Gluten free pizza fritta, also known as, zeppole are golden fried puffs of dough dusted with powdered sugar. This pastry recipe is a mouthwatering twist on a classic favorite complete with both the deep-fry and air fryer methods for your convenience.
Over a century ago, John’s great grandmother from Italy would make pizza fritta. She passed down the cherished tradition to her daughter who would make them, and so on. You get the picture. This tradition was passed on from generation to generation.
Every Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter we would look forward to Grandma’s signature dish.
Then we found out that my husband and two of my sons had non-celiac gluten sensitivity. It was so sad that they could not indulge in this special treat anymore. I was determined to recreate a gluten free version of pizza fritta.
The verdict on how they compare to Grandma’s? Two thumbs up from everyone in the family.
This quest culminated in one of the first recipes published on the blog over 10 years ago. Today, I’m revisiting this recipe, and I have an updated approach.
I didn’t have an air fryer back then.
So I’m integrating both methods in this post: the traditional deep-fry method and the modern air fryer alternative that uses minimal oil yet yields the same delicious crispiness.
Every member of the family, regardless of dietary restrictions, can partake in the joyous tradition of gluten free pizza fritta fried dough.
Variations of fried dough, known by a plethora of names such as Zeppole, Pizza Fritta, Pizza Fritte, Pizza Fritelle, Fried Doughnuts, Funnel Cakes, and Beignets span cultural and regional borders, each offering a unique twist on this beloved indulgence.
Whether you’re at a fair, carnival, or an Italian feast you’ll spot these treats. They’re usually served fresh and hot, sprinkled with sugar or powdered sugar, or cinnamon sugar and wrapped up in paper plates or bags. But they are not made with gluten free flour.
These pastries bring the ideal balance of flavor and festive charm, making them a delightful addition for your upcoming cookie exchange!
If you love Italian food, be sure to take a look at my collection of gluten free and many low carb Italian-inspired recipes! Each one will transport you to the rustic charm of Italian kitchens.
For instance, I show you How to Brew Espresso in a Moka Pot to sip while you enjoy your zeppole.
Now, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious gluten free golden pizza fritta.
Ingredients
The ingredients are simply gluten free flour, water, butter, salt, and eggs. We’ll be adding raisins (optional) and lemon zest to our dough. Plus, we have oil for frying.
Traditionally, olive oil or vegetable oil is used for frying pizza fritta, but you can use any oil with a high smoke point. Then we’ll be dusting the finished pastry with powdered sugar. Yum.
When I first made them, I used Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free all-purpose baking flour, and they turned out pretty good.
But now, I’ve switched to King Arthur gluten-free Measure for Measure 1:1 flour. I like it better because it has xanthan gum in it, which makes the texture even better.
Instructions
*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.
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To begin zest your lemon and set aside.
To make the lemon zest, you will need a microplane. Wash and scrub the lemon with a vegetable brush. Grate only the outer layer of the skin, rotating the lemon for just the zest and not the white pith which can be bitter. If you don’t have a microplane, you can use a regular grater.
Next, scald the flour by bringing water, butter, and a pinch of salt to a gentle simmer until tiny bubbles form. Gradually whisk in the flour, a little at a time allowing it to absorb the liquid. This process results in a light and airy dough, increasing its hydration and flavor. Scalding the flour effectively locks in the moisture.
Allow the dough to cook on low heat for an additional 5 minutes, then let it cool for about 10 minutes.
When your dough is cool enough to handle, combine dough and eggs in a mixing bowl and beat for one minute.
Then fold in raisins and lemon zest.
Finally, let the dough rest for about 15 minutes.
Now that the dough preparation is complete, let’s move on to the cooking methods: deep frying and air frying.
Deep-frying method
Carefully, fry the dough a tablespoon at a time, easing it into the hot oil about 350℉ (175°C) in a deep pot until golden. (The dough should sink a little and then rise to the top. If they don’t sink at all, the oil is too hot. Also, the oil should definitely not be smoking.)
Grandma would casually scoop up handfuls of dough and drop them into the oil, resulting in irregular shapes for each fritta. No two “fritta” were alike! Occasionally, they would take on shapes reminiscent of animals, much like the one shown in the following picture. Doesn’t it look like a fish?
With a spider spoon, lift the fritta out of the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
Air frying method
If preheating is necessary for your air fryer model, set it to 340°F (170°C). This step guarantees even cooking of the dough, resulting in a flawless golden finish.
Brush oil on the bottom of the basket. Scoop dough either in irregular shapes, rolled into balls or flat circles and place in a single layer in your air fryer. Spray each with more oil. Cook them in batches so as not to crowd them.
