Among the most beloved and simple Carnival desserts to prepare, the quick orange fritters certainly hold a special place. At my house, they literally disappear in no time and are among the quick fried desserts I make most often, not just for Carnival but whenever I crave something soft and fragrant. The reason is simple: the dough is made in just 10 minutes, just the time it takes for the oil to heat up, and the result is always impeccable.
These orange fritters, also known as orange castagnole, are soft, light, and not greasy at all, with a delicate citrus aroma that makes them irresistible. The recipe for quick orange fritters is really easy and requires few simple ingredients: eggs, sugar, flour (also rice flour for a gluten-free version), a pinch of baking powder, and naturally the orange, using both its juice and grated zest.
The fritters are then fried by the spoonful in hot, deep oil for a few minutes; once golden, simply drain them and roll them in granulated sugar to obtain an easy and fast dessert that conquers everyone at first bite. If you love Carnival fried desserts or are looking for a simple, quick, and always appreciated recipe, the quick orange fritters are undoubtedly the right choice!
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- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Economical
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 24Pieces
- Cooking methods: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Carnival
- Energy 31.70 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 5.50 (g) of which sugars 1.60 (g)
- Proteins 0.87 (g)
- Fat 0.84 (g) of which saturated 0.19 (g)of which unsaturated 0.59 (g)
- Fibers 0.13 (g)
- Sodium 19.23 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 15 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for about 24 quick orange fritters
If you are celiac, besides using equal weight of finely ground rice flour instead of all-purpose flour, check that these ingredients are labeled “gluten-free”: rice flour, baking powder.
- 1 egg (medium)
- 2 tbsps sugar (+ as needed to sprinkle the fritters)
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or finely ground rice flour for gluten-free)
- 2 tsps baking powder
- 1 tsp orange zest (grated)
- 1 pinch salt
- as needed peanut oil (for frying)
Tools
- 1 Grater
- 1 Juicer
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Wooden Spoon
- 1 Pan non-stick
How to make quick orange fritters
To make quick orange fritters, start by grating the orange zest (1). Choose an untreated orange and wash it well. Grate only the orange part, avoiding the white part which would be bitter. Set aside. Then squeeze the orange juice (2) and measure 1/4 cup. In a bowl, crack the egg and add a pinch of salt and the sugar (3).
Mix vigorously with a wooden spoon until the sugar is combined with the egg; then add the orange zest (4) and about half of the flour (5). Also add the baking powder. Start working the mixture with the spoon, then gradually add the orange juice (6).
Also add the rest of the flour and continue to mix vigorously for a couple of minutes, until you obtain a smooth, homogeneous, and not too fluid mixture (7). Pour plenty of peanut oil into a non-stick pan and heat it well. If you have a cooking thermometer you can measure the temperature, which should be around 340-350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, here’s a little trick to check if the oil is at the right temperature: pour a small amount of dough into the oil, and if it immediately rises to the surface making bubbles, the temperature is right. Cook your fritters by letting the dough slide from a teaspoon (8). Fry a few at a time and turn them right away, so they get golden on both sides (9).
After a couple of minutes, drain them (10) and let them dry on a paper towel (11). Before they cool down completely, roll them in sugar (12) to cover them entirely. If you prefer, you can sprinkle them with powdered sugar.
Serve the orange fritters right after making them to best appreciate their fragrance. Even when cold, however, they are very good.
Storage
The quick orange fritters are at their best when freshly made, while still warm and soft. However, if they are left over, you can store them at room temperature for about 24 hours, closed in an airtight container or under a cake dome.
Tips and Variations
The oil should be very hot (about 340-350°F): this way the fritters will puff up immediately and remain dry and light.
Fry a few fritters at a time to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
For even fluffier fritters, do not overwork the dough: mix only until smooth.
If you want to give your orange fritters an even more intense flavor you can add a tablespoon of Cointreau to the dough.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I prepare the fritter batter in advance?
Better not. The orange fritter batter should be fried immediately to ensure optimal puffing and a soft texture.
Can quick orange fritters be made without baking powder?
Baking powder is essential to achieve soft and fluffy fritters. Without it, they would be too hard and compact.
Why are the fritters greasy?
Usually, it’s because the oil is too cold. Make sure it is hot enough before starting to fry, checking it with a kitchen thermometer or frying a small amount of batter: if it rises to the surface immediately forming bubbles, the oil temperature is correct.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, although fresh orange juice is preferable when in season, as it ensures a more intense and natural aroma.
Are they suitable beyond Carnival time?
Of course! Although they are perfect as Carnival treats, orange fritters are ideal year-round as a quick and fragrant dessert.
