📝 About This Recipe
Transport your kitchen to the heart of the French Quarter with these pillowy, cloud-like pastries that capture the soul of New Orleans without the heavy grease of deep-frying. This air-fried version maintains that iconic yeasty chew and airy interior, finished with a generous, snowy blanket of powdered sugar. It’s a lighter way to enjoy a legendary tradition, perfect for a slow Sunday morning or a festive Mardi Gras celebration.
🥗 Ingredients
The Yeast Bloom
- 3/4 cups Warm water (between 105°F and 115°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons Active dry yeast (one standard packet)
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar (divided use)
The Dough
- 1/2 cup Evaporated milk (at room temperature)
- 1 Large egg (beaten, at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups Bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (freshly grated)
The Finish
- 1 can Butter flavored cooking spray (for coating the basket and dough)
- 1 1/2 cups Powdered sugar (sifted)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Whisk gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and fragrant.
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2
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the beaten egg, evaporated milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the remaining granulated sugar.
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3
Pour the activated yeast mixture into the wet ingredients and stir until well combined.
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4
Add 2 cups of the bread flour, the salt, and the nutmeg. Using a dough hook or a sturdy wooden spoon, mix until a shaggy dough forms.
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5
Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but manageable.
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6
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes (or 3 minutes in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
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7
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
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8
Gently punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle about 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thickness.
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9
Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into 2-inch squares or diamonds. You should get about 18-24 pieces.
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10
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. While it heats, let the cut dough pieces rest and puff up slightly.
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11
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place 4-6 dough squares in the basket, ensuring they do not touch.
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12
Generously spray the tops of the dough squares with the butter-flavored cooking spray; this is the secret to getting that golden-brown 'fried' look.
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13
Air fry at 350°F for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the other side, until the beignets are puffed and golden brown.
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14
Immediately remove the hot beignets and toss them into a paper bag or a large bowl filled with the sifted powdered sugar. Shake vigorously to coat.
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15
Repeat with the remaining dough batches and serve immediately while hot.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier, more authentic structure that stands up well to air frying. Do not skip the second rest after cutting the dough; this 10-minute pause ensures the beignets puff up properly in the air fryer. Be generous with the cooking spray; since there is no oil bath, the spray provides the heat conductivity needed for browning. If your air fryer has a 'Bake' setting, use it for a more even rise, but 'Air Fry' works best for that crispy exterior. Store any leftovers in an airtight container, but be aware they are best eaten within minutes of cooking.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a steaming cup of Cafe Au Lait (coffee with chicory and hot milk) for the ultimate NOLA experience. Pair with a side of warm chocolate ganache or raspberry coulis for dipping. Dust with a pinch of cinnamon mixed into the powdered sugar for a spicy twist. Serve alongside fresh strawberries or caramelized bananas to balance the sweetness.