Air-Fried Beignets: A Quick, Easy Treat!

Beignets are a New Orleans classic, usually deep-fried and covered in a layer of powdered sugar. However, you can make them in an air fryer, which is faster, easier, and less messy. This paragraph will tell you how to make beignets with biscuits in an air fryer.

Preparing the dough

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The exact quantities may vary depending on your recipe, but you will typically need all-purpose flour, sugar (both granulated and confectioners' or powdered), yeast, salt, eggs, butter, and milk. You may also require some vegetable oil or cooking spray for greasing.

Once you have your ingredients, you can start by preparing your yeast. In a small bowl, combine lukewarm water or milk, a pinch of sugar, and the yeast. Let this mixture proof for around 5 to 10 minutes. You should see a frothy or foamy appearance on the surface. If this doesn't happen, your yeast is not active, and you will need to start again with new yeast.

Next, in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and butter. You can cut or rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles breadcrumbs. Then, add the egg and yeast mixture to the bowl. If using milk, add this as well. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms. You may need to adjust the consistency with a little more flour or milk, depending on the texture.

At this stage, your dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Transfer it to a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Now, let the dough rise. Place it in a warm spot, such as on top of your refrigerator, in a sunny window, or in an oven with just the light on. The dough should double in size, which can take around 2 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator if you're preparing it ahead of time.

Once your dough has risen, it's time to roll it out. Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough. Roll it into a rectangle, approximately 6 inches by 8 inches in size. Then, cut the dough into strips and then into squares. The traditional beignet shape is a diamond or rectangle, but you can also experiment with circles or other shapes if desired.

And there you have it! Your beignet dough is now ready to be cooked in your air fryer. Remember to preheat your air fryer, brush your beignets with melted butter, and cook in batches for that perfect golden, crispy finish. Enjoy the sweet, fluffy results of your efforts!

Cutting the dough

First, the dough needs to rise for a couple of hours until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial as it allows the dough to become soft and airy, ensuring that your beignets will be light and fluffy. Once the dough has risen, it's time to roll it out. Use a rolling pin to gently stretch the dough into a rectangle or square, depending on your desired beignet shape. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch.

Now you're ready to cut the dough. For traditional beignets, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into rectangular or diamond-shaped pieces. You can also get creative and experiment with different shapes, such as squares or circles. This is a fun way to make your beignets unique. Remember, you can make the beignets any size you like, but keep in mind that this will affect the yield. For example, one recipe suggests cutting the dough into 24 (2-inch x 3-inch) rectangles.

If you're using a biscuit dough shortcut, the process is slightly different. Separate the biscuits and cut each one into quarters. Then, roll each piece of dough into a ball with your hands, sealing the edges if using flaky biscuits. This method will give you rounder beignets instead of the traditional square shape but will still deliver that delicious beignet taste!

Once your dough is cut, you're almost ready to start cooking. Just remember to preheat your air fryer, brush your beignets with melted butter, and you'll be frying up delicious treats in no time!

Air-frying the beignets

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your beignet dough by following the recipe of your choice. Once the dough is ready, cut it into your desired shape and size. Traditional beignets are often cut into diamond or square shapes, but you can also experiment with circles or rectangles. Keep in mind that the size and shape of your beignets may affect the cooking time, so adjust accordingly.

Brush the beignets with melted butter. This step is important as it will give your beignets a golden exterior and a delicious, rich flavour. Place the beignets into the preheated air fryer, leaving space between each one to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the beignets in batches.

Cook the beignets for 5 to 10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to ensure they don't overcook. If desired, flip them over halfway through the cooking time to achieve an even colour on both sides. Once they are puffed and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and repeat the process with any remaining beignets.

Finally, the finishing touch: dust the beignets with powdered sugar. This signature step will give your beignets an authentic New Orleans-style appearance and a sweet flavour. Serve the beignets warm, and if desired, pair them with a chocolate or raspberry sauce for an extra indulgent treat. Enjoy!

Dusting with sugar

If you are making beignets ahead of time, note that they are best served hot out of the air fryer. However, you can keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you need to reheat them, pop them in an air fryer preheated to 350°F for 2-3 minutes, or until they are warmed through. If your beignets are already coated with sugar, it is recommended to heat them in a regular oven, as the fan in an air fryer will blow the sugar all over the inside of your appliance.

Serving suggestions

Beignets are a classic New Orleans treat, often served with coffee or cafe au lait. They are best served hot and fresh out of the air fryer, dusted with powdered sugar.

If you want to get creative, you can serve beignets with a variety of toppings and dips. Here are some suggestions:

• Melt some chocolate morsels and drizzle chocolate sauce on top.
• Dip them in a fruit jam or sauce, such as raspberry coulis (purée fresh raspberries with a little simple syrup and strain out the seeds) or chocolate sauce.
• Pair them with a rich mug of hot chocolate.
• For a more indulgent treat, add a drizzle of chocolate ganache or chocolate syrup.
• Serve them with a strong dark cup of coffee or an espresso martini. The sugar in the beignets balances out the coffee, making them perfect for dipping.

Frequently asked questions