Air Fryer Gluten-Free Beignets: A Dairy-Free Delight

Beignets are a popular New Orleans treat, often enjoyed during Mardi Gras. They are fried dough pastries, crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside. They are usually dusted with powdered sugar, but can also be served with a chocolate or raspberry sauce.

Traditionally, beignets are deep-fried, but they can also be made in an air fryer for a healthier alternative. Air-fried beignets are cooked at a lower temperature than their deep-fried counterparts, resulting in a more uniform texture without the large air pockets formed by rapid contact with hot oil. They are best enjoyed fresh, as they tend to lose their crispness when stored.

Gluten-free and dairy-free beignets can be made by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using non-dairy milk and butter alternatives. These variations allow those with dietary restrictions to enjoy this delicious treat.

Air fryer temperature and duration

Air Fryer Temperature:

The ideal temperature for cooking beignets in an air fryer is around 350°F (180°C). This temperature setting allows the beignets to cook through evenly, achieving a balance between a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Aim for a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.

Air Fryer Duration:

The duration for cooking beignets in an air fryer can vary depending on the size of the beignets and the specific model of the air fryer. On average, cooking times range from 3 to 6 minutes for each batch of beignets. It is important to keep an eye on the beignets during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning.

• Preheat the air fryer before placing the beignets inside. This ensures that the air fryer is at the desired temperature, promoting even cooking.
• Brush the beignets generously with melted butter before placing them in the air fryer. This adds flavor and helps with browning.
• Cook the beignets in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can affect cooking times and temperature.
• Flip the beignets halfway through the cooking process for more even browning. However, they will still brown on all sides even without flipping.
• Dust the beignets with confectioners' sugar or dip them in chocolate or raspberry sauce for added flavor and presentation.

Remember that air fryer models can vary, so it is always a good idea to consult your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines. Additionally, gluten-free flour blends can have different starch-to-grain ratios, so you may need to adjust the moisture levels in your batter accordingly.

Gluten-free flour options

GfJules Flour is a popular option for gluten-free beignets, with its award-winning formula promising "no grit, no denseness, no funky taste". It's a versatile flour that can be used in a variety of recipes, from beignets to funnel cakes and King Cakes.

Other gluten-free flour blends that have been tried and tested for beignet recipes include Cup4Cup and Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten-Free Flour Blend. It is important to note that not all gluten-free flour blends are created equal, and some may not work well with yeast, which is a key ingredient in beignet dough.

When choosing a gluten-free flour blend, look for one that is specifically designed for use with yeast. Bob's Red Mill Pizza Mix is another option that has been used successfully in beignet recipes, but keep in mind that this mix contains dairy, so it may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies or intolerances.

Additionally, some recipes call for the addition of xanthan gum to the gluten-free flour blend if it doesn't already contain it. This ingredient helps to improve the texture and rise of the beignets.

With the right gluten-free flour blend and a little bit of experimentation, you can enjoy delicious, fluffy beignets that are safe for those with gluten intolerances or allergies.

Dairy-free alternatives

Non-dairy milk is a suitable alternative to regular milk. You can use almond, soy, or coconut milk, or even water. Coconut milk will add a hint of coconut flavour, which is not traditional in beignets, but some recipes include evaporated milk, which has a dairy-free alternative made with coconut milk.

Some recipes suggest using non-dairy butter to make the beignets dairy-free. You can also use vegan butter or vegan caramel sauce as a topping.

Be aware that some gluten-free flour blends contain dairy, so check the ingredients before you start.

Yeast and dough preparation

The first step in making gluten-free and dairy-free beignets is preparing the yeast and dough. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need:

• 1 cup of warm water (110° F)
• 1/4 cup of granulated cane sugar
• 1 package of active dry or instant yeast
• 1 large egg (or 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons of water, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder)
• 1/2 cup of evaporated milk (non-dairy option: use coconut evaporated milk or make your own non-dairy evaporated milk)
• 3 3/4 cups of gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of shortening (vegetable or palm shortening)

Combining the Ingredients

• In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir the mixture and set it aside to activate the yeast. Let it sit until it becomes frothy, which should take at least 5 minutes.
• In a separate bowl, beat together the egg and milk.
• Gradually add 1 cup of gluten-free flour and salt to the egg and milk mixture. Beat until well combined.
• Cut the shortening into small chunks and mix them into the egg, milk, and flour mixture.
• Slowly beat in the remaining flour and the proofed yeast mixture until everything is completely mixed. The dough should start to pull away from the sides of the bowl and have a smooth, non-sticky consistency.

Kneading and Shaping the Dough

• Turn the dough out onto a clean surface or a pastry mat lightly dusted with gluten-free flour.
• Gently roll the dough into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle.
• Using a large, sharp knife, cut the dough into strips that are 2 inches wide. Cut on a diagonal to create a diagonal edge on the strips.
• Cut across these strips to make 2x2-inch diamond-shaped beignets. You should have approximately 24 beignets, with some extra dough scraps.

Allowing the Dough to Rise

• Place the cut beignets onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover them loosely with a damp towel or parchment paper.
• Let the beignets rise in a warming drawer or an oven preheated to 200° F and then turned off. They will roughly double in size after rising for 45-90 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can let them rise slowly overnight in a chilly garage or refrigerator, which will give them a longer rise time and more complex flavours.

Serving suggestions

Beignets are a popular New Orleans treat and are best served fresh. They are traditionally served with coffee, black or au lait (with hot milk), and often combined with chicory root. They are also served with a chocolate or raspberry sauce for dipping, or drizzled with icing or a glaze.

If you want to serve your beignets with a chocolate sauce, chop 6 ounces of semi-sweet or dark chocolate and place in a bowl. Heat ¼ cup of heavy cream in the microwave or a small saucepan and pour over the chocolate. Add a teaspoon or so of instant espresso powder or instant chicory root and stir to blend.

For a raspberry sauce, stir ¼ cup of raspberry jam together with 1 tablespoon of warm water. Thin the sauce to your desired consistency for dipping.

For a thinner glaze, mix ½ cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk or coconut milk.

For a thicker icing, add a little non-dairy milk or extract to a small bowl of powdered sugar.

Beignets are also delicious topped with sugar and cinnamon, or served with chilli strawberry sauce.

Frequently asked questions