Air Fryer Vegan Beignets Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade vegan beignets using an air fryer instead of deep-frying! These easy pillowy squares of dough are crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and generously dusted with powdered sugar. The perfect guilt-free version of the classic New Orleans treat with all the authentic flavor.

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Prep Time:

2 hours 30 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Serves:

16 beignets

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">300g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">7g instant dry yeast (1 packet)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">240ml plant milk (soy or almond), warmed to 38°C</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">45g vegan butter, melted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp neutral oil (for brushing)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g powdered sugar (for dusting)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Rolling pin</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pizza cutter or sharp knife</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh sieve (for powdered sugar)</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the yeast and spices throughout the flour – this helps create a consistent rise and flavor within your beignets.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Warm your plant milk to around 38°C (100°F) – this temperature activates the yeast without killing it. Too hot and the yeast dies; too cool and it won't activate properly. Add the warm milk, melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract to your dry ingredients.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky – it should pull away from the sides of the bowl but still feel soft and pliable. If too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time; if too dry, add a teaspoon of plant milk.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1.5-2 hours, or until doubled in size. The slow rise develops flavor and creates the airy texture essential for authentic beignets.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release excess air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll to about 0.5cm (1/4 inch) thickness. Try to maintain an even thickness throughout – this ensures all your beignets cook at the same rate.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into 5cm (2-inch) squares. Don't worry if they're not perfect – slightly rustic shapes add to the charm! Let the cut squares rest for 10-15 minutes to proof slightly while you preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Cut parchment paper to fit your air fryer basket. Lightly brush both sides of each beignet with a small amount of neutral oil – this helps create that golden exterior without deep-frying. Place a few beignets on the parchment in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each (they'll puff up considerably).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Air fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Watch closely as air fryers vary in intensity. You're looking for a rich golden color and a hollow sound when tapped – that indicates a perfectly cooked beignet with the characteristic air pockets inside.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Transfer the hot beignets to a cooling rack and immediately dust generously with powdered sugar while still warm – the residual heat helps the sugar stick to the surface. For an authentic presentation, be extremely generous with the powdered sugar – traditional beignets are practically buried in it!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Serve warm for the best experience. These vegan beignets are at their prime when fresh from the air fryer, creating that magical moment of biting through the slightly crisp exterior into the pillowy, airy interior. Pair with a strong coffee (chicory coffee for New Orleans authenticity) to balance the sweetness. Enjoy immediately!</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Vegan Beignets Recipe?

The key ingredients include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant dry yeast, ground cinnamon, salt, plant milk (soy or almond), vegan butter, vanilla extract, neutral oil for brushing, and powdered sugar for dusting.

How to cook Air Fryer Vegan Beignets Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Vegan Beignets by mixing dry ingredients, incorporating warm plant milk and vegan butter, kneading until elastic, letting the dough rise for 2 hours, cutting into squares, brushing with oil, air frying at 180°C for 4-5 minutes per side, and finishing with a generous dusting of powdered sugar.

Why use an air fryer instead of deep-frying for beignets?

Air frying beignets reduces fat content by up to 80% compared to traditional deep-frying while still achieving a golden exterior and fluffy interior. It also creates less mess, eliminates the need to dispose of used oil, and is generally safer than handling hot oil.

Can I make the dough for vegan beignets ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough through the first rise, then refrigerate overnight. The slow cold fermentation actually enhances flavour. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before rolling and cutting to allow the dough to warm slightly for easier handling.

What's the best way to serve traditional New Orleans-style beignets?

Serve beignets immediately after cooking while still warm, generously dusted with powdered sugar. Pair with chicory coffee or café au lait for an authentic New Orleans experience. The contrast between the sweet, warm pastry and slightly bitter coffee is quintessential.

Want to try something else in ...