Air fryers have become a kitchen favorite for those seeking a healthier way to enjoy fried treats without the extra oil. If you've been eager to expand your dessert menu and venture into the realm of homemade desserts, learning to make beignets in an air fryer could be your next culinary adventure. Here’s how you can create perfect air fryer beignets with just five straightforward steps.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you embark on this sweet journey, ensure you have all your ingredients on hand:
- 1 cup warm water (around 110°F/45°C)
- 2 1⁄4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1⁄2 cup evaporated milk
- 2 tbsp shortening, melted
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- Powdered sugar for dusting
🍰 Note: Ensure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast effectively.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Begin your beignet-making process by preparing the dough:
- In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit until it’s frothy, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add the egg, evaporated milk, melted shortening, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough comes together but is still slightly sticky.
- Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size, around 1 to 2 hours.
Step 3: Shape the Beignets
After the dough has risen:
- Roll the dough out to about 1⁄4 inch thick on a floured surface.
- Cut into 2-inch squares or use a cookie cutter for various shapes.
- Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, allowing some space between them to rise a bit more.
🥟 Note: Cutting the dough into squares is traditional for beignets, but feel free to get creative with shapes!
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Now it’s time to utilize your air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). If your model allows for preset options, select the pastry setting.
- Lightly brush the beignets with oil or melted butter. You can also spray them with cooking spray for an even distribution.
- Place the beignets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for about 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. They should be golden brown and puffy.
Step 5: Dust and Serve
Finish your air fryer beignets:
- Once cooked, remove beignets from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two.
- Generously dust with powdered sugar. You might want to do this over a rack to catch excess sugar.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
💡 Note: Beignets are best enjoyed immediately, but if you need to store them, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature.
In mastering these steps, you've not only crafted delicious beignets but have also embraced the versatility and health benefits of your air fryer. From their fluffy texture to the crispy exterior, these beignets are sure to delight your taste buds and offer a new way to enjoy one of New Orleans' most beloved treats. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, air fryer beignets provide a satisfying indulgence with less guilt. Enjoy the process, the results, and the joy of sharing homemade beignets with friends and family.
Can I make these beignets gluten-free?
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Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these beignets gluten-free. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different.
How can I store leftover beignets?
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While beignets are best enjoyed fresh, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. To reheat, simply warm them in the air fryer for a few minutes or until heated through.
Can I add fillings to my air fryer beignets?
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Yes, you can! After air frying, use a piping bag to inject fillings like jam, chocolate, or cream into your beignets. Just be sure to let them cool slightly before adding the filling to avoid a too-warm filling from melting or leaking out.
