Air-Fried Panzerotti: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Panzerotti is a delicious Italian pastry similar to a calzone or turnover. Traditionally, it is fried, but cooking it in an air fryer is healthier, quicker, and easier. Using an air fryer reduces the amount of oil needed to cook the pastry, making it less greasy. It is also more efficient than frying as you don't have to worry about heating up a large pot of oil or cleaning up grease splatters.

To make panzerotti in an air fryer, you first need to prepare the dough and filling. The dough is made by combining flour, sugar, salt, and active dry yeast, and then mixing in warm water to form a dough. The filling can be prepared while the dough is rising and can include tomato sauce, cheese, vegetables, or meat. Once the dough has risen, it is divided into portions, filled, folded, and sealed before being cooked in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Choosing and preparing fillings

When it comes to choosing and preparing fillings for your panzerotti, the options are endless! This Italian pastry is typically filled with a variety of cheeses, meats, vegetables, or sauces. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you create delicious fillings for your air-fried panzerotti:

Choosing Your Fillings:

• Traditional Italian fillings include mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce, or you can opt for a hard ricotta filling.
• If you want to add meat, minced meat is a common choice. Alternatively, you can go for pepperoni, sausage, or salami.
• For a vegetarian option, you can use turnip greens, which are typical in southern Italy.
• Feel free to experiment with sweet fillings, such as marmalade or gianduja chocolate, especially during Carnival season.

Preparing Your Fillings:

• If you're using mozzarella, cut it into cubes and let it lose excess water before filling the dough. This will prevent your panzerotti from becoming soggy.
• For a simple and delicious savoury filling, mix together tomato passata with salt and pepper to taste.
• If you want to include vegetables like mushrooms, cook them beforehand to remove excess moisture. This will help ensure your panzerotti doesn't become soggy.
• Avoid overfilling your panzerotti. Place a little less filling than you think you need to prevent it from oozing out during the cooking process.

Remember, the key to successful panzerotti fillings is to use ingredients that complement each other and to avoid making the filling too wet. With these tips in mind, you can create endless flavour combinations to suit your taste preferences!

Making the dough

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of flour
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup of warm water (about 110°F)

Method:

• Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Ensure that everything is well combined and mixed evenly.
• Add the water: Slowly pour the warm water into the flour mixture, stirring continuously as you pour. The dough will start to come together and form a sticky mass.
• Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. Kneading helps to develop the gluten in the dough, making it smooth and elastic.
• Let the dough rest: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour. This resting time allows the yeast to work and the dough to become light and airy.
• Divide and roll the dough: After the dough has risen, divide it into equal portions. Use a rolling pin to roll each portion into a circle. The circles should be thin, but not so thin that they tear easily.

Now that your dough is ready, you can start preparing your fillings. Remember to seal the edges of your panzerotti well before placing them in the air fryer, as this will prevent them from opening up during cooking. Enjoy the process of creating your own panzerotti, and feel free to experiment with different fillings and flavours!

Shaping the panzerotti

Now you are ready to fill your panzerotti. Add your chosen filling to one half of the circle, leaving a border around the edge. Be careful not to overfill, as this will make it difficult to seal and could cause the filling to leak out during cooking. Fold the dough over to create a semi-circle, and pinch the edges together to seal. You can also use the tines of a fork to press the edges closed for a more secure seal.

Finally, brush the top of the panzerotti with a beaten egg to help achieve a golden colour when cooked. You can now cook your panzerotti in the air fryer, following the instructions outlined in the previous section.

Cooking in the air fryer

Now that you've prepared your panzerotti, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Preheat Your Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C-200°C). This step is important even if your air fryer doesn't usually require preheating.

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil non-stick spray. This will prevent the panzerotti from sticking to the basket.

Place the Panzerotti in the Basket

Place the panzerotti in the basket, leaving a little space between each one. Don't overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the panzerotti from cooking evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Cook the Panzerotti

Cook the panzerotti for 6-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your air fryer model.

Flip Halfway Through

For even cooking, flip the panzerotti halfway through the cooking process. This will ensure that both sides get crispy and browned evenly.

Check the Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check that the filling has reached a safe temperature before serving, especially if your panzerotti contains meat or other ingredients that require thorough cooking.

Serve Hot

Panzerotti tastes best when served hot and fresh out of the air fryer. Enjoy the crispy, golden-brown delight!

Serving suggestions

Panzerotti is a delicious Italian pastry similar to a calzone or turnover. Traditionally, it is fried, but cooking it in an air fryer is healthier, quicker, and easier.

Temperature

Panzerotti tastes best when it is served hot and fresh out of the air fryer. Make sure to serve it immediately after cooking to enjoy the optimal taste and texture.

Dipping Sauce

Panzerotti pairs well with various dipping sauces. Offer a selection of sauces such as marinara, pesto, or aioli to enhance the flavour and provide a restaurant-style experience.

Appetizer or Finger Food

If you're hosting a party or gathering, consider serving your panzerotti as an appetizer or finger food. Cut them into smaller pieces or bite-sized portions for easier handling. This way, your guests can enjoy the delicious treat without the mess of eating a full-sized portion.

Presentation and Garnish

Presentation is key to making your dish more appealing. Use a serving platter to display your crispy, golden-brown panzerotti. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add a pop of colour and a boost of flavour.

Side Dishes

Consider serving your panzerotti with a fresh side salad to balance out the richness of the pastry. You can also offer other side dishes such as roasted vegetables or garlic bread to complement the main course.

Reheating

If you have leftover panzerotti, you can reheat it in the air fryer to retain its crispiness. Set the air fryer to a low temperature to warm the pastry without drying out the filling.

Cutting and Serving Tools

Use a pizza cutter to slice your panzerotti into even portions. A pizza spatula is also useful for removing the hot panzerotti from the air fryer and transferring them to a serving platter.

By following these serving suggestions, you'll not only impress your guests with the delicious taste of your air-fried panzerotti but also enhance their dining experience with thoughtful presentation and complementary side dishes.

Frequently asked questions