Struffoli In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Struffoli, also known as honey balls, is a traditional Italian dessert. These bite-sized balls of dough are fried until golden brown and then coated in honey and sprinkles. While they are usually deep-fried, it is possible to make struffoli in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative as it requires little to no oil. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, producing a similar crispy texture to deep-frying. This method also cooks the struffoli faster than traditional frying methods.

Air fryer temperature and timing

To make struffoli in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the struffoli pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are well-spaced to allow for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket as this can cause the struffoli to cook unevenly. Shake the basket occasionally to ensure even browning on all sides.

Cook the struffoli in the air fryer for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your struffoli pieces and the model of your air fryer, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. Repeat the process with any remaining dough.

Once all the struffoli are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl and coat them with honey. You can also add your preferred toppings, such as sprinkles, powdered sugar, candied fruit, or chopped nuts, before serving.

Health benefits of air frying struffoli

Struffoli is a traditional Italian dessert, often served during the holiday season. It is made of small, bite-sized balls of dough that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These dough balls are then coated in honey and topped with sprinkles, candied fruit, and/or chopped nuts.

Traditionally, struffoli is deep-fried, but with the advent of air fryers, this delicious treat can now be made in a healthier manner. Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food with little to no oil, resulting in a similar crispy texture to deep-frying. This makes air fryers a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, as they significantly reduce the amount of oil used in cooking.

• Reduced Calorie Intake: Air fryers can cut down on the calories in your struffoli by up to 70-80%. This is because air fryers require only a fraction of the oil used in deep frying, helping you watch your weight.
• Lower Unhealthy Fat Consumption: Air fryers significantly reduce the intake of unhealthy fats, which can be detrimental to your health in large quantities. By using minimal oil, you can lower your risk of heart disease and other health issues associated with high-fat consumption.
• Nutrient Retention: Air fryers help retain nutrients in your struffoli, such as vitamin C and protective plant compounds called polyphenols. This ensures that you get the maximum nutritional value from your dessert.
• Weight Management: Air-fried struffoli may aid in weight management by reducing the overall fat and calorie content of the dessert. However, this also depends on the frequency and portion size of your struffoli consumption.
• Reduced Acrylamide Levels: Air fryers can reduce the formation of acrylamide, a chemical compound found in deep-fried starchy foods like potatoes. Acrylamide is a known carcinogen, and air frying can lower its presence by up to 90%.

While air-frying your struffoli offers these health benefits, it's important to remember that moderation is key. Enjoy your air-fried struffoli as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of cooking methods and nutritious ingredients.

Step-by-step guide to making the dough

To make the dough for your struffoli, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Flour
• Eggs
• Sugar
• Butter
• Vanilla extract
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Lemon zest (optional)
• Limoncello (optional)
• Peanut oil (optional)

Once you have gathered your ingredients, follow these steps:

Step 1: Combine dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. You can also add lemon zest at this stage for a hint of citrus flavour. Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined.

Step 2: Add wet ingredients

Create a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and add the eggs, butter, and vanilla extract. If you're using limoncello, you can add it at this stage as well. Mix the ingredients until a crumbly dough starts to form. You can use a fork or a wooden spoon for this step.

Step 3: Knead the dough

Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead it with your hands. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add small amounts of flour until it becomes smooth and elastic. This may take several minutes, so be patient and keep working the dough until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step 4: Let the dough rest

Cover the struffoli dough with a dry tea towel and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This step is important as it allows the gluten in the dough to relax and makes it easier to work with. The dough will also be less sticky and easier to roll out after resting.

Step 5: Roll and cut the dough

After the dough has rested, use a rolling pin to roll it out into a thin sheet, about 1/4 inch thick. Then, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into long strips, and then into small cubes or balls. The traditional size for struffoli is slightly smaller than a marble, so try to make them as uniform in size as possible.

Tips for making the dough:

• If your dough is still sticky after adding flour, try placing it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. This will make it easier to handle and roll out.
• You can add various flavourings to your dough, such as lemon or orange zest, vanilla extract, or a splash of liqueur like limoncello or Grand Marnier.
• If you don't have a standing mixer, don't worry! Struffoli dough can easily be made by hand, and you'll get a mini-workout in the process!

Tips for frying in an air fryer

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Frying in batches will ensure the struffoli cook evenly.
• Shake the basket occasionally during cooking to ensure even browning on all sides.
• Use good-quality oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, corn, peanut, or safflower oil.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) before placing the dough pieces inside.
• Cook the struffoli for around 5-7 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
• If you're making a large batch, place a layer of paper towels between batches to absorb any excess oil.
• Allow the struffoli to cool completely before adding additional toppings to prevent the decorations from melting or sliding off.

Storing and reheating struffoli

Struffoli is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They are best enjoyed soon after coating them in honey, as they tend to lose their freshness over time.

If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze the struffoli without the honey coating. Simply fry them, let them cool, and place them in a plastic bag in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, defrost and coat them in warm honey. You can also add frozen struffoli directly to warm honey, and they will warm up as they are coated.

If you want to make the struffoli ahead of time, you can prepare the dough and shape the balls in advance. Store the uncooked balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Let the dough come to room temperature before frying.

When it comes to reheating, it is recommended to reheat struffoli in the air fryer to restore their crispy texture. You can also place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Frequently asked questions