Air-Fried Sourdough: A Tasty, Crispy, And Quick Treat?

Sourdough bread is a popular choice for home bakers, but the process can be time-consuming and heat up your kitchen. Air fryers are a convenient alternative to baking sourdough in a traditional oven. They are compact, easy to use, and more energy-efficient. By using an air fryer, you can enjoy a freshly baked loaf of sourdough with a crisp crust and soft, airy crumb in under 30 minutes. This introduction will explore the benefits of using an air fryer for sourdough bread and provide an overview of the process, highlighting the unique features and considerations of this cooking method.

Air fryer sourdough recipes

Baking sourdough bread in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy fresh bread without heating up the whole kitchen. It's also a more economical way to bake sourdough bread, as air fryers are cheaper to run than ovens.

Ingredients

• Sourdough starter
• Bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
• Spelt flour (or whole wheat flour)
• Oil (preferably extra virgin olive oil)
• Salt (sea salt or regular)
• Sugar (optional)
• Water (warm water is best)
• Butter (optional)

Method

First, combine your flour, sourdough starter, oil, salt, sugar (if using), and water in a stand mixer or a bread machine. You can also mix and knead the dough by hand. Knead the dough until all the ingredients are combined and it pulls together. You may not need all the water, so add it gradually.

Next, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased cake pan. Cover it loosely and leave it to rise for about 30 minutes to an hour. You can also leave it to rise overnight in the fridge, which allows the sourdough flavors to develop.

Now, it's time to preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating to between 385°F and 400°F (200°C). However, if you are using a recipe that involves baking in a conventional oven, you will need to reduce the temperature by about 30°F for the air fryer. So, for a recipe with an oven temperature of 350°F, set your air fryer to 320°F.

Once preheated, score the top of your bread dough with a lame or a sharp knife. This helps the bread rise. Then, place the pan in the air fryer basket, adding a little water to the bottom, and bake for 14-20 minutes.

After this initial bake, carefully remove the bread from the pan and flip it over. Lower the temperature slightly and bake for another 14-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the underside.

Finally, remove the bread from the air fryer and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips

• The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on your bread to ensure it doesn't burn.
• Sourdough bread is best within 48 hours of baking. After that, slice and freeze any remaining bread.
• You can also bake the bread directly in the air fryer basket to avoid a doughy bottom.

Ingredients and preparation

Sourdough bread can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes, resulting in a super-crisp crust and soft, airy crumb. The ingredients and preparation are similar to those of a traditional oven-baked sourdough loaf, but with a few modifications. Here is a detailed guide to help you get started:

Ingredients:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need:

• Sourdough starter: This can be a traditional starter, a whole wheat starter, or a combination of both.
• Flour: Use a combination of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour for the best results. You can also experiment with bread flour and spelt flour.
• Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavour and health benefits.
• Salt: Sea salt is a good option, but you can use any salt you have on hand.
• Water: Warm water is preferable as it helps with dough development.

Preparation:

Now, let's move on to the preparation:

• Combine your flour, sourdough starter, oil, and salt in a stand mixer or a bread machine. You can also mix and knead by hand if you don't have access to a mixer.
• Gradually add water to the mixture until all the ingredients come together to form a dough. You may not need all the water, so add it slowly.
• Knead the dough on a low speed for about 5 minutes, or by hand until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Shape the dough into a ball and place it in an air fryer-safe baking dish or cake pan. Grease the pan with oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Cover the dough and let it rise. This can be done at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour, or in the refrigerator overnight for a slower rise.
• Preheat your air fryer to around 385-400°F (200°C). Different air fryer models may vary, so adjust the temperature accordingly.
• Once the dough has risen, use a lame or a sharp knife to score the surface. This helps the bread rise and develops the crust.
• Place the dough in the air fryer basket, seam side down, ensuring it has enough room to expand. You may need to adjust the size of your dough to fit your air fryer.
• Bake your sourdough for about 20-30 minutes. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature.
• To ensure even cooking, consider flipping the bread halfway through the baking process.
• Your bread is ready when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the underside. You can also use a thermometer to check if the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F (88-95°C).
• Remove the bread from the air fryer and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
• Sourdough bread is best consumed within 48 hours. After that, slice and freeze any remaining bread to extend its shelf life.

