Beignets are tasty pockets of fried dough coated in powdered sugar, for a messy but delicious treat that’s popular for Mardi Gras. Instead of making dough from scratch, I’m using a shortcut to make air fryer beignets with biscuits. This quick version is still sweet and satisfying!
Take a trip through the French Quarter without ever leaving home! With just 3 ingredients, it doesn’t get much easier than these biscuit beignets.
Canned biscuit dough serves as the base instead of having to make a scratch dough. It’s not quite the same texturally, but it saves a lot of time and tastes great, so I’m not complaining!
Instead of deep frying them, I’m popping them in the air fryer. It requires far less oil, and you’ll still get a golden brown crust with crisped edges. Finish them with a roll in powdered sugar for a messy yet delicious treat.
Of course, you can jazz them up any way you like! Dip them in chocolate sauce, caramel, coffee, or even some alcohol for extra flavor.
Ingredients List
8 count can large refrigerated biscuits (such as Grands)
½ cup powdered confectioner’s sugar (or to taste)
Nonstick or oil mist spray (I use olive oil)
Ingredient Tips and Notes
I highly recommend you do not get the flaky layers variety of biscuits. They tend to fall apart easily, so the regular ones are much better. If layers are all that are available, then you can roll them into balls and try to compress them to help them stay together better. Buttermilk flavor is my choice, but you can use whatever kind you like
Alternative sweetener options like powdered Stevia work fine if you want to substitute the powdered sugar
You don’t have to spray the biscuits with the oil (I’ve tried with and without, and they get the same level of brown). However, you should spray the air fryer basket or rack with nonstick spray, or you could use parchment paper instead, to prevent sticking. Melted butter is also a fine substitute here!
How to Make Air Fryer Beignets With Biscuits
Spray your air fryer’s basket or rack with nonstick spray, brush with oil, or line with parchment paper
Open your tube of biscuit dough and cut into quarters. You can roll them into balls with your hands if you like, but this is optional
Place the biscuits quarters into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer, allowing space between each piece for expansion during cooking. You can give them a light spritz of oil if desired, but this is optional (I find the dough has enough in it already)
Cook on the air fry setting at 350°F for 5 minutes, then flip the biscuit pieces and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through
Remove to a plate or bowl and sprinkle with powdered sugar while they’re still hot, and enjoy immediately
Beignets with biscuits are a quick preparation “hack” for the classic New Orleans dessert, made using biscuit dough instead of traditional yeast dough.
Here, they are cooked in an air fryer for a quicker and healthier alternative to deep-frying.
Can I Use Homemade Biscuit Dough for Making Air Fryer Beignets?
Canned, pre-made biscuit dough is much better for air fryer beignets. It has the correct dough texture, and needed oils already incorporated.
Homemade biscuits tend to be more crumbly and thick, which won’t work for beignets. The better alternative is making a homemade beignet dough instead.
What Type of Refrigerated Biscuit Dough Is Best for Air Fryer Beignets?
Buttermilk biscuit dough is preferred for air fryer beignets as it provides a tender texture and slight tanginess. However, you can experiment with other flavors to create different taste profiles for your beignets.
Flaky biscuits can also be used, but they may result in a less uniform shape and tend to fall apart more easily during cooking.
What Time and Temperature Should I Cook Air Fryer Beignets with Biscuits?
Air fryer beignets with biscuits typically cook in 8-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are golden brown and cooked through. Times will vary slightly between different air fryers as well as various brands of dough.
Can I Fill Air Fryer Beignets with Biscuits with Different Fillings, Such as Jam or Chocolate?
Yes! Instead of quarters, cut the dough into halves. Press them flat, add filling to one side, and then place the other half on top and crimp the edges to seal.
Cook them for around 12 minutes, given the larger size, until golden brown.
How Do Air Fryer Beignets with Biscuits Compare to Traditional Deep Fried Beignets?
Air fryer beignets with biscuits are generally considered healthier than traditional deep fried beignets since they require less oil for cooking.
While they may have a slightly different texture, they still offer a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
What Toppings Can I Use to Garnish Air Fryer Beignets with Biscuits?
Air fryer beignets with biscuits can be garnished with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or a drizzle of glaze for added sweetness.
