Air-Fried Almond Flour Crackers: A Healthy, Easy Treat

Almond flour crackers are a delicious, healthy snack option that can be made in an air fryer. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a crispy and crunchy snack that is perfect for dipping or topping. The best part is that they are easy to make and only require basic kitchen equipment. So, if you're looking for a tasty and nutritious snack, almond flour crackers are a great choice, and you can conveniently make them in your air fryer!

How to make the dough for almond flour crackers

To make the dough for almond flour crackers, you will need almond flour, an egg, and a little water. Some recipes also include salt, oil, and/or seeds.

Firstly, mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Then, add the egg and mix well until a crumbly dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little water.

You can also mix the dough in a food processor if you prefer, but this will create more cleanup.

How to roll out the dough

Rolling out the dough is a crucial step in the baking process, and here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect dough consistency for your almond flour crackers.

Firstly, ensure you have a flat surface to work on. This could be a kitchen counter, table, or even the stove if you have a large, flat wooden board. Lightly flour the surface to prevent the dough from sticking. You can use a light dusting of flour or an alternative such as cornstarch or wax paper.

Next, roll your dough into a large ball and place it in the centre of your floured space. Using your hands, gently press down on the dough to flatten it into a circle about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. This provides a good base to begin rolling out.

Now, take your rolling pin and place it in the centre of the flattened dough. Apply gentle, even pressure and let the pin rotate as you push it away from you, rolling the dough outwards. It is important to start in the middle each time and work your way outwards. Turn the dough occasionally to maintain a circular shape. Continue rolling until the dough is thin and even, achieving your desired thickness.

If your dough becomes resistant or difficult to roll, allow it to rest for a few minutes. You can also return it to the fridge for a brief period if it feels too soft, or let it rest at room temperature if it is too stiff.

Once you have achieved the desired thickness, you can use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into your desired cracker shape. If you are making cut-out cookies, this is where you would use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes.

Finally, transfer your cut crackers to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you are making a pie, you can choose to trim the edges of the dough now or after transferring it to the pie dish.

Remember, the key to successful dough rolling is an even, consistent technique, working from the centre outwards, and ensuring your dough is at the right consistency—not too soft or stiff.

How to cook the crackers in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the dough

Firstly, combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Then, add in the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms. The dough should be thick and cohesive. If it seems too dry, add a little more water.

Step 2: Roll out the dough

Place the dough onto a piece of parchment paper and cover it with another sheet of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough until it is thin and even. The ideal thickness is around 1/8 of an inch, but it doesn't need to be perfect.

Step 3: Cut the crackers

Remove the top sheet of parchment paper and use a knife, pizza cutter, or cookie cutter to cut the dough into your desired cracker shape and size. You can make them into small squares or rectangles, or use a round cookie cutter for round crackers.

Step 4: Season the crackers (optional)

Before transferring the crackers to the air fryer, you can season them with your choice of herbs, spices, or seeds. Some popular options include everything bagel seasoning, rosemary, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or sea salt.

Step 5: Transfer the crackers to the air fryer

Carefully place the crackers into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a small space between each cracker. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 6: Air fry the crackers

Air fry the crackers at 200°C/400°F for 7-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking. The crackers are done when they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Cool the crackers

Once the crackers are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.

Storage:

These almond flour crackers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How to store the crackers

Once your crackers are ready, it is important to let them cool completely before storing them. This is because they will not stay crispy and will spoil faster if stored while still warm.

For short-term storage, keep your crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay crisp for up to one week.

If you need to store them for longer, you can freeze them. Place the crackers in a freezer-safe container or bag and they will last for up to 2 months. You can also use a ziplock bag for freezing. When you're ready to eat them again, thaw them at room temperature and reheat in the oven.

How to adapt the recipe to make bigger crackers

To adapt the recipe and make bigger crackers, you can increase the amount of dough used for each cracker. For example, instead of using a 1/2 teaspoon of dough for each cracker, you could use a full teaspoon or even a tablespoon of dough. This will give you larger, thicker crackers.

However, it is important to note that the thickness of the dough should remain the same, even if you are making bigger crackers. This is to ensure that the crackers bake evenly and have a consistent texture. If the dough is rolled out too thickly, the crackers may burn on the outside before they are fully cooked on the inside.

Additionally, when making bigger crackers, it is important to space them out on the baking sheet or air fryer basket to allow for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan or basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the crackers from crisping up properly.

Finally, keep in mind that the baking time may need to be adjusted when making bigger crackers. Larger crackers may need to be baked for a few minutes longer than smaller crackers to ensure that they are fully cooked and crisped up.

By following these tips, you can easily adapt the recipe to make bigger almond flour crackers in an air fryer or oven.

Frequently asked questions