Air-Fried Zeppole: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Zeppole are Italian doughnuts, or fried dough balls, that are usually deep-fried but can also be made in an air fryer. They are made with pizza or bread dough, sweetened with black raisins and powdered sugar, and are deliciously crispy on the outside.

This simple dessert can be made in an air fryer without any oil, making it a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. The hot air of the air fryer produces a beautiful crispy exterior without the use of oil, making these zeppole a tad healthier yet still delicious.

Shaping the zeppole dough into balls

Shaping the dough into balls is a crucial step in making zeppole, and here's a detailed guide to help you achieve the perfect shape:

Start by preparing your workspace. You'll need a clean, flat surface to roll out the dough. If you have one, a non-stick silicone mat or a sheet of parchment paper can be handy to prevent the dough from sticking. Alternatively, you can lightly flour your work surface.

Now, take your prepared zeppole dough and place it on the prepared surface. If the dough has been chilled, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to work with.

Using a knife or a dough scraper, divide the dough into equal portions. The size of each portion will depend on how large you want your zeppole balls to be. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a size similar to a small or medium-sized potato, such as a red potato.

Gently shape each portion of dough into a rough ball with your hands. Start by gently patting and pressing the dough between your palms, turning it as you go to maintain a round shape. You don't want to flatten the dough, so use a light touch.

Once you have a rough ball shape, it's time to roll them. Use your palms to gently roll each ball between them, applying even pressure as you move the dough in a circular motion. This will help create a smooth, even surface on the zeppole balls.

As you work, make sure to keep your hands and the work surface lightly floured to prevent sticking. If the dough becomes too sticky, you can also use a dough scraper or a spatula to help lift and shape the balls.

Continue shaping and rolling until you have a tray of beautifully shaped zeppole dough balls. They should all be roughly the same size, ensuring even cooking later. If you notice any cracks or uneven spots on the balls, simply smooth them out with your fingers or use a small amount of water to seal any cracks.

Finally, let the shaped zeppole dough balls rest while you prepare your air fryer. This will allow the dough to relax and ensure they keep their shape during frying.

Now you're ready to cook your zeppole! Place them into the air fryer basket or pan in a single layer, making sure they have enough space to cook evenly. Follow the cooking instructions for your chosen recipe, and soon you'll be enjoying delicious, airy zeppole!

Greasing the air fryer pan

• Choose a suitable greasing agent: You can use butter or cooking spray to grease your air fryer pan. Butter is a common choice, as it adds a rich flavour to the zeppole and creates a non-stick surface. However, you can also use cooking spray, which is convenient and evenly coats the pan.
• Prepare the pan: Before greasing, ensure your air fryer pan is clean and dry. Remove any residue from previous use and wipe the pan with a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Apply the greasing agent: If using butter, cut a small piece and rub it directly onto the surface of the air fryer pan. You can use a brush or your fingers to ensure an even coating. Alternatively, if you're using cooking spray, hold the can about 6 inches away from the pan and spray in a sweeping motion to cover the entire surface.
• Spread the greasing agent evenly: Use a paper towel or a clean cloth to gently spread the greasing agent across the pan. This ensures that every part of the pan is covered, preventing the dough from sticking in certain areas.
• Avoid over-greasing: While it's important to coat the pan adequately, be careful not to apply too much grease. Excess grease can cause smoke and affect the taste of your zeppole. A thin, even layer is usually sufficient.
• Place the dough: Once the pan is greased, you can start placing your zeppole dough balls onto the pan. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving a little space between each ball to allow for even cooking.
• Clean the pan after use: Proper cleaning is crucial to maintain the condition of your air fryer pan. After cooking your zeppole, let the pan cool down and then clean it with mild dish soap and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to remove any grease residue and prevent build-up, ensuring your pan remains in good condition for future use.

Air-frying the zeppole

Once cooked, melt some butter in a bowl and use a pastry brush to brush the zeppole with it. Finally, dust the zeppole with powdered sugar and serve.

Melting butter and brushing it onto the zeppole

Zeppole are Italian doughnuts, or fried dough balls, that can be made in an air fryer. They are usually coated in powdered sugar, but can also be served with a sugar glaze or dipped in honey or chocolate sauce.

To make zeppole in an air fryer, you will need to melt butter and brush it onto the zeppole. Here is a detailed guide:

• Start by gathering your ingredients and preparing your air fryer. You will need 2 tablespoons of butter, which you can melt in a bowl in the microwave. This should take around 20 seconds. Alternatively, you can melt the butter in a small saucepan on the stovetop over low heat.
• Once your butter is melted, grab a pastry brush. Pastry brushes are ideal for this task as they have soft bristles that can gently coat the zeppole without damaging their delicate texture.
• Brush the melted butter onto the zeppole generously and evenly. Ensure that you coat all sides of each zeppole for the best results.
• After brushing the butter onto the zeppole, it's time to add the finishing touch—the coating of powdered sugar. You can dust the zeppole with a generous amount of powdered sugar, or you can prepare a simple sugar glaze by mixing powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl.
• Dip the buttered zeppole into the sugar glaze or place them in a paper bag with powdered sugar and shake until they are evenly coated.

By following these steps, you will create delicious, buttery zeppole with a beautiful golden colour and a delightful texture. Enjoy your homemade treat!

Dusting the zeppole with powdered sugar

Zeppole are Italian doughnuts, or fried dough balls, that are often dusted with powdered sugar. The sugar is usually added after cooking, while the zeppole are still hot. You can dust them with a light coating of powdered sugar, or put them in a paper bag with the sugar, and shake until they're coated.

Some recipes suggest making a glaze with milk or honey and dipping the zeppole in this before sprinkling on the powdered sugar.

Zeppole are usually served hot, and are best eaten fresh.

Frequently asked questions