To create different flavor variations, add a sprinkle of citrus zest or a dash of vanilla extract to the glaze.
Can I Make Air Fryer Beignets with Biscuits in Advance and Reheat Them Later, or Are They Best Enjoyed Fresh?
Air fryer beignets with biscuits are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can make them in advance and reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.
Do not add the powdered sugar topping until you are ready to eat them, for best results.
Can I Freeze Biscuit Beignets?
Yes, biscuit beignets can be frozen after cooking for later consumption. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They usually keep for 1-2 months.
To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through.
Recipe Pro Tips
The powdered sugar just sits on top of the beignets. This is pretty typical even of classic beignets (though there is less oil here which makes it a bit more obvious). If you want it to adhere a bit more, brush the warm biscuits with melted butter, and then add the powdered sugar
I do not preheat my Ninja air fryer for this recipe, and my biscuit beignets were perfect after 9 minutes total cooking time. For additional batches, or if your air fryer is already preheated, reduce cooking time to 5 minutes total to start. Times will vary between different air fryers and brands of biscuits so adjust as needed, but this is what works for me!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Air fryer beignets with biscuits are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can cook them ahead (do not add the powdered sugar) and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They may also be frozen for 1-2 months, for a longer term option. For sugared ones, I usually store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two
Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed through. Apply powdered sugar just before serving
These air fryer beignets with biscuits are the perfect hack for your Mardi Gras meal! They save a lot of time by using refrigerated biscuit dough as the base, but still come out golden brown and crispy with a nice, fluffy inside.
The air fryer allows you to use way less oil than deep frying to achieve a similar texture, which is always a win! Plus, cooking time is generally less than 10 minutes, making it quick and convenient.
Whether you want to enjoy them as a breakfast or brunch food, a snack, or a dessert alongside a nice cup of coffee, these beignets are the perfect way to satisfy that craving for sweet fried dough.
3 Ingredient Air Fryer Beignets With Biscuits
Making air fryer biscuits with beignets requires just 3 ingredients for an easy Mardi Gras treat! This popular hack saves a lot of time compared to homemade dough, and the air fryer reduces oil as well.
8 Countcan large refrigerated biscuits(such as Pillsbury Grands)
½Cuppowdered confectioner's sugar(or to taste)
Nonstick or oil spray(I use olive oil spray)
Instructions
Spray your air fryer’s basket or rack with nonstick spray, brush with oil, or line with parchment paper
Nonstick or oil spray
Open your tube of biscuit dough and cut into quarters using a sharp knife. You can roll them into balls with your hands if you like, but this is optional
8 Count can large refrigerated biscuits
Place the biscuits quarters into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer, allowing space between each piece for expansion during cooking. You can give them a light spritz of oil if desired, but this is optional (I find the dough has enough in it already)
Cook on the air fry setting at 350°F for 5 minutes, then flip the biscuit pieces and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through
Remove to a plate or bowl and sprinkle with powdered sugar while they’re still hot. Enjoy immediately!
½ Cup powdered confectioner's sugar
Notes
I highly recommend you do not get the flaky layers variety of biscuits. They tend to fall apart easily, so the regular ones are much better. If layers are all that are available, then you can roll them into balls and try to compress them to help them stay together better. Buttermilk flavor is my choice, but you can use whatever kind you like
Alternative sweetener options like powdered Stevia work fine if you want to substitute the powdered sugar
You don’t have to spray the biscuits with the oil (I’ve tried with and without, and they get the same level of brown). However, you should spray the air fryer basket or rack with nonstick spray, or you could use parchment paper instead, to prevent sticking. Melted butter is also a fine substitute here!
The powdered sugar just sits on top of the beignets. This is pretty typical even of classic beignets (though there is less oil here which makes it a bit more obvious). If you want it to adhere a bit more, brush the warm biscuits with melted butter, and then add the powdered sugar
I do not preheat my Ninja air fryer for this recipe, and my biscuit beignets were perfect after 9 minutes total cooking time. For additional batches, or if your air fryer is already preheated, reduce cooking time to 5 minutes total to start. Times will vary between different air fryers and brands of biscuits so adjust as needed, but this is what works for me!
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces added, and total quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
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I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