Air fry for about 10-15 minutes. Flip them over half way through and brush them with more oil. Since ovens vary, check them in the last few minutes to be sure they don’t burn.
Mine were done in 15 minutes.
They’re best served warm.
Serving suggestions
You can serve them plain with dipping sauces such as Italian Red Sauce, garlic aioli, or pesto from this Zucchini Noodles With Pesto Sauce recipe.
And they can be paired with starters like Caprese Salad: A Classic Italian Appetizer or this Cute Easter Appetizer.
Or offer a sweet variation along with other holiday desserts like Gluten Free Chocolate Cream Pie, decadent Flourless Chocolate Cake, or Old Fashioned Potato Candy. Simply roll the pastry in powdered sugar on a plate, shake them in a paper bag, or dust them with a sifter or sieve.
Pro tips and recipe notes
Store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results. But honestly, I just pop them in the microwave until they’re warm.
In every golden bite of these gluten-free pizza fritta, you’ll taste not just a delicious treat, but a piece of cherished tradition. Gather your loved ones, fry up a batch, and let the joy of homemade goodness fill your hearts and bellies!
More fun desserts
Blueberry Muffins – Get your ingredients together, and you’ll be taking these gluten-free coconut flour blueberry muffins out of the oven in just 25 minutes.
Caramelized Bosc Pears With Coconut Whipped Cream: All you need are juicy Bosc pears, butter, and a selection of fall spices. It’s hard to believe that such a tasty dessert could be so nutritious.
How To Make Delicious 24-Hour Probiotic Yogurt: Here’s your step by step guide to make homemade yogurt.
Dark Chocolate Drizzled Coconut Macaroons: These macaroons are every coconut lovers dream cookie.
Healthy Coconut and Almond Dark Chocolate Bark: Clean eating low carb coconut and almond dark chocolate bark are the best.
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Gluten Free Pizza Fritta Fried Dough Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of water
- 3 tablespoons butter
- pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup King Arthur Gluten Free Measure For Measure Flour
- 1/2 cup raisins optional
- 3 eggs beaten
- zest of one lemon
- gluten free powdered sugar
- oil for frying
Instructions
Prepare dough
- To begin, scald the flour by bringing water, butter, and a pinch of salt, in a medium pot, to a gentle simmer until tiny bubbles form. Gradually whisk in the flour, a little at a time allowing it to absorb the liquid. This process results in a light and airy dough, increasing its hydration and flavor. Scalding the flour effectively locks in the moisture.Allow the dough to cook on low heat for an additional 5 minutes, then let it cool for about 10 minutes.1/2 cup of water, 3 tablespoons butter, pinch of salt, 3/4 cup King Arthur Gluten Free Measure For Measure Flour
- Next, combine dough and beaten eggs in a mixing bowl and beat with your electric hand mixer for 1 minute. Then stir in raisins and lemon zest. Let the dough rest for about 15 minutes.1/2 cup raisins, 3 eggs, zest of one lemon
Deep-frying method
- Add about 2 inches of oil to a deep pot. Carefully, fry the dough, a tablespoon at a time in hot oil (about 350℉) until golden. (The dough should sink a little and then rise to the top. If they do not sink at all, the oil is too hot. Also, the oil should definitely not be smoking.)oil for frying
- With a spider spoon, lift out of the oil and drain the pizza fritta on a paper towel-lined plate. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Air frying method
- If preheating is necessary for your air fryer model, set it to 340°F (170°C). This step guarantees even cooking of the dough, resulting in a flawless golden finish.Brush oil on the bottom of the basket. Scoop dough either in irregular shapes, rolled into balls or flat circles and place in a single layer in your air fryer. Spray each with more oil. Cook them in batches so as not to crowd them.
- Air fry for about 10-15 minutes. Flip them over half way through and brush them with more oil. Since ovens vary, check them in the last few minutes to be sure they don't burn.
- Serve warm plain or dusted with powdered sugar.gluten free powdered sugar
Notes
- Store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results. But honestly, I just pop them in the microwave until they're warm.
- The nutritional value of oil for frying is based on a retention value of 10% after cooking.
Nutrition
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Miriam Slozberg (@msmir) says
Yum that looks really good. Gluten free is the way to go these days so having this great pizza recipe on hand would be a huge asset to many! Thanks for sharing.
Barbara says
Thank you for your encouraging comments.
Tiffany DeOs says
You get wife of the year award! 🙂
Tiffany
https://thecraftyhome.net
Barbara says
Ha ha. Thanks, Tiffany.
He was thrilled when I surprised him with these pizza fritelle.
Jewel Williams says
I agree with Tiffany! This is truly loving and a really wonderful wife and mother. This recipe sounds really really great! I am missing only one ingredient, gluten free powdered sugar. May have to make this week!