Best Air Fryer Beignets Recipes

Beignet, a French-style doughnut, is a popular treat. Traditionally, it is deep-fried, resulting in a crispy outer layer with a light and fluffy interior. However, with the rise of healthier eating habits, people are wary of consuming deep-fried foods. Fortunately, with the advent of air fryers, you can now enjoy beignets without the added oil and calories of deep frying. In this article, we will discuss what air fryer beignets are, their benefits, and how you can make them.

What are air fryer beignets?

Air fryer beignets are a healthier alternative to traditional beignets. As the name implies, they are prepared using an air fryer instead of a deep fryer. An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that utilizes hot air technology to fry food. It circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior without the need for excess oil. Air fryer beignets are just as delicious as their deep-fried counterparts, but with fewer calories and less fat.

Benefits of air fryer beignets

There are several advantages to making air fryer beignets. Firstly, they are healthier than deep-fried beignets. They contain fewer calories and less fat since they don't require as much oil. This makes them an excellent choice for people watching their weight or trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, air fryer beignets are much easier to clean up after compared to deep-frying. They don't create a mess of hot oil to clean or burners to wipe down. Finally, air fryer beignets are versatile and can be made with different flavors and fillings.

How to Make Air Fryer Beignets

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Confectioners' sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Mix the flour, sugar, and yeast together in a large bowl.
2. Add the oil and salt, then mix again.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until it forms a sticky dough.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1 hour.
6. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface.
7. Use a cookie cutter to cut out circles in the dough.
8. Place the circles on a baking sheet, cover them with a damp towel, and allow them to rise for an additional 30 minutes.
9. Preheat the air fryer to 350 F.
10. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray.
11. Place the beignets in the basket, making sure they don't touch.
12. Lightly spray the beignets with cooking spray and air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and fluffy.
13. Remove the beignets from the air fryer and dust them with confectioners' sugar.

Variations

There are many variations of air fryer beignets, here are a few examples:

• Chocolate-filled beignets: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough and fill the beignets with chocolate hazelnut spread.
• Apple beignets: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough and fill the beignets with sliced apples and caramel sauce.
• Savory beignets: Omit the sugar and vanilla extract from the dough and fill the beignets with cooked bacon and cheddar cheese.

Conclusion

Air fryer beignets are a healthier alternative to deep-fried beignets. They are easy to make, low in calories, and versatile. With the help of an air fryer, you can enjoy tasty beignets without the added oil and guilt.

Beignets are a traditional sweet treat that are beloved in New Orleans and beyond. These deep-fried, doughnut-like treats are traditionally served dusted with powdered sugar and washed down with a cup of coffee. However, there's no denying that traditional beignets are not the healthiest option. Luckily, the air fryer has come to the rescue. With this handy kitchen gadget, you can still enjoy the delicious taste and texture of beignets but with a lot less guilt. Here are some valuable tips on how to make air fryer beignet recipes successfully.

Tip 1: Use the Right Dough

One of the most crucial elements of a good beignet is the dough. For air fryer beignets, it's important to use a dough recipe that doesn't contain too much moisture. If your dough is too wet, then it will become difficult to handle and may cause problems when frying. For best results, look for a recipe that calls for a relatively low amount of liquid – around one cup or less per six cups of flour. This will give you a dough that is easy to work with and will produce light, airy beignets.

Tip 2: Roll the Dough Thinly

When it comes to shaping your beignets, it's important to roll the dough out thinly. This will ensure that they cook evenly and don't become too dense or doughy in the center. Aim for a thickness of around 1/4 inch, and use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to cut the dough into squares.

Tip 3: Let the Dough Rest

After you've cut your dough into squares, it's important to let it rest for a little while before frying. This will give the gluten in the dough time to relax, which will ensure that your beignets are tender and fluffy. Aim to let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes, but up to an hour if possible.

Tip 4: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Before you start frying, be sure to preheat your air fryer. This will help to ensure that your beignets cook evenly and will prevent them from sticking to the basket. Set your air fryer to 350°F and let it preheat for around 5 minutes before you start cooking.

Tip 5: Fry in Small Batches

It's tempting to want to toss all of your beignets into the air fryer at once, but this can be a recipe for disaster. The air fryer works best when you fry in small batches, so aim to fry no more than four or five beignets at a time. This will give them plenty of room to cook evenly and will help to prevent them from sticking together.

Tip 6: Flip Halfway Through

To ensure that your beignets cook evenly on both sides, it's important to flip them halfway through the cooking process. Use a pair of tongs to gently turn each beignet over, being careful not to damage the delicate surface.

Tip 7: Keep an Eye on the Time

Beignets can go from perfectly golden brown to burnt in a matter of seconds, so it's important to keep an eye on them as they cook. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your beignets and the temperature of your air fryer, so aim to start checking them after around 6-7 minutes of cooking.

Tip 8: Avoid Overcrowding the Basket

If you try to fry too many beignets at once, they will start to stick together and may not cook evenly. To avoid this, be sure to leave plenty of room around each beignet in the air fryer basket. This will ensure that they have plenty of space to cook evenly and will help to prevent them from sticking.

Conclusion

Air fryer beignets are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried beignets. By following these valuable tips, you can ensure that your beignets turn out perfectly every time. From using the right dough to frying in small batches, each of these tips will help to ensure a successful outcome. So next time you're craving something sweet, give air fryer beignets a try – your taste buds (and your waistline) will thank you!