Stromboli Sauce Secrets: Air Fryer Edition

Stromboli is a delicious and versatile dish that can be made in an air fryer. It is essentially a type of turnover or rolled-up pizza, filled with various ingredients such as meats, cheese, and vegetables, and baked to perfection. When it comes to adding sauce, the traditional method involves baking the stromboli without sauce and serving it with a side of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. However, some people choose to add sauce inside their stromboli before baking. So, can you put sauce inside your air fryer stromboli? The answer is yes! While it may not be the traditional way of preparing stromboli, there is no reason why you can't add sauce to the filling. Just keep in mind that moisture is the enemy of stromboli, so be sure to use a thicker sauce that is not too watery. Additionally, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature to ensure that your stromboli cooks evenly and doesn't become soggy. Why not experiment and find what works best for your taste preferences? Get creative and enjoy the magic of cooking with your air fryer!

Stromboli sauce pairings

Stromboli is a versatile dish that can be paired with various sauces to enhance its flavour. Here are some sauce options to consider:

Pizza or Marinara Sauce

This is a classic choice for Stromboli and is often served as a dipping sauce on the side. It adds a tangy and savoury touch to the dish.

Garlic Butter

A mixture of melted butter, garlic, and fresh parsley can be spread on the dough before adding other fillings. This combination provides a delicious aroma and a subtle kick to the Stromboli.

Italian Seasoning

Sprinkling Italian seasoning on top of the Stromboli before baking gives it an extra flavour boost. It complements the other ingredients and adds a distinct Italian twist.

Egg Wash

While not exactly a sauce, an egg wash is often used to give the Stromboli a golden-brown colour and a crispy texture. It also helps to seal the edges of the Stromboli, preventing leakage during the cooking process.

Meat Sauce

For a heartier and more savoury option, a meat sauce can be used as a filling or served on the side. This pairs well with the cheese and other ingredients in the Stromboli.

Spicy Tomato Cream Sauce

For those who enjoy a kick of spice, a spicy tomato cream sauce can be a delicious pairing. It adds a creamy texture and a mild spiciness that complements the other flavours in the Stromboli.

Filling options

Stromboli is a type of turnover, filled with various ingredients such as meats, cheese, and vegetables. The beauty of Stromboli is its versatility. You can choose any combination of ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Meats

• Pepperoni
• Salami
• Ham
• Prosciutto
• Sausage
• Bacon
• Deli meats

Cheeses

• Mozzarella
• Ricotta
• Buffalo mozzarella
• Feta
• Goat cheese
• Cheddar

Vegetables

• Bell peppers
• Onions
• Mushrooms
• Eggplant
• Zucchini
• Roasted red peppers

You can also add other ingredients like scrambled eggs or crushed nuts for a unique twist.

When selecting your fillings, keep in mind that moisture is the enemy of Stromboli. Choose dry meats and well-drained cheeses to prevent your Stromboli from becoming soggy.

Additionally, if you're using a lot of toppings, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.

Reheating Stromboli in an air fryer

Preparation:

First, if your stromboli is in one large piece, cut it into slices, preferably about 2 inches thick. This will ensure even heating and prevent the crust from burning. It will also be easier to handle when hot. If you have multiple large strombolis, consider reheating them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Air Fryer Settings:

Preheat your air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit. While it is preheating, you can optionally sprinkle some mozzarella or grated Romano cheese on top of your stromboli slices for an extra layer of flavour.

Reheating:

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the stromboli slices inside and let them fry for 7-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on the stromboli to ensure it doesn't burn. The stromboli is ready when the crust is golden brown, crispy, and the cheese is bubbling.

Serving:

Let the stromboli sit for up to 5 minutes after removing it from the air fryer. This will ensure that the heat is evenly distributed throughout the snack. Enjoy your freshly reheated stromboli!

Tips:

• If you want to add some extra crispiness to your stromboli, consider brushing the slices with a little oil before placing them in the air fryer.
• Be mindful of overcrowding the air fryer basket. If your stromboli slices are too close together, they may not heat evenly, resulting in cold spots or burnt sections.
• Always preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature to ensure even cooking.

How to assemble Stromboli

To assemble a stromboli, start by rolling out your pizza dough into a rectangle on a baking sheet. It should be about 1/4-inch thick, and you can use a pre-made dough or make your own.

Next, spread your desired sauce over the dough, leaving a border of around 1 inch on the edges. You can use pizza sauce, marinara sauce, or another sauce of your choice.

Now it's time to add your fillings. Start by sprinkling cheese over the sauce, then add your desired meats and vegetables. Popular choices include pepperoni, salami, ham, mozzarella cheese, onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, but you can get creative with your fillings. Just be sure not to overfill, as this can make it difficult to roll up the dough.

Brush the edges of the dough with a beaten egg or milk, which will help create a tight seal. Then, gently roll the dough into a tight cylinder, starting from a long side, and tuck in the ends. Place the stromboli seam-side down and brush the top with cooking spray or beaten egg/milk for a golden crust.

Finally, cut a few slits in the top of the dough to allow steam to escape during cooking. Your stromboli is now ready to be baked!

Air fryer settings

When preparing stromboli in an air fryer, there are several steps to follow to ensure optimal results. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 350°F and 400°F. The specific temperature and cooking time may vary depending on the recipe and the type of air fryer used. For instance, one recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 350°F for 2 minutes before placing the stromboli inside and cooking it for 13 minutes.

When preparing the stromboli, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch, which provides a balanced ratio of filling to dough. After layering your desired ingredients, fold and seal the stromboli by gently folding the long sides of the dough and pinching the edges together to prevent leakage.

Once your stromboli is prepared and the air fryer is preheated, place the stromboli seam-side down in the air fryer. You may want to spray the top with cooking spray and sprinkle seasonings, such as garlic powder, for added flavour.

The cooking time for stromboli in an air fryer can range from 13 to 20 minutes, depending on the recipe and the thickness of the stromboli. It is important to keep an eye on your stromboli during the cooking process to ensure it reaches the desired level of doneness. It should appear golden brown on the outside, indicating a crispy crust.

Additionally, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be around 160°F to 175°F to ensure the filling is thoroughly cