Warm milk to 105°F, stir in active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and frothy.
1 cup whole milk, 1 packet active dry yeast, 0.25 cup granulated sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Knead for 5 minutes until dough is soft but not sticky.
2.5 cups all-purpose flour, 0.25 cup granulated sugar, 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 large egg
Cover bowl with a towel and let dough rise at room temperature for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Roll dough to ½-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into 2-inch squares and lightly spray both sides with vegetable oil spray.
vegetable oil spray
Arrange dough squares in a single layer in the preheated air fryer at 350°F, spacing pieces 1 inch apart. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway at 4-5 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
Remove beignets from air fryer and cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before dusting generously with powdered sugar.
powdered sugar
