Indulge In Air Fryer Beignets: The Quick And Easy Way To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Craving the fluffy, pillowy goodness of beignets but don’t want to deal with the hassle of deep-frying? Look no further! This guide will teach you how to make beignets easy air fryer, creating a delightful treat with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk (105-115°F)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Making the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Gradually add the warm milk while stirring until a dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Form the dough into a ball, place it in an oiled bowl, and cover it with plastic wrap.
5. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Preparing the Beignets:

1. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
2. Roll out each piece into a circle, about 3-4 inches in diameter.
3. Place the beignets in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them.

Air Frying:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Air fry the beignets for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Flip the beignets halfway through cooking for even browning.

Making the Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Dip the hot beignets into the glaze and let the excess drip off.

Serving:

Serve the beignets warm with additional powdered sugar sprinkled on top, if desired.

Tips

• For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of low-fat or skim milk.
• Don’t overwork the dough, as it will become tough.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
• If the beignets are not cooked through, increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
• Let the beignets cool slightly before dipping them into the glaze to prevent the glaze from melting.

Serving Suggestions

• Beignets are traditionally served with coffee or tea.
• They can also be enjoyed as a dessert with fresh fruit or ice cream.
• For a savory twist, try dipping them in a cheese sauce.

Delightful Variations

• Chocolate Beignets: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey treat.
• Cinnamon Sugar Beignets: Sprinkle the beignets with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before air frying.
• Apple Pie Beignets: Fill the beignets with a mixture of diced apples, cinnamon, and sugar before sealing.

Beyond the Air Fryer

While the air fryer is a convenient option, beignets can also be made in other ways:

• Traditional Deep-Frying: Heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry the beignets until golden brown.
• Pan-Frying: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet and fry the beignets until both sides are golden brown.
• Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the beignets for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Information You Need to Know

1. Can I make beignets ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, bring the dough to room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling and frying.

2. How do I store beignets?

Beignets are best served fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.

3. Can I use other toppings besides powdered sugar?

Absolutely! Try topping your beignets with cinnamon sugar, chocolate sauce, or fresh fruit.