Crispy Air Fryer Beignets: Light, Fluffy and Ready Fast

Air fryer fans, prepare for something irresistible: beignets—those pillowy, powdered sugar–dusted morsels inspired by French fried dough and made famous in New Orleans. Good news: you can make them in an air fryer, which means no deep frying, less mess, and easier cleanup. These air fryer beignets are a game changer for snacks, breakfast, or a sweet treat any time.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Beignets

Gather the following ingredients to make about 12 beignets:

• Flour: 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Yeast: 1 packet (about 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast)
• Warm water: ½ cup (about 110°F) to activate the yeast
• Milk: ½ cup warm milk for richness
• Egg: 1 large egg for structure and tenderness
• Sugar: 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Butter: 2 tablespoons melted
• Salt: ½ teaspoon to enhance flavor
• Powdered sugar: For dusting the finished beignets

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Beignets

Follow these tips for light, airy beignets:

• Proof the dough: Let it rise until doubled—about 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on room temperature—so the beignets are airy and tender.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheating to 370°F helps the beignets puff and brown evenly.
• Keep pieces uniform: Cut the dough into even squares so they cook at the same rate.
• Watch the color: Air fryers vary, so check halfway through and adjust time to avoid over-browning.

Variations and Add-Ons

Customize your beignets:

• Cinnamon-sugar: Toss warm beignets in a mixture of ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for a spiced coating.
• Filled beignets: Pipe in jam, Nutella, or pastry cream after cooking for a filled treat.
• Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk for extra sweetness.

Tasty Air Fryer Beignets

Light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, these air fryer beignets are easier and less messy than traditional deep-fried versions and can be ready in under an hour.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 30 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Total Time 40 mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine French

Servings 12 beignets

Calories 116 kcal

Equipment

• Air-fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Pastry cutter
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• ½ cup warm water 110°F
• ½ cup warm milk
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until frothy.
• Add the warm milk, egg, remaining sugar, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture and mix until combined.
• Gradually stir in the flour until a dough forms, then knead about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Cover the bowl with a cloth and let the dough rise for about 30 minutes or until doubled.
• Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.
• On a floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick and cut into 2-inch squares with a pastry cutter.
• Arrange the squares in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces.
• Air fry for 4–5 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and puffed.
• Remove and dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

• Make sure the water and milk are warm (not hot) to activate the yeast without killing it.
• The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable; add a bit more flour if needed.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat briefly in the air fryer to refresh.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 beignet
Calories: 116 kcal
Carbohydrates: 19 g
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 3 g

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Air fryers excel at crisping food with less oil, so these beignets are a lighter alternative to deep-fried versions while still delivering great texture and flavor. Enjoy them hot and dusted with powdered sugar, or try one of the variations above to personalize your batch.