Baking times and temperatures

The baking time and temperature for sourdough bread in an air fryer depend on the air fryer model and the desired texture of the bread. It is recommended to reduce the cooking temperature by about 30°F when using an air fryer compared to a traditional oven. The cooking time can be cut in half, as air fryers heat up more intensely due to their smaller size.

For a crisp crust and soft crumb, some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about three minutes. Then, the dough is scored with a lame or sharp knife and placed in the air fryer basket seam-side down. The bread is baked for about 20 minutes and gently shaken halfway through. The internal temperature of the bread should reach 190-200°F (88-95°C).

Another method involves baking the bread in two stages. In the first stage, the bread is baked at 385°F for 14 minutes. Then, the bread is flipped over, and the temperature is lowered to 330°F for the second 14-minute stage. If the bread is still not done, the temperature can be lowered further to 330°F, and the bread is baked until its internal temperature reaches 200°F.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model, and adjustments may be necessary. The bread is typically baked within 26 to 30 minutes in an air fryer, which is significantly shorter than the traditional oven method.

Storing and freezing

Sourdough bread can be stored at room temperature for about 4 to 5 days. The best way to store it is to place the loaf cut-side down on a wooden cutting board, which keeps the crumb moist while allowing the crust to breathe. You can also store it in its original packaging or a linen-based bread bag.

However, if you're not planning to eat it within a few days, freezing is the best option. To freeze a whole loaf, first, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to lock in moisture. After that, place the wrapped loaf in a freezer-safe bag or wrap it in a second layer of foil. You can also place the loaf in a large, durable Ziploc bag, pressing out any excess air and sealing it. If you're concerned about the crust puncturing the bag, you can wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or aluminium foil first, or place it in a small paper bag, before transferring it to a Ziploc bag.

When storing sliced sourdough bread, stack the slices to maintain their shape, then place them into an airtight freezer bag, removing any excess air before sealing. Frozen slices can be toasted directly from frozen, with no need to thaw them in advance.

Frozen sourdough bread will maintain its best quality for about 2-3 months, but it will remain safe to eat beyond that time. However, the flavour will start to decline, and the bread may become dry and brittle.

Air fryer benefits

Sourdough bread can be cooked in an air fryer, and there are several benefits to doing so. Firstly, it is a convenient and easy way to bake sourdough bread. The air fryer's small size and intense heat allow for even and crispy results, similar to a convection oven. This means you can enjoy bakery-worthy bread without having to spend hours in the kitchen.

Another benefit of using an air fryer is the reduced cooking time. Sourdough bread baked in an air fryer typically takes around 30 minutes or less, which is significantly faster than the traditional oven method, which can take up to an hour or more. This makes it a great option for those who are short on time or want fresh bread without the long wait.

Air fryers also provide a more economical way to bake sourdough bread. They require less energy to operate than a full-size oven, and the shorter cooking time means less energy consumption overall. This can lead to cost savings on your energy bills, especially if you bake bread frequently.

Additionally, air fryers are versatile and can be used for a variety of bread recipes. You can experiment with different types of flour, such as bread flour, spelt flour, or whole wheat flour, and even add ingredients like olive oil and salt to create unique flavors. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air evenly also means that you can achieve a consistent result with each bake.

Lastly, air fryers are a great option for baking sourdough bread during the hot summer months. Unlike a traditional oven, which can heat up your entire kitchen, an air fryer produces less heat and can even be used outdoors. This allows you to enjoy the aroma and taste of freshly baked sourdough bread without making your kitchen uncomfortably warm.

Frequently asked questions