Air Fryer Beignets: 7 Joyful Bites to Savor

By:

Christina R. Jones

October 31, 2025

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There’s something truly magical about whipping up a batch of *air fryer beignets* right in your own kitchen! Imagine the moment when you take that first bite—light, fluffy, and just a touch sweet, these delightful treats are a game changer. What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to bring a taste of New Orleans to your home without the fuss of traditional frying. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create these pillowy clouds of goodness that are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s brunch with friends or a cozy evening treat. Trust me, once you try these air fryer beignets, you’ll be hooked on their deliciousness and easy preparation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: These air fryer beignets come together in just 15 minutes! You’ll have delicious treats ready in no time.
Easy Cooking Method: No deep frying required! The air fryer makes it simple and mess-free, so you can enjoy the fun without the hassle.
Delightful Taste: Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and fluffiness, making them utterly irresistible. They’re like little pillows of joy!
Healthier Alternative: By using an air fryer, you’re cutting down on the oil typically needed for frying, so you can indulge without the guilt.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack! Dress them up with toppings or enjoy them plain with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Beignets

1 cup all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your beignet dough, giving it that perfect fluffy texture.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to complement the dough without overpowering it.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This is your leavening agent, helping the beignets rise and become light and airy.
1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture to the dough, making it tender and delicious.
1 large egg: This provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together for a cohesive dough.
1 tablespoon melted butter: This adds a touch of richness and flavor that takes these beignets to the next level.
Powdered sugar for dusting: The finishing touch that makes your beignets look as delightful as they taste!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Beignets

Getting ready to whip up these delicious air fryer beignets is a breeze! I promise you, it’s all about combining a few simple ingredients and following some straightforward steps. Let’s dive into the process!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Dry Ingredients: Start by grabbing a medium bowl and combining the 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk them together until well blended. This step is crucial, as it ensures that your leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup milk, 1 large egg, and 1 tablespoon melted butter. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot; you don’t want to scramble the egg! Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
Make the Dough: Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Pour the wet mixture into your bowl of dry ingredients, and gently mix until a dough forms. Don’t overdo it—just mix until you no longer see dry flour. It’s okay if it looks a little shaggy; we’ll roll it out soon!
Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and transfer the dough onto it. With a rolling pin, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thick. This thickness is key to getting those fluffy beignets. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares, roughly 2 inches by 2 inches.
Preheat the Air Fryer: While you’re preparing the beignets, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential for ensuring they cook evenly and get that lovely golden color.
Air Fry the Beignets: Once the air fryer is preheated, place the beignet squares in the basket in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd them; you want them to have room to expand. If you have a smaller air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches.
Cook to Perfection: Cook the beignets for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when they turn a beautiful golden brown. The aroma wafting from your air fryer will be hard to resist!
Dust and Serve: Once they’re done, remove the beignets from the air fryer and dust them generously with powdered sugar while they’re still warm. This not only looks gorgeous but adds that delightful sweetness we all love!

And there you have it! A simple and fun way to make air fryer beignets that will have your family and friends raving. Enjoy every fluffy bite!

Tips for Success

To ensure your air fryer beignets turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that make all the difference!

Dough Thickness is Key: Aim for that sweet spot of about 1/4-inch thick when rolling out your dough. Too thick, and they won’t cook through; too thin, and they’ll lose that delightful puffiness. Trust me, you want them fluffy!
Preheat for Perfection: Always preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) before popping in the beignets. This step ensures they cook evenly and develop that lovely golden color we’re all after. It really makes a difference!
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give each beignet some space to breathe! Place them in a single layer, allowing room for them to puff up. If you overcrowd, you risk them cooking unevenly, and nobody wants that!
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on them as they cook! Depending on your air fryer, cooking times can vary slightly. If you notice they’re browning too quickly, flip them halfway for even cooking.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set for beignet success! Happy frying!

Nutritional Information

Before we dive into the delightful numbers, it’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Always keep that in mind when you’re whipping up these tasty air fryer beignets. But here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving (1 beignet):

Calories: 120
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 100mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 2g

These numbers make it easy to enjoy a sweet treat without feeling too guilty! So go ahead, indulge in those fluffy, delicious beignets—you deserve it!

FAQ Section

I know you might have a few questions about making these scrumptious air fryer beignets, so let’s tackle some common queries to help you out!

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture. The beignets may turn out slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!

How do I store leftovers?

If you happen to have any leftover beignets (which is rare, trust me!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Just be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes to get that fresh-out-of-the-fryer taste back!

What can I serve with air fryer beignets?

The options are endless! I love pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or a rich chocolate sauce for dipping. If you’re feeling fruity, a side of fruit preserves or a berry compote adds a lovely touch. You could even get creative and serve them with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert. Either way, they’re bound to be a hit!

Got more questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m here to help you make the most of your air fryer beignet experience!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your leftover air fryer beignets is simple! If you find yourself with any extras (which is a rare occurrence, I know!), let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days. Just make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

If you want to keep them longer, pop those beignets in the freezer! Wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This will bring back that fresh, fluffy goodness without losing any texture or flavor. Trust me, they’ll taste just as delightful as the first time!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your delicious air fryer beignets, the possibilities are endless! I love serving them warm with a steaming cup of coffee—there’s just something so comforting about that combination. If you’re in the mood for a little indulgence, a rich chocolate sauce makes for a divine dipping option that elevates these fluffy treats to a whole new level.

For a fruity twist, consider pairing them with homemade fruit preserves or a vibrant berry compote. The sweetness of the beignets combined with the tartness of the fruit creates a delightful contrast that’s simply irresistible. You could even go all out and serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these air fryer beignets are sure to be a hit with family and friends!