Air-Fried New Orleans Beignets: A Quick, Crispy Treat

New Orleans beignets are a beloved café pastry, typically deep-fried and enjoyed as an indulgent treat. But did you know you can make delicious beignets in an air fryer? This method is not only healthier, but it's also easier and less messy, with minimal cleanup required. In this article, we'll show you how to make these sweet, fluffy pillows of dough in your own kitchen using just an air fryer. We'll take you through the simple steps, from preparing the yeast dough to air frying the beignets to perfection. So get ready to indulge in this New Orleans classic without the guilt!

Preparing the yeast dough

Once the yeast is activated, add the remaining dry ingredients to the bowl: flour, salt, and, if desired, baking powder. Then, add the wet ingredients: egg, egg yolk, melted butter, vanilla, and, if using, water. Mix the ingredients on low speed until they are combined, and then increase the speed to medium or medium-high and mix until a smooth, elastic dough forms. This should take about 4-5 minutes.

Next, form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. The dough should increase by about 50% in size.

After the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Cut the dough into the desired shape—you can use a cookie cutter, or cut it into rectangles or squares with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

Letting the dough rest

During the resting period, the yeast in the dough becomes active and produces carbon dioxide gas, which causes the dough to expand and become airy. This process is known as proofing, and it is what gives beignets their distinctive texture.

Once the dough has doubled in size, it is ready to be rolled out and cut into the desired shape. Beignets are traditionally square or rectangular, but you can also use a round cookie cutter to create a more modern shape. After cutting the dough, it is important to let the pieces rest again on a cookie sheet for about 30 minutes, or until they have almost doubled in size. This second resting period ensures that the beignets will puff up nicely when cooked.

While the dough is resting, you can prepare your air fryer by coating the basket with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures that your beignets will not stick to the surface of the air fryer and makes for easier cleanup afterward.

In summary, letting the dough rest is a crucial step in making New Orleans-style beignets in an air fryer. It allows the dough to rise, giving the beignets their signature fluffy texture. By following the proper resting times and techniques, you can achieve delicious, airy beignets that rival any deep-fried version.

Preparing the air fryer

Before you start cooking your beignets, you'll need to prepare your air fryer. Here are the steps you should follow:

First, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to around 350-375°F (180°C).

Next, you'll need to grease the air fryer basket to prevent the dough from sticking. You can use cooking spray, canola oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil. Make sure to use a neutral-flavoured spray or oil intended for baking.

Now you're ready to place your beignet dough into the air fryer! Arrange the dough pieces in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each one. You may need to cook the beignets in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Brush the tops of the beignets with melted butter or spray them with cooking spray. This step will help you achieve a crispy, golden exterior. You can also brush them with egg yolk for a traditional fried beignet texture.

Once your beignets are in the air fryer and brushed with your desired topping, it's time to air fry! Cook the beignets for around 6-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. Keep an eye on them to ensure even browning, and brush with more butter if needed.

When the beignets are puffed and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and dust them with powdered sugar. If you're cooking in batches, keep the cooked beignets warm by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a low oven.

Air frying the beignets

Once the air fryer is prepared, it's time to place the dough into the basket. Arrange the dough pieces in a single layer, leaving space around each one. This is important as it allows the hot air to circulate and ensures even cooking. At this stage, you can also brush the tops of the beignets with melted butter or spray them with cooking spray to help achieve a crispy exterior.

Now it's time to air fry! Set your air fryer to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the beignets for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. Keep an eye on them, as the exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the beignets.

Once they're golden brown and cooked through, remove the beignets from the air fryer and place them on a serving platter. If you're cooking in batches, keep the cooked beignets warm by placing them in a low oven until you're ready to serve.

Finally, it's time to enjoy your delicious, crispy, and fluffy beignets! Brush the warm beignets with melted butter and dust them with a generous amount of powdered sugar. You can also get creative and dip them in chocolate sauce, cinnamon sugar, or even fill them with Nutella or jam for an extra indulgent treat. Serve them fresh and warm, and transport yourself to the cafes of New Orleans!

Serving the beignets

Once your beignets are cooked, it's time to serve them. Place the beignets on a serving platter and brush with melted butter. Then, dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle chocolate sauce over them. If you are cooking in batches, keep the cooked beignets in a warm area or in an oven set to 200°F.

Beignets are best served fresh and warm, so it is recommended to serve them right out of the fryer for maximum flavour and texture. They can be enjoyed with various accompaniments, such as coffee, orange juice, ice cream, chocolate sauce, and other sweet treats. For an authentic New Orleans flair, serve them with a cup of coffee and a cup of au lait (a French-style combination of half coffee and half steamed milk).

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