Craving those iconic powdered sugar-dusted pillows of fried dough from New Orleans, but don’t want the hassle of deep frying? You’re in luck! Air fryer beignets deliver that same delightful pastry experience with significantly less oil and mess.
The first time I tried making these in my air fryer, I was genuinely shocked at how closely they resembled the traditional version – crispy on the outside, light and airy on the inside, and perfectly puffed. Whether you’re looking for a special weekend breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat, these air fryer beignets will transport your taste buds straight to Café du Monde without leaving your kitchen.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
This air fryer beignet recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, you get all the pleasure of freshly made beignets without the intimidation factor of deep-frying or the resulting oil cleanup.
The air fryer creates that signature golden exterior while using just a fraction of the oil. Plus, these beignets come together much faster than traditional versions – perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings or impressing weekend guests. What makes this version special is that it doesn’t sacrifice authenticity for convenience.
The dough still develops that perfect chew and airy interior that defines a proper beignet. As someone who lived in Louisiana for years, I was skeptical at first, but these air-fried versions truly capture the essence of what makes beignets so beloved. They’re less greasy but just as satisfying as their deep-fried cousins.
Equipment needed: Air fryer, rolling pin, mixing bowls, pastry cutter or knife, parchment paper
Air Fryer Beignets
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons 1 packet active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water 110-115°F
- ¼ cup granulated sugar divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg room temperature
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- Cooking spray or olive oil in a spray bottle
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and activated.
- Form the dough base: Add the remaining sugar, salt, egg, and evaporated milk to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
- Incorporate the flour: Add 3 ½ cups of flour gradually, mixing after each addition. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Add the remaining ½ cup if needed.
- Add butter and knead: Pour in melted butter and mix until incorporated. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow to rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll and cut the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness. Using a pastry cutter or knife, cut into 2-inch squares.
- Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Cut parchment paper to fit your air fryer basket, then poke several holes in it for airflow.
- Cook the beignets: Place beignets on the parchment paper in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Lightly spray with oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Dust with sugar: Immediately transfer hot beignets to a plate and generously dust with powdered sugar on both sides while still warm.
- Serve promptly: Enjoy while still warm for the best taste and texture!
Notes
- For the best rise, make sure your yeast is fresh and your water temperature is correct (110-115°F).
- The dough can be made the night before and refrigerated. Just let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling and cutting.
- Work in small batches – don’t overcrowd the air fryer or the beignets won’t puff properly.
- The parchment paper is crucial to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- These are best served immediately after cooking, but can be reheated in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes if needed.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories: Approximately 150 calories per beignet (without excessive powdered sugar)
- Carbohydrates: 28g per beignet
- Protein: 3g per beignet
- Fat: 3g per beignet
- Contains wheat and dairy; not suitable for gluten-free or vegan diets without modifications
- Significantly lower in fat compared to traditional deep-fried beignets
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overheating the yeast water: If water is too hot (over 115°F), it will kill the yeast and your dough won’t rise.
- Skipping the parchment paper: Without it, the dough will stick to the air fryer basket and create a mess.
- Cutting beignets too thick: Thicker than ¼ inch will result in doughy centers that don’t cook through properly.
- Overcrowding the air fryer: This prevents proper air circulation and results in uneven cooking.
- Not using enough powdered sugar: A generous coating is part of the authentic beignet experience – don’t be shy!
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, but expect a slightly different texture.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of evaporated milk, and plant-based butter instead of regular butter.
- No evaporated milk? Regular whole milk will work, though the dough may be slightly less rich.
- Flavor variations: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a different twist.
- No active dry yeast? Instant yeast works too – skip the proofing step and add directly to the flour.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling and cutting.
Why didn’t my beignets puff up properly?
This usually happens if your yeast was old or inactive, if the dough didn’t rise long enough, or if your air fryer temperature was too low. Make sure your yeast is fresh and give the dough adequate time to double in size before cooking.
How do I know when the beignets are done cooking?
They should be golden brown on the outside and fully puffed. If you’re unsure, you can break one open – the inside should be cooked through but still light and airy, not doughy.
Can I freeze these beignets?
While they’re best fresh, you can freeze the dough after cutting it into squares. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with air fryer beignets?
Traditionally, beignets are served with café au lait (coffee with hot milk). They’re also delicious with a side of fresh berries, chocolate sauce for dipping, or even a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Final Thoughts
Making air fryer beignets brings a little taste of New Orleans magic into your kitchen without the intimidation factor of traditional deep frying.
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about biting into these warm, sugar-dusted treats that you’ve made yourself. Don’t worry if your first batch isn’t perfect – beignet making is an art that gets better with practice. So heat up that air fryer, roll out that dough, and transport yourself to the French Quarter, one powdery, delicious bite at a time.
