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

Beignets are a classic French pastry, typically deep-fried and enjoyed as a special treat for breakfast. But did you know you can make delicious beignets in an air fryer? It's true! With just a few simple and inexpensive ingredients and a few minutes of cooking time, you can create crunchy, airy, and savoury beignets with a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying. This healthier alternative to a sweet treat is sure to be a hit with your family and can be served with chocolate or raspberry sauce for an extra indulgent twist.

Air fryer beignets are healthier

The ingredients for air fryer beignets are simple and healthier, too. You will need warm milk, butter, yeast, sugar, and flour. The yeast needs to be activated with warm milk and sugar, so it is best to combine these ingredients first and let the mixture sit for a few minutes. The dough should then be left to rise in a warm place for around 1-1 1/2 hours. You can also prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight, which will allow the beignets to develop more flavor.

Once the dough has risen, it can be cut into squares or diamonds and placed into the air fryer basket. It is best to cook the beignets in batches, in a single layer with space around each one. The air fryer should be preheated to around 350-400°F, and the beignets will take around 6-10 minutes to cook, depending on the desired crispiness.

After cooking, the beignets can be brushed with melted butter and dusted with powdered sugar for a signature appearance. They can also be served with various dips, such as raspberry, chocolate, or cinnamon sugar. Air fryer beignets are best served hot and can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

The dough needs to rise

To activate the yeast, which is necessary for the dough to rise, use warm milk, not hot milk, and combine it with sugar. You can also use warm water, sour cream, or Greek yogurt. The sugar activates the yeast, so you will need about 2 tablespoons of it. Let the mixture sit for 3-4 minutes to allow the yeast to activate. Make sure to use yeast before the expiration date.

Yeast activation is key

To activate yeast, you need to create an environment that stimulates the yeast to feed and multiply. This is done by combining it with warm liquid, typically water or milk, and a source of sugar. The warm liquid should be between 98°F and 115°F (36.5°C to 46°C). If the liquid is too hot, it will kill the yeast, and if it's too cold, the yeast will remain dormant. So, it's important to use a thermometer to ensure the liquid is within the optimal temperature range.

Once you've combined the yeast with the warm liquid and sugar, you'll need to let the mixture sit undisturbed for about 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, the yeast will feed on the sugar and begin to multiply, causing the mixture to bubble up and become foamy. This foaming indicates that the yeast is active and ready to be used in your beignet dough.

Additionally, when working with yeast, it's important to check the expiration date and ensure that the yeast is fresh. Old or expired yeast may fail to activate, leading to unsuccessful beignet dough. Moreover, when mixing the yeast with liquid and sugar, be careful not to add salt by mistake, as this can negatively affect the activation process.

By paying close attention to the yeast activation process, you can ensure that your beignet dough rises adequately and that your final product turns out light, fluffy, and delicious.

Brushing with butter

Before cooking, brush the tops of the beignet dough squares with melted butter. It is important to note that the butter should be melted and then allowed to cool slightly before brushing it onto the dough. This step ensures that the butter is evenly distributed and easily absorbed by the dough.

After brushing with butter, place the beignets in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking. Air fry at 350°F for about 6-7 minutes, and then flip them over and cook for another 6-7 minutes.

Once the beignets are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and repeat the process with the remaining beignets, if any. It is recommended to serve beignets fresh out of the air fryer to enjoy them at their best.

For an extra indulgent touch, brush the beignets with additional melted butter after cooking. This step is optional but will enhance the flavour and texture of the beignets. Finally, dust the beignets with powdered sugar for the perfect finish.

Dusting with sugar

The final step in making beignets in an air fryer is dusting them with sugar. This gives the beignets their signature appearance and is a key part of the dessert. The sugar used for dusting is typically powdered sugar, also known as confectioners' sugar. This type of sugar is preferred because it gives the beignets a delicate, fluffy texture.

There are a few different ways to dust the beignets with sugar. One way is to place the beignets in a large ziploc bag with the sugar and shake until they are completely coated. Another way is to simply sprinkle the sugar on top of the beignets. If you want to get creative, you can also make a dipping sauce by mixing the powdered sugar with milk or cream, resulting in a smooth and creamy dip that complements the light and airy texture of the beignets. Alternatively, you can roll the beignets in cinnamon sugar for a classic twist or dust them with cocoa powder for a chocolatey treat.

Beignets are best served warm, straight out of the air fryer, so it is recommended to dust them with sugar right before serving. If you have any leftover beignets, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an air fryer preheated to 350°F for 2-3 minutes. However, if your beignets are already coated in sugar, it is recommended to reheat them in a regular oven to avoid making a mess in your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions