dough and for brushing the tops of the beignets before air frying. This gives them a golden exterior and a rich flavour.
• Cooking Spray – A neutral-flavoured cooking spray is essential for preventing the dough from sticking to your air fryer basket.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar is used in the dough, and confectioners' sugar (or powdered sugar) is used for dusting the tops of the hot beignets, giving them their signature appearance.
• Egg – This helps bind the ingredients together and contributes to the fluffy texture.
• Flour – All-purpose flour is the base of the dough, providing structure and ensuring the beignets hold their shape during cooking.
• Vanilla Extract – A small amount of vanilla adds a subtle, sweet flavour to the beignets.
• Salt – A pinch of salt enhances the other flavours in the dough.

Some recipes also call for an additional egg yolk, lukewarm water, or evaporated milk. With these ingredients and an air fryer, you're well on your way to creating delicious, airy beignets!

Air fryer beignet prep

Air fryer beignets are a healthier alternative to the traditional New Orleans recipe, which is deep-fried. This recipe is also quicker and easier to make, with fewer ingredients and less mess.

Ingredients

To make air fryer beignets, you will need:

• Butter
• Milk or water
• Flour
• Sugar
• Yeast
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Cooking spray
• Powdered sugar

Some recipes also include additional ingredients for a raspberry or chocolate dipping sauce, such as raspberry jam, or chocolate syrup.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Make the Dough

First, make the dough by combining the yeast with warm milk or water and sugar. Let this mixture rest until it becomes foamy. Then, add the remaining ingredients, except for the cooking spray and powdered sugar, and mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This step can also be done overnight in the refrigerator, which will enhance the flavor.

Step 3: Cut the Dough

After the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out. Cut the dough into your desired shape; traditional shapes include squares, diamonds, or circles.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F. It is important to preheat the air fryer for this recipe.

Step 5: Cook the Beignets

Brush the beignet dough with melted butter and place them in the air fryer basket in batches. Cook for around 5-6 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. You may need to brush them with more butter halfway through to ensure even browning.

Step 6: Dust with Powdered Sugar

Once the beignets are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and dust them with powdered sugar.

Tips

• Use a cooking spray to prevent the dough from sticking to the air fryer basket.
• The butter should be melted and then allowed to cool slightly before using.
• The milk or water should be warm, but not too hot, as this can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
• The dough should be placed in an oiled bowl to prevent sticking during the rising process.
• Choose a warm place for the dough to rise, such as an oven with the light on, a sunny window, or on top of the refrigerator.
• A pizza cutter or sharp knife can be used to cut the dough into the desired shape.
• For best results, serve the beignets hot and fresh.

Variations

While traditional beignets are made with yeast dough, an alternative recipe uses puff pastry instead, which is also cut into squares and cooked in the air fryer. This recipe is even quicker and easier, with no rising time required.

Air fryer beignet cooking instructions

Ingredients

• Milk (warm whole milk)
• Yeast (active dry yeast)
• Butter (melted)
• Cooking spray
• Powdered sugar
• Flour
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Optional ingredients

Raspberry sauce or chocolate sauce for dipping

Method

• Combine the milk, a small amount of sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Whisk together and let the yeast bloom for around 10 minutes, or until the mixture is very foamy.
• Add the flour and remaining sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
• Add the yeast mixture to the flour in the mixing bowl, along with the egg, melted butter, vanilla, and salt.
• Mix on low speed until combined, then increase the speed to medium-low and mix until a smooth dough has formed.
• Shape the dough into a ball and transfer it to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until it has increased in size (around 1 to 1 1⁄2 hours).
• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and stretch and roll it out.
• Cut the dough into your desired shape. Beignets are traditionally diamond-shaped or square.
• Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 375°F.
• Brush the beignets with melted butter and place them in the air fryer basket in batches, leaving space between each one.
• Air fry for around 5-6 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
• Remove from the air fryer and dust with powdered sugar.
• Serve warm, with raspberry or chocolate sauce if desired.

Tips

• If you want to make the dough ahead of time, you can let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before rolling it out and cutting it into shapes.
• Beignets are best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

Air fryer beignet toppings

Beignets are best known for their signature topping of powdered sugar, but there are many other toppings and dips that can be used to elevate this sweet treat.

For a classic take on the beignet, a generous dusting of powdered sugar is a must. This topping gives the pastry its iconic appearance and a sweet flavour.

For those who want to indulge even further, a drizzle of chocolate ganache or chocolate syrup is a perfect addition. If you're feeling particularly creative, you can even fill the beignets with Nutella or jam for an extra sweet surprise.

If you're looking for something fruity, a raspberry coulis or sauce is an excellent choice. To make a quick and easy raspberry sauce, simply stir together raspberry jam and warm water until you reach your desired consistency.

For a more indulgent option, why not dip your beignets in melted chocolate or caramel sauce? Or, if you're looking for something a little different, try dipping them in Greek yogurt.

Finally, a good strong cup of dark coffee pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the beignet.

While the traditional topping of powdered sugar is a classic for a reason, these alternative toppings and dips offer a fun and delicious way to switch up your beignet experience.

Air fryer beignet storage

Air fryer beignets are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

If you want to store beignets for longer, you can freeze them. First, cut the beignets and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper to flash freeze. Then, transfer the frozen beignets to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, simply add a few minutes to the cooking time, then remove them from the air fryer, top with confectioners' sugar, and serve.

Beignets are best reheated in a regular oven if they have already been coated with sugar. If they are plain, you can reheat them in an air fryer preheated to 350°F for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently asked questions