Neapolitan Fried Pizza - ( Pizza Fritta )
Pizza Fritta is a traditional recipe from Naples, made with soft pizza dough that is deep-fried until golden and airy.
It is a classic example of Neapolitan street food, born as an affordable and comforting dish, and is widely appreciated in the UK for its crisp exterior and soft, pillowy centre.
Ingredients (with quantities)
Makes: 6 fried pizzas
For the dough
500 g strong bread flour
325 ml lukewarm water
7 g dry yeast (or 20 g fresh yeast)
10 g fine salt
1 tsp sugar (optional)
For frying
Vegetable oil, for deep frying
Classic filling (optional but traditional)
200 g ricotta cheese
150 g mozzarella (low moisture), diced
50 g salami or cooked ham, chopped
Black pepper, to taste
Method
Dissolve yeast (and sugar, if using) in the water.
Add flour and mix, then add salt and knead until smooth and elastic (8–10 minutes).
Cover and let rise for 2 hours, until doubled in size.
Divide dough into 6 balls and let rest 30 minutes.
Flatten each ball, add filling if using, then seal well.
Heat oil to 170–175°C / 340–350°F.
Fry one pizza at a time, turning once, until puffed and golden.
Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Tips and Variations
Make sure the oil temperature stays around 170–175°C to keep the pizza light and not greasy.
Seal the edges well if using a filling, to prevent leaks during frying.
Fry one pizza at a time to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
Serve immediately while hot and airy for the best texture.
Fried Pizza History
Fried pizza was born in Naples during the post-war period, when many families needed affordable, filling meals made with simple ingredients. Frying dough at home allowed people to enjoy pizza without an oven, turning pizza fritta into one of the city’s most iconic street foods.
This practical and comforting approach to cooking is shared with other Neapolitan classics such as Neapolitan beef and onion stew, a slow-cooked dish rooted in cucina povera, and traditional desserts like Caprese chocolate almond cake, which showcase how simple ingredients can create deeply satisfying flavours.
