Who said cantucci need butter to taste amazing? These Air Fryer Chocolate Cantucci prove you can enjoy all the crunch and flavor of the classic Tuscan biscotti — only lighter! First mentioned back in 1691 by the Accademia della Crusca, these timeless cookies get a modern twist: the same golden crunch, less fat, and no oven needed.
They’re the perfect treat for coffee lovers, tea drinkers, or anyone craving a little sweet crunch after dinner. And thanks to the air fryer, you’ll get that irresistible aroma and perfect texture in just minutes — no mess, no fuss, no waiting.
What You’ll Need
For the Chocolate Cantucci (No Butter):
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour (about 350 g)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks (about 200 g)
- ½ cup sugar (about 100 g)
- 2 whole eggs
- 2 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (about 30 ml)
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (about 20 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 sachet vanilla powder
- A pinch of salt
How to Make Chocolate Cantucci in the Air Fryer
Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and set it aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, egg whites, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and mix again until well combined.
Add the flour, then the baking powder and salt, mixing until the dough is smooth and compact. Divide it into two portions: keep one plain and mix the cocoa powder into the other for a rich chocolate color. Fold in the chopped chocolate so it’s evenly distributed.
Shape each portion into a log and place it on parchment paper. Bake in a static oven at 355°F (180°C) for 20 minutes. Let them cool for about 10 minutes, then slice diagonally into classic biscotti shapes, about ½ inch thick (1 cm).
Arrange the slices in your air fryer basket, side by side, and cook at 285°F (140°C) for 15 minutes, until beautifully golden and crisp. Let them cool completely before tasting — that’s when they reach their signature crunch.
How to Store Them
Store your chocolate cantucci in a glass jar or metal tin with a tight-fitting lid. They’ll stay deliciously crunchy for up to two weeks — perfect for a quick snack or a thoughtful homemade gift.
Flavor Up!
Want to give them a gourmet touch? Add chopped almonds or hazelnuts to the dough for extra crunch, or drizzle the cooled biscotti with melted dark chocolate. You can also mix in a little orange zest or cinnamon — a small twist that turns them into something truly irresistible.
Since 2012, I’ve been sharing life through the things I love most — cooking, traveling, observing, and writing. I do it with the curiosity of someone who’s always learning, and the joy of sharing something real and heartfelt
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