Easy Air Fryer Zeppole

Make bakery-quality Air Fryer Zeppole at home! These light, fluffy Italian doughnuts are perfectly golden and absolutely delicious. A quick, 10-minute dessert that’s perfect for families. Get the recipe now!

Bring the irresistible charm of an Italian street fair right to your kitchen with this incredibly Easy Air Fryer Zeppole recipe.

Traditionally deep-fried, these classic Italian doughnuts get a modern, makeover in the air fryer, resulting in a treat that is perfectly golden and crisp on the outside while remaining light and airy in the center.

Whether you are celebrating St. Joseph’s Day or simply looking for a quick weeknight dessert, these “cheat” zeppole take only minutes to prepare, allowing you to skip the messy stovetop cleanup and head straight to the best part, dusting them with a generous coating of powdered sugar and serving them warm.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Classic Fair Flavor Without the Messy Oil: Enjoy authentic Italian doughnuts without the heavy deep-frying.
• Ready in Minutes for a Quick Dessert: These golden treats cook faster than a traditional oven.
• Pillowy Soft Centers and Perfectly Golden Crusts: The air fryer creates the most incredible airy texture.
• Minimal Cleanup With No Greasy Splatter: Skip the scrubbing and enjoy your dessert stress-free.
• A Fun Family Treat Kids Can Decorate: Everyone will love adding their favorite sweet toppings.

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Dessert Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER CARAMEL APPLE DANISH, AIR FRYER CINNAMON STICKY BUNS, AIR FRYER CINNAMON CHURRO BITES, and AIR FRYER APPLE PIE BOMBS.

Ingredients Needed

• Pizza Dough, Homemade or Store-Bought: Use fresh or refrigerated dough for a quick base.
• Powdered Sugar: Fine sugar creates a sweet and snowy dessert coating.
• Milk: A splash of milk helps create a smooth glaze.
• Air Fryer: This powerful tool ensures a perfectly crisp, golden finish.
• Cooking Spray: A light mist prevents sticking and aids even browning.

How To Make Air Fryer Zeppole

Step One: Start by shaping your Zeppoles into balls about the size of red potato as you make them lay them onto a greased air fryer basket or pan.

Step Two: Set your air fryer temperature to 340 degrees F, set cook time for 3-5 minutes.

Step Three: In a small bowl, add your powdered sugar and milk, and mix well. Dip the cooked Zeppoles into the sugar glaze. Let cool slightly before serving.

Easy Air Fryer Zeppole Recipe Tips

• Avoid Crowding the Basket: Leave at least an inch of space between each dough ball so the hot air can circulate and puff them up evenly.
• Keep the Size Consistent: Shape your dough into uniform balls to ensure every zeppole finishes cooking at the exact same time.
• Lightly Mist for Crunch: A quick spray of oil right before cooking helps achieve that traditional “fried” golden crust without the heavy grease.
• Shake Halfway Through: Give the basket a gentle shake or use tongs to flip the zeppole halfway through the cooking time.
• Dress While Warm: Apply your powdered sugar or glaze while the zeppole are still hot so the sweetness sticks to the surface perfectly.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to poke the center of a larger piece; if it comes out clean, your doughnuts are airy and ready.

Storing Instructions

• Storing: Keep your leftover zeppole in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their softness. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to five days, though they are best enjoyed fresh.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled zeppole in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a heavy-duty freezer bag for up to three months. Avoid dusting them with powdered sugar until you are ready to serve, as the sugar will dissolve during the freezing process.
• Reheating: Restore that signature “just-fried” crispness by popping them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until warmed through. This method is far superior to the microwave, which can make the dough rubbery rather than light and airy.

Air Fryer Zeppole Recipe Faqs

Can I use canned biscuit dough instead of pizza dough? Yes, refrigerated buttermilk biscuits make an excellent shortcut and result in a texture very similar to a traditional doughnut. Simply cut the biscuits into quarters and roll them into small balls before air frying.

Why didn’t my zeppole puff up in the air fryer? For the best rise, let your dough sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before shaping and cooking.

Do I have to use yeast for this recipe? If you are using store-bought pizza or biscuit dough, the leavening agents are already included. If you are making dough from scratch, you will need yeast or a “two-ingredient” recipe using self-rising flour and Greek yogurt.

How do I get the powdered sugar to stay on? Powdered sugar tends to melt into the dough if it’s too oily or too cold. Lightly brush the warm zeppole with a tiny bit of melted butter or a mist of oil right before tossing them in the sugar for the best coating.

Can I make these savory instead of sweet? Absolutely! Instead of sugar, toss the warm dough balls in a mixture of melted butter, garlic powder, dried oregano, and grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious Italian bread bite.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER S’MORES BANANA BOATS
• AIR FRYER CINNAMON STICKY BUNS
• EASY AIR FRYER COOKIE DOUGH EGG ROLLS
• AIR FRYER COOKIE DOUGH CRESCENT BITES
• AIR FRYER APPLE DUMPLINGS
• EASY AIR FRYER BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE EGG ROLLS

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