Air Fryer Beignets with Canned Biscuits

If you love the taste of New Orleans style beignets but don’t want to deal with yeast dough or a pot of hot oil, air fryer beignets with canned biscuits are the shortcut you need.

Compared to making beignets at home from scratch, this version turns a can of refrigerated biscuits into warm, pillowy bites in well under 15 minutes, then finishes them with a generous dusting of powdered sugar.

It’s an easy dessert or breakfast treat for Mardi Gras, a lazy weekend morning, or any time a beignet craving hits and a trip to the store isn’t in the cards.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 to 6 minutes
• Total Time: About 10 to 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 to 16 beignets, depending on how the biscuits are cut

Ingredients for Air Fryer Beignets with Canned Biscuits

This recipe uses simple pantry staples. Exact quantities can be adjusted based on how many biscuits are in your can.

• 1 can (8 count) refrigerated biscuit dough, flaky layers or regular
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
• Non-stick cooking spray or a light coat of oil for the air fryer basket
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon mixed into the powdered sugar

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Pastry brush (for the melted butter)
• Fine mesh sieve or sifter (for the powdered sugar)
• Cutting board and knife or bench scraper

How to Make Air Fryer Beignets with Canned Biscuits

Here’s the direct answer: cut the biscuits into pieces, air fry them at 350°F for about 5 to 6 minutes, flip halfway through, then brush with butter and dust with powdered sugar while warm.

1. Open the can of biscuits and separate each one. For bite-size beignets, cut each biscuit into quarters. For larger, more traditional pieces, cut each biscuit in half.
2. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with non-stick spray so the dough doesn’t stick.
3. Arrange the biscuit pieces in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between them so air can circulate and they puff evenly.
4. Air fry at 350°F for 3 minutes, then flip each piece and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through in the center.
5. Remove the beignets from the basket while still warm and brush lightly with melted butter.
6. Dust generously with powdered sugar (and cinnamon, if using) right before serving.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Beignets need room to puff up, so cook in batches if your air fryer is small. For more on this, see these tips for crispy results in the air fryer.
• Check for doneness by breaking one open. The center should look like fluffy bread, not raw dough.
• Brush with butter while the beignets are still hot so it soaks in slightly instead of just sitting on top.
• Wait to add powdered sugar until just before serving. Sugar dusted on too early can dissolve into wet-looking patches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cutting pieces too large: Big chunks of dough can brown on the outside while staying doughy in the middle. Smaller, even pieces cook more consistently.
• Skipping the flip: Air fryers cook from the top down, so flipping halfway helps both sides brown evenly.
• Using too high a temperature: Cooking above 350°F can brown the outside before the inside finishes cooking. If your results are consistently off, this guide on why your food isn’t turning out crispy in the air fryer covers the most common causes.
• Dusting sugar too far in advance: Powdered sugar can melt into the warm dough if left to sit, so add it right before serving.

Storage Instructions

Leftover beignets are best eaten the same day, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wait to add powdered sugar until after reheating rather than storing them already dusted, since the sugar can turn sticky and clump in storage.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat leftover beignets in the air fryer at 320°F for 2 to 3 minutes to help them re-crisp on the outside without drying out. A microwave will warm them faster, but the texture will be softer rather than crisp. For general guidance on timing and temperature for other leftovers, see this guide on how to reheat leftovers in the air fryer. Dust with fresh powdered sugar after reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

• Crescent roll beignets: Swap the canned biscuits for canned crescent roll dough, cut into pieces, for a slightly flakier bite.
• No yeast, no problem: This method already skips yeast entirely, making it a good option for anyone short on time or ingredients.
• Cinnamon sugar version: Mix cinnamon into the powdered sugar, or toss warm pieces in cinnamon sugar the way you would for air fryer cinnamon sugar donut holes.
• Filled beignets: Flatten each biscuit piece slightly, add a small spoonful of jam or chocolate spread, then fold and seal the edges before air frying. For more filling ideas, check out these filled beignets with cream, jam, and Nutella.
• Savory twist: Skip the sugar entirely and try a savory beignets recipe with cheese and jalapeño using the same canned biscuit method.

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutrition values for this recipe will vary based on the specific brand of biscuit dough used, the size of the pieces, and how much butter and sugar are added. Any nutrition estimate for this recipe should be treated as approximate and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice. Anyone with specific dietary needs should check the nutrition label on their biscuit dough package or consult a healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make beignets with biscuits in an air fryer?

Cut refrigerated biscuit dough into pieces, arrange them in a lightly greased air fryer basket without crowding, and cook at 350°F for about 5 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once golden and cooked through, brush with melted butter and dust with powdered sugar.

Can you air fry canned biscuits?

Yes, canned biscuits air fry well and often turn out flakier than oven baking in less time. Most canned biscuits cook well in the 320°F to 350°F range for around 5 to 10 minutes total, flipping halfway, though exact timing depends on the size of the pieces and the specific air fryer model.

Can beignets be made in an air fryer?

Yes, beignets made from canned biscuit dough adapt well to the air fryer. While traditional beignets are deep-fried, the air fryer produces a similar golden, puffed exterior with far less oil and cleanup, making it a practical shortcut for a quick version of the treat.

Can you bake biscuit beignets instead of air frying them?

Biscuit beignets can also be baked in a conventional oven, typically around 350°F for roughly 10 to 12 minutes, until golden and puffed. Baking takes a bit longer than air frying and produces a slightly softer exterior, but it’s a good option for anyone without an air fryer.

Final Thoughts

Air fryer beignets with canned biscuits are proof that a classic treat doesn’t need to be complicated to taste great. With a can of biscuit dough, a few minutes in the air fryer, and a generous dusting of powdered sugar, you get warm, fluffy bites that come together faster than a trip to the bakery.

Pair them with coffee or a dipping sauce using these ideas on what to serve with beignets, or scale the recipe up for a crowd with this beignet station setup for parties. Try a batch this weekend, and keep the cinnamon sugar variation in mind for next time.