Air Fryer Zeppolis: A Tasty, Healthy Treat?

Zeppole, the Italian treat made of fried balls of dough, can be made in an air fryer. While traditionally, zeppole are deep-fried, using an air fryer reduces the mess and excess oil. The recipe for air-fried zeppole is simple and requires basic ingredients such as flour, milk, eggs, sugar, and yeast. The dough is prepared and shaped into small balls, then cooked in the air fryer for a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. The zeppole can be enjoyed plain or filled with sweet treats like chocolate or Nutella.

Characteristics	Values
Can zeppoles be made in an air fryer?	Yes
Ingredients	Flour, milk, eggs, sugar, yeast, salt, vanilla extract, lemon zest, butter, olive oil, vegetable oil, black raisins, powdered sugar, frying oil, milk, curd, pudding, jelly
Zeppole type	Zeppole are an Italian treat made of fried balls of dough dusted with sugar.
Air fryer temperature	340 degrees F
Air fryer cooking time	3 minutes, shake, then another 3 minutes

Air fryer zeppole ingredients

Zeppole are an Italian treat made of fried balls of dough dusted with sugar. They can be made with pizza or bread dough, and are often sweetened with black raisins and dusted with powdered sugar.

1 large ball of homemade pizza dough or 1 package of prepared pizza dough
2 tablespoons of melted butter
Powdered sugar for dusting

Optional ingredients:

Russet potatoes: Their starchy, floury texture will give softness to the dough.
Black raisins: These add natural sweetness to the zeppole.
Yeast: It adds a unique fermented bread-like taste and fluffs up the dough.

You can also experiment with different flavours and toppings, such as warm chocolate sauce, caramel, or colourful sprinkles.

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How to make the dough

Zeppole is a delightful Italian treat that can be made in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to make the dough:

Ingredients:

2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 cup of milk
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 packet of instant yeast
A pinch of salt
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Zest of one lemon

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix these dry ingredients until well incorporated.
In a saucepan, heat the milk until it is warm but not boiling. This step helps activate the yeast. Once done, remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract and lemon zest. Stir well.
Create a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk mixture.
Crack the eggs into the well and mix everything gently until a sticky dough forms. You can use a wooden spoon or your hands for this step.
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Once the dough has risen, you can start forming the zeppoles. Tear off small pieces and roll them into balls, aiming for a golf ball size.

Now you are ready to cook your zeppoles! Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rest for about 10 minutes before transferring them to the air fryer. Enjoy your freshly made zeppoles!

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Air fryer temperature and timing

To make zeppoles in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that it’s ready to go when the zeppoles are fully prepared.

Place the formed zeppoles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them rest for about 10 minutes to allow them to puff up slightly.

Now, it’s time to cook the zeppoles in the air fryer. Place them in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between them for proper airflow.

Cook the zeppoles in batches for about 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You want them to be golden brown on all sides.

If you are using a Midea Air Fryer, preheat the air fryer to 340 degrees F and air fry the pizza dough balls for 3 minutes. Check to see if they are cooked through. If not, cook the balls of dough for another 3 minutes.

If you are using an air fryer that is not a Midea, preheat the air fryer to 390 °F (200°C). Fry only three to four pieces at a time (don't overcrowd them as they might end up soggy). You'll need about 10 minutes in the air fryer, but turn them around halfway through. They should be crispy golden brown on all sides.

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Filling and toppings

Zeppole can be served with a variety of toppings and fillings. The traditional topping is powdered sugar, which is placed in a paper bag with the zeppole and shaken to coat them. Other topping options include granulated sugar, cinnamon sugar, and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.

Zeppole can also be filled with pastry cream, whipped cream, chocolate, vanilla cream, or Nutella.

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Storage and reheating

Zeppole is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

To reheat, wrap the zeppole in foil and place them in an oven preheated to 350°F. Reheat for about 10 minutes if they're coming from the fridge, or 45 minutes if they're frozen.