YT Recipe

Perfect Beignets in your Air Fryer!

Perfect Beignets in your Air Fryer! is a easy American (New Orleans) recipe that serves 4. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 27 min | Cook: 4 min | Total: 36 min

Cost: $1.24 total, $0.31 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 3/4 cup Milk (whole or 2% works best)
  • 1 large Egg (room temperature)
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted; divided (2 tbsp for dough, 2 tbsp for brushing))
  • 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar (for dusting; sift before use)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl whisk together the sifted flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Mix Wet Ingredients

    In a separate small bowl whisk the milk, egg, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Form the Dough

    Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with the whisk just until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Do not over‑mix.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Rest the Dough

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. This relaxes the gluten.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Preheat Air Fryer

    Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 350°F

  6. Shape the Beignets

    Lightly flour a clean surface, roll the dough to about ½‑inch thickness, and cut into 2‑inch circles using a round cutter.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Butter the Dough

    Brush each cut‑out piece on both sides with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Air Fry the Beignets

    Place the butter‑brushed beignets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 3‑4 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: 350°F

  9. Dust with Powdered Sugar

    Immediately after removing from the air fryer, sift powdered sugar over the hot beignets on a cooling rack.

    Time: PT1M

  10. Serve

    Serve the beignets warm. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated briefly in the air fryer.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
180
Protein
4g
Carbohydrates
22g
Fat
8g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Dairy

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Perfect Beignets in your Air Fryer!

Recipe by Preppy Kitchen

Light, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth beignets made quickly in an air fryer. A rich dough brushed with melted butter is air‑fried to golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar for a classic New Orleans‑style treat.

EasyAmerican (New Orleans)Serves 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
24m
Prep
8m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
42m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.24
Total cost
$0.31
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Do not over‑mix the dough; it should remain slightly sticky.
  • • Rest the dough for at least 10 minutes to relax gluten.
  • • Preheat the air fryer to ensure even puffing.
  • • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches.

Safety Warnings

  • • The air fryer basket becomes extremely hot; use oven mitts when handling.
  • • Melted butter is hot; brush carefully to avoid burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of beignets in New Orleans cuisine?

A

Beignets originated in France as a light fried dough, but they became iconic in New Orleans after French settlers introduced them in the 18th century. Served hot and dusted with powdered sugar, they are a staple of Creole breakfast culture and a must‑try at cafés like Café du Monde.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of beignets in American (New Orleans) cuisine?

A

In New Orleans, beignets are typically square, deep‑fried, and heavily dusted with powdered sugar. Some variations add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough or serve them with a side of chicory coffee. Outside the region, beignets may be shaped into rings or filled with fruit preserves.

cultural
Q

How are beignets traditionally served in New Orleans?

A

Traditionally, beignets are served warm, dusted generously with powdered sugar, and enjoyed with a cup of strong coffee or chicory coffee. They are often eaten for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.

cultural
Q

On what occasions are beignets commonly enjoyed in New Orleans culture?

A

Beignets are a daily treat in New Orleans but are especially popular during Mardi Mardi celebrations, festivals, and as a comforting breakfast after a night out. They are also served at brunches and casual gatherings.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional New Orleans‑style beignets?

A

The authentic base includes all‑purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, milk, egg, and melted butter. Powdered sugar for dusting is essential. Substitutes like gluten‑free flour or plant‑based milks can be used, but they change the classic texture.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making air fryer beignets?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the dough, skipping the resting period, overcrowding the air fryer basket, and not preheating the fryer. Each mistake can lead to dense, unevenly browned beignets.

technical
Q

Why does this air fryer beignet recipe brush the dough with melted butter instead of using oil?

A

Butter adds a richer flavor and helps create a crisp, golden crust that mimics the texture of deep‑fried beignets. Oil would work for crispness but lacks the buttery depth that defines the classic taste.

technical
Q

Can I make air fryer beignets ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Shape the dough, brush with butter, and freeze the uncooked pieces. When ready, air fry directly from frozen for 4‑5 minutes. Cooked beignets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated briefly in the air fryer.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the air fryer beignets are done?

A

The beignets should be puffed, lightly golden on the outside, and soft and airy inside. They will rise slightly during cooking and should have a delicate crust that holds the powdered sugar dusting.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking tutorials that often incorporate modern appliances like air fryers and Instant Pots, delivering stylish yet practical recipes for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to New Orleans‑style cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Preppy Kitchen emphasizes using convenient kitchen gadgets such as air fryers to recreate classic dishes like beignets with less oil and mess, while still preserving authentic flavors. This contrasts with channels that rely on traditional deep‑frying methods.

channel
More like this:American (New Orleans) RecipesDessert RecipesMore by Preppy Kitchen

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