Air Fryer Italian Frittole

Air Fryer Italian Frittole is a lighter way to enjoy Italy’s classic carnival dessert. Whether for parties, tea-time, or festive celebrations, these bite-sized treats will be a hit with everyone.
Air Fryer Italian Frittole
If you’re craving a taste of Italy’s beloved carnival snack, Air Fryer Italian Frittole is the perfect recipe. Traditionally deep-fried, frittole are small, fluffy fritters often enjoyed during holidays and festivals. This air fryer version gives you the same delicious flavor and golden crunch but with less oil, making it a lighter and healthier indulgence.What is Italian Frittole?Italian Frittole are bite-sized fried dough treats that can be sweet or savory. In Venice, they’re known as frittelle and are a must-have during Carnevale. Our air fryer frittole keeps the classic taste but swaps deep-frying for hot air circulation, reducing calories without compromising on flavor.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Air Fryer Italian Frittole
Servings: 4
Cost: 100
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup milk warm
- 2 tbsp sugar for sweet version
- 1 tsp dry yeast
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp butter softened
- ½ tsp salt
- Zest of 1 lemon optional, for aroma
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it rest for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add egg, butter, lemon zest, and salt.
- Gradually mix in flour to form a soft dough.
- Cover and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape the Frittole
- Punch down the dough and divide into small balls.
- Keep them uniform for even cooking.
Step 3: Air Fry the Frittole
- Preheat air fryer to 180°C (356°F).
- Brush frittole lightly with oil.
- Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway for even browning.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch
- Once cooked, dust generously with powdered sugar.
- Serve warm and enjoy the crispy-soft texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Air Fryer Italian Frittole with coffee or hot chocolate.
- For a twist, inject them with jam, custard, or Nutella before serving.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Frittole
- Let the dough rise properly for extra fluffiness.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of your frittole.
Final Thoughts
- Air Fryer Italian Frittole is a lighter way to enjoy Italy’s classic carnival dessert. Whether for parties, tea-time, or festive celebrations, these bite-sized treats will be a hit with everyone.