Yogurt Castagnole in Air Fryer, soft and fry-free: a lighter version of the classic Carnival castagnole, easy to prepare and lemon-scented.
Castagnole are one of the iconic sweets of Carnival, small, round, and irresistible, instantly bringing back the festive winter atmosphere. In this yogurt version, cooked in an air fryer, I aimed to maintain their characteristic softness by choosing an alternative cooking method to traditional frying, more practical and suitable for everyday homemade preparation.
The air fryer allows you to achieve castagnole that are golden on the outside and soft on the inside, simply with a spray of seed oil. The result is a Carnival sweet that retains the appearance and texture of classic castagnole but is prepared without frying, ideal for those seeking an alternative solution without sacrificing taste.
A dusting of powdered sugar before serving is all that is needed to complete these yogurt castagnole, perfect for bringing to the table during Carnival or preparing when you crave a simple, fragrant homemade dessert.
At the end of the recipe, in the FAQ section, I answered some questions about this preparation. If you have other doubts or curiosities, write a comment or use the contact form at the end of the page.
Other recipes you might like:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 20 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Carnival
- Energy 66.72 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 13.88 (g) of which sugars 3.97 (g)
- Proteins 2.17 (g)
- Fat 0.46 (g) of which saturated 0.17 (g)of which unsaturated 0.19 (g)
- Fibers 0.32 (g)
- Sodium 8.51 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 1 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
Yogurt Castagnole Ingredients in Air Fryer
- 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cups sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 cups plain yogurt
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsps sweet vermouth
- lemon zest (half a lemon)
- as needed vegetable oil (for spraying)
- as needed powdered sugar
Tools
- Bowl
- Work Surface
- Lemon Zester
- Air Fryer
Recipe for Yogurt Castagnole in Air Fryer
Begin preparing the yogurt castagnole in the air fryer by weighing the all-purpose flour, sugar, and baking powder into a bowl.
Mix with a spoon to combine the ingredients, creating a well in the center.
Pour into the well the plain yogurt – lemon or vanilla yogurt will also work – the egg, zest of half an untreated lemon, and the vermouth.
Start mixing first with a spoon and then begin kneading with your hands.
When it is no longer possible to continue in the bowl, transfer to a lightly floured work surface and form a soft, non-sticky dough.
Let the dough rest covered for about 30 minutes.
Take the dough again and cut it into portions of about 0.7 oz.
Shape the pieces of dough into balls as if making meatballs.
Transfer the Carnival castagnole to the basket of the air fryer preheated to 392°F, spaced well apart as they will swell during cooking.
Spray the castagnole with oil and cook them at 392°F for 6 minutes.
After 3 – 4 minutes, shake the basket for even cooking.
Transfer the air-fried castagnole to a bowl and dust them with powdered sugar.
Serve the yogurt castagnole in the air fryer.
Yogurt Castagnole in Air Fryer: Soft and Fry-Free
Yogurt castagnole in air fryer are a little Carnival treat, easy to make and pleasant to enjoy. Soft inside and delicately scented, they represent an alternative version of classic castagnole, ideal for those who love traditional desserts revisited with balance.
Also try the Savory Parmesan Castagnole
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is sweet vermouth essential?
No, sweet vermouth is not essential. It’s only used to add a light aromatic note; alternatively, it can be replaced with another sweet liqueur or orange juice, keeping the quantity the same.
Can yogurt castagnole also be baked in the oven?
Yes, the castagnole can also be baked in a static oven. The result will be slightly different, but they will remain soft and well-cooked if placed on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
How to store yogurt castagnole?
Yogurt castagnole can be stored at room temperature for a day, preferably under a cake dome. They are also excellent the next day, especially when freshly dusted with powdered sugar before serving.
Find all the recipes to make in the air fryer in the section Recipes for Air Fryer.
For questions, curiosities, or if you want to collaborate with me, use the contact form below:
[contact-form-7 id=”d8b7d03″ title=”Contact Me”]

