Name: Air Fryer Beignets Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491491H21M51S
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed); 3 cups powdered sugar

If you’ve been dreaming of fluffy, golden, melt-in-your-mouth treats that don’t require deep frying or a ton of time, you’re in the right place. This Air Fryer Beignets Recipe transforms simple puff pastry into the most delicious, light-as-air pastries dusted with a snowstorm of powdered sugar. Whether you’re whipping them up for a lazy weekend breakfast or a spontaneous sweet snack, these beignets bring the classic New Orleans charm right into your kitchen with ease and wonderful results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with three main items arranged neatly. At the top left, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with fine white powder, which looks soft and light. To the right of the bowl, there is a stack of pale yellow pastry dough sheets folded neatly into a rectangle. Below these items, there is a small black metal cooling rack with a grid pattern. A soft green cloth is partially visible at the top left corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Keeping this Air Fryer Beignets Recipe simple means focusing on just a few essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role. The puff pastry provides that irresistible flaky texture, while powdered sugar adds the perfect, delicate sweetness that melts on your tongue. Combining these basics guarantees a worry-free, tasty outcome every time.

1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed): This is your golden ticket to flaky, airy layers without the hassle of making dough from scratch.
3 cups powdered sugar: The classic coating for beignets, it brings both sweetness and that iconic snowy finish.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Air Fryer Beignets Recipe

Step 1: Bring Your Puff Pastry to Room Temperature

Starting with room temperature puff pastry is key for effortless unfolding and even cooking. Let it sit out for about 15 minutes—this little bit of patience goes a long way in getting those perfect layers to puff beautifully in the air fryer.

Step 2: Unfold and Cut the Pastry Into Squares

Gently unfold the pastry sheet to avoid tearing. Next, cut 2 horizontal strips along the existing creases, then 3 vertical strips to create 9 equal squares. This neat grid ensures your beignets will cook evenly and look picture-perfect every time.

Step 3: Air Fry the Pastry Squares

Arrange 4 squares on the air fryer crisper tray or basket—don’t overcrowd them or they won’t puff up properly. Set your air fryer to 400 °F and cook for 9 minutes, watching as the pastry puffs to golden perfection. If needed, repeat with remaining squares.

Step 4: Coat Your Beignets in Powdered Sugar

Once your beignets have cooled just slightly, place them inside a large zip-top bag with the powdered sugar. Shake gently but thoroughly, coating every nook and cranny with that sweet, snowy layer that makes these treats so irresistible.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

These beignets shine best when enjoyed warm straight from the sugar bag. Get ready for affectionately sticky fingers and big smiles—because this Air Fryer Beignets Recipe is all about easy indulgence and pure joy.

How to Serve Air Fryer Beignets Recipe

The image shows four golden-brown toasted sandwich pieces on a black grill tray. Each sandwich piece is rectangular with a slightly crispy texture and evenly browned tops. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. A soft green cloth is placed to the left side, adding a gentle color contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While classic powdered sugar is enough to make your heart happy, consider sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or a light dusting of cocoa powder to add a subtle twist. Fresh berries alongside can add pops of color and freshness that balance the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair these beignets with a strong, dark coffee or a rich hot chocolate for a comforting combo that’s perfect anytime. For brunch, offer fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait for contrast and a touch of healthfulness alongside the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your beignets in a charming basket lined with a colorful napkin for a cozy café vibe at home. Or, for a special occasion, stack them high on a tiered platter with small bowls of fruit jam or chocolate sauce for dipping. Presentation can make these simple treats feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any beignets left (which might be difficult!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep in mind they’re best enjoyed fresh, as the delightful crispness lessens over time.

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled and sugar-coated beignets in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw briefly before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your frozen or stored beignets in the air fryer at 350 °F for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that delicate crunch and flaky texture that makes this Air Fryer Beignets Recipe so unforgettable.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry directly from the freezer?

It’s best to thaw the puff pastry to room temperature before using. This makes it flexible and easier to work with, ensuring your beignets cook evenly and puff up nicely in the air fryer.

Do I need to grease the air fryer basket or tray?

With puff pastry, greasing isn’t necessary because it naturally releases as it cooks. Just make sure not to overcrowd so each piece has space to puff and become golden.

Can I add fillings to these beignets?

Since this recipe relies on puff pastry squares cooked open, this version doesn’t include fillings. However, you could experiment by folding squares around small dollops of jam or Nutella before air frying, but keep the cook time in mind.

Is powdered sugar the only topping option?

Powdered sugar is traditional and classic, but you can try cinnamon sugar blend, drizzle with chocolate glaze, or even dust with matcha powder for a modern twist on toppings.

How many beignets does this Air Fryer Beignets Recipe make?

Using one sheet of puff pastry cut into 9 squares, you’ll get about 9 beignets. This makes a perfect small batch for sharing or indulging without leftovers to worry about.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Beignets Recipe truly captures the magic of a beloved classic in a simple, quick, and less messy way. It’s my go-to when I want a sweet treat without making a big fuss. Trust me, once you try these golden delights dusted with powdered sugar, you’ll be reaching for the puff pastry again and again. So go ahead—treat yourself and those you love to a batch of beignets that are as easy to make as they are impossible to resist!