Air Fryer Chiacchiere: Crispy Carnival Treats Without Frying

Air fryer chiacchiere are the lighter, modern twist on the classic Italian Carnival dessert. Just as crispy and delicious as the traditional fried version, these chiacchiere are made without deep frying, thanks to the air fryer.

Thin, crunchy, and delicately sweet, they’re perfect if you want to enjoy a festive treat with less oil but full flavor. Finished with powdered sugar or dipped in dark chocolate, they’re irresistible and incredibly easy to make at home.

What Are Chiacchiere?

Chiacchiere are traditional Italian Carnival pastries, known by different names across Italy (frappe, bugie, cenci). They’re thin strips of dough, usually fried until crisp and dusted with powdered sugar. This air fryer version keeps all the crunch, but with less oil and a cleaner finish.

Tips for Perfect Chiacchiere in the Air Fryer

• Roll the dough very thin for maximum crispiness
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket
• Brush lightly with oil—too much will make them greasy
• Let them cool completely to fully crisp up
• Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model

Frequently Asked Questions

Are air fryer chiacchiere really crispy?

Yes! Once cooled, they become perfectly crunchy, very similar to the fried version.

Can I make them without chocolate?

Absolutely. Classic powdered sugar is perfect on its own.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours, well wrapped.

Are these lighter than fried chiacchiere?

Yes, they use significantly less oil than the traditional fried version.

How to Store

Store the chiacchiere in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

How to Freeze

Freezing is not recommended, as they may lose their crisp texture.

How to Make Air Fryer Chiacchiere

Step 1

Step 1

In a large bowl, add the egg, sugar, oil, milk, baking powder, and vanilla extract, then mix briefly. Gradually incorporate the flour, stirring until the dough starts to come together.

In a large bowl, add the egg, sugar, oil, milk, baking powder, and vanilla extract, then mix briefly. Gradually incorporate the flour, stirring until the dough starts to come together.

Transfer the dough to a work surface and knead by hand until you obtain a smooth, compact dough.

Step 2

Step 2

Transfer the dough to a work surface and knead by hand until you obtain a smooth, compact dough.

Roll the dough out on a sheet of parchment paper until very thin, about 3mm thick. Cut the dough into rectangles (about 10×6cm) using a fluted pastry wheel.

Lightly brush the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the chiacchiere in a single layer and brush the tops lightly with oil as well.

Step 3

Step 3

Roll the dough out on a sheet of parchment paper until very thin, about 3mm thick. Cut the dough into rectangles (about 10×6cm) using a fluted pastry wheel.

Cook in the air fryer at 180°C (356°F) for about 15 minutes, turning them halfway through if necessary, until golden and crisp.

Step 4

Step 4

Lightly brush the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the chiacchiere in a single layer and brush the tops lightly with oil as well.

Once completely cooled, dust some with powdered sugar and decorate the others with melted dark chocolate.