How to reheat fritters – 5 best ways
Beignets are delicious, airy pastries that are best enjoyed hot and fresh. But what do you do when you have leftover beignets? Fortunately, there are several ways to reheat beignets to bring them back to their warm, crispy glory. In this article, we’ll explore the 5 best ways to reheat beignets, including oven, microwave, deep fryer, skillet and toaster methods. Whether you’ve got a few leftover beignets or want to revive stale or frozen ones, we’ve got you covered.
What are beignets?
Beignets are soft and crispy pillowy pastries typically made by cutting dough into squares, frying them until golden and sprinkling them generously with powdered sugar. There are several types of beignets, with French-style beignets being one of the most popular. French-style beignets are made with choux pastry and are often referred to as French doughnuts. Another popular variation is New Orleans beignets, which are made with yeast dough. Beignets are best eaten fresh and warm, but can be stored for a few days at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Can beignets be reheated?
Yes, you can reheat beignets! Reheating leftover beignets is a great way to bring back their original texture and flavour. However, it’s important not to overcook the beignets, as this can make them dry or soggy, depending on how you reheat them. The key is to heat them through without compromising their delicate texture.
1. Reheating beignets in the oven
The oven is one of the best ways to reheat beignets, especially if you have a large batch to reheat. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Place the fritters on a wire rack or baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Pour a little water over the fritters to create steam.
- Cover the fritters with a sheet of aluminium foil.
- Bake the fritters for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the foil as soon as you remove the fritters from the oven to prevent them from becoming soggy.
2. Reheating beignets in the microwave
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to reheat beignets, the microwave is your friend. But be aware that reheating beignets in the microwave can make them soft, so it’s best to eat them as soon as you heat them up. Here’s how:
- Place the fritters on a microwave-safe plate, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Microwave the fritters for 10-15 seconds on a high power.
- Check the fritters and reheat in 10 second increments until warm and tender.
3. Reheating beignets in an air fryer
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat beignets and give them a slightly crispy texture. Here’s how:
- Preheat your fryer to 175°C (350°F).
- Place the fritters in a single layer in the basket of the fryer, making sure they do not touch.
- Fry the fritters for about 4 minutes.
- Remove from the fryer and serve with a fresh dusting of icing sugar.
4. Reheating beignets in a skillet
Reheating fritters in a skillet is a good option if you only need to reheat a few. This method will give you a nice crispy exterior. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the pan and add some butter to melt.
- Place the fritters in the pan and fry for about a minute on each side until crispy.
- If the fritters are larger and not cooked through, sprinkle a little water on them and cover the pan with a lid to create steam.
- When the fritters are hot, dust with icing sugar and enjoy.
5. Reheating beignets in a toaster oven
Using a toaster oven is another convenient way to reheat beignets, especially if you only have a small number. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Put the fritters in the toaster for 3-4 minutes to heat them up.
- The proximity of the toaster to the heating elements means that the fritters will heat up quickly, so keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Once the beignets are heated through, remove them from the toaster and dust with icing sugar before serving.
Tips for reheating beignets
- Avoid overcrowding the fritters when reheating to ensure even heating and to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- If you’re reheating a large batch of beignets, it may be best to use the oven or air fryer methods for more consistent results.
- Sprinkling a little water on the fritters before reheating will help create steam, which can prevent them from drying out.
- Pay attention to the reheating time as fritters are small and can heat up quickly. Overcooking can result in dry or overly crispy fritters.
- Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If your beignets have perishable fillings, store them in the refrigerator for a few days.
- If you have stale or frozen beignets, you can use the same reheating methods as above. However, you may need to adjust the reheating time slightly to ensure they are thoroughly heated.
Conclusion
Reheating beignets allows you to enjoy these delicious pastries even after they have cooled. Whether you use the oven, microwave, deep fryer, skillet or toaster, each technique has its advantages and can help restore the warmth and crispness to your beignets. Remember to keep an eye on the beignets during reheating to prevent them from overcooking. With these 5 best ways to reheat beignets, you can enjoy the deliciousness of beignets anytime, whether they are leftovers or freshly made.
FAQS
Can I reheat fritters in the oven?
Yes, reheating beignets in the oven is one of the best methods. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the beignets on a baking sheet or wire rack, sprinkle with a little water, cover with aluminium foil and bake for about 5 minutes. Remove the foil and enjoy the warm and crispy beignets.
Can you reheat beignets in the microwave?
Yes, you can reheat beignets in the microwave for a quick and easy option. Place the fritters on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 10-15 seconds. Check their temperature and continue reheating at 10 second intervals until warm and tender.
How do I reheat fritters in an air fryer?
Reheating beignets in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a slightly crispy texture. Preheat your fryer to 350°F (175°C), place the beignets in a single layer in the fryer basket and fry for about 4 minutes. Remove from the fryer and dust with icing sugar before serving.
Can I reheat fritters in a pan?
Yes, reheating beignets in a pan is a fantastic way to get a crispy exterior. Preheat the skillet, add some butter to melt, place the beignets in the skillet and fry for about a minute on each side. For larger fritters, you can sprinkle water on them, cover the pan with a lid to create steam and make sure they heat up thoroughly.
Can you reheat fritters in a toaster oven?
Of course you can! A toaster oven is a convenient way to reheat a small number of beignets. Preheat your toaster oven to 175°C (350°F), put the beignets in and heat them up for 3-4 minutes. Watch carefully as they heat up quickly. When warm, dust with icing sugar and enjoy.
Can I reheat frozen beignets using this method?
Yes, you can reheat frozen beignets using the same methods as above. Adjust the reheating time slightly as frozen beignets may take a little longer to fully heat through. Make sure they are thoroughly heated before serving.