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

Beignets are a beloved French pastry, typically deep-fried, that can be made in an air fryer. Air-fried beignets are a healthier alternative to the traditional recipe, as they require far less oil. They are simple to make and can be prepared with basic ingredients such as flour, sugar, butter, and yeast. The dough is mixed, allowed to rise, cut into shape, and then cooked in the air fryer. The result is a sweet, fluffy, and crispy treat, perfect for dessert or breakfast.

Air fryer beignets ingredients

Air fryer beignets are a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version of this New Orleans classic. The recipe yields fluffy, sweet, and light pastries that are perfect for dessert or a snack. Here's a list of ingredients you'll need to make air fryer beignets:

Ingredients:

• Flour: All-purpose flour is the base of the beignet dough. You'll need 2 cups of flour, plus a little extra for working the dough and rolling it out.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is used in the dough, and you'll also need confectioners' or powdered sugar for dusting on top of the beignets after they're cooked.
• Yeast: Active dry yeast is essential for the dough to rise properly. It's combined with warm milk and sugar to activate before being added to the other ingredients.
• Milk: Warm whole milk is used to activate the yeast and create light and fluffy beignets.
• Butter: Melted butter is used in the dough, and additional melted butter is brushed on the beignet squares before air frying to give them a golden exterior and a rich flavor.
• Eggs: You'll need one large egg, plus an additional egg yolk for the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: This adds flavor to the beignet dough.
• Salt: A small amount of salt is added to the dough to enhance the other flavors.
• Cooking Spray: A nonstick cooking spray is necessary to prevent the dough from sticking to the air fryer basket.

With these ingredients and an air fryer, you can make delicious beignets that are golden brown on the outside and fluffy on the inside!

How to make the dough

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need milk, sugar, yeast, flour, eggs, butter, vanilla, and salt. You can also add a little extra butter and sugar for the topping.

To make the dough, start by combining the yeast, sugar, and milk in a bowl. Set this aside for at least 5 minutes to let the yeast activate. The milk should be lukewarm, around 100-110°F, to ensure the yeast blooms without dying. You will know it is ready when the mixture becomes foamy.

While you wait, melt the butter in a separate bowl and combine it with the eggs and vanilla.

Next, add the remaining sugar, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix on a low speed for about a minute until the ingredients are incorporated. Then, drizzle in the egg and butter mixture.

Continue mixing on a medium speed for about 4 minutes, or until an elastic and smooth dough is formed. You may need to stop and scrape the bowl as you go.

Once the dough is ready, form it into a ball and place it into a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise. This should take about an hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.

After the dough has risen, you can start shaping and cutting it into individual beignet pieces.

How to cook the beignets

Ingredients

To make the beignets, you will need the following ingredients:

• Flour
• Sugar (granulated and/or powdered)
• Milk (whole or skimmed)
• Eggs
• Butter (unsalted)
• Yeast (active dry)
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Baking powder (optional)

Method

• Combine the yeast, milk, and sugar in a bowl. Set aside for at least 5 minutes to let the yeast bloom.
• Melt the butter in a separate bowl and mix it with the eggs and vanilla extract.
• In a large bowl, mix together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. You can also add baking powder for extra fluffiness.
• Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and mix until combined.
• Pour in the egg and butter mixture, then mix until a smooth dough forms. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or mix by hand.
• Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out to your desired thickness (about a quarter-inch is recommended).
• Cut the dough into your desired shape using a cookie cutter, knife, or pizza cutter. Traditional beignets are rectangular or square, but you can also make round beignets.
• Preheat your air fryer to between 350-375°F (180-190°C).
• Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. Place the beignets in the basket, making sure they don't touch, and coat them with cooking spray or melted butter.
• Air fry the beignets for 4-6 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.
• Remove the beignets from the air fryer and place them on a cooling rack.
• Brush the warm beignets with melted butter and dust them with powdered sugar.
• Serve warm! Beignets are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for a day or two.

Tips and Variations

• You can let the dough rise overnight in the fridge, then roll and cut the beignets in the morning for fresh beignets without the early morning prep.
• If you don't have a stand mixer, you can mix the dough by hand with a wooden spoon and knead it on a floured surface.
• Be careful not to let the dough rise for too long, as this can cause the beignets to puff up and then collapse.
• For a crispier texture, brush the beignets with melted butter before cooking.
• You can also fill the beignets with Nutella or jam, or dip them in chocolate, caramel sauce, or Greek yogurt.

Tips for making the recipe

• For the best results, use whole milk, which will create a silkier dough. However, you can also use 2-percent or skim milk, or substitute plant-based milk. Note that non-dairy milk may slightly alter the taste of the beignets.
• If you don't have a stand mixer, you can mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon and knead the dough by hand.
• The dough needs a minimum of 1 hour to rise properly, but this could take longer depending on local weather and elevation.
• To create the signature square shape of the beignets, use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the dough.
• After adding the beignets to the air fryer, brush the tops of each square with melted butter. This will help them develop a crisp outer layer with a donut-like texture.
• Air fry in batches if needed. This recipe cooks best when arranged in a single layer with space between each beignet. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the beignets in two or three batches.

How to store leftovers

Beignets are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, there are a few ways to store them. Firstly, it is important to note that beignets should not be refrigerated for too long, as this can make them soggy. If you plan on eating the leftovers within a few days, it is best to store them at room temperature in a paper bag or an airtight container. They should remain good for 2-3 days.

If you don't think you will finish the beignets within this time frame, you can extend their shelf life by refrigerating them. However, before placing them in the refrigerator, make sure to wrap the beignets tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent moisture from getting in. Beignets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

For longer storage, freezing is the best option. To freeze beignets, let them cool completely at room temperature, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent them from sticking together. Place the wrapped beignets in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the back of the freezer, where the temperature is coldest. Frozen beignets can last up to three months, but it is recommended to consume them within the first month for optimal freshness.

When reheating beignets, it is best to avoid the microwave as it can make them rubbery and soggy. Instead, reheat them in the oven, air fryer, or skillet to maintain their texture and flavour.

Frequently asked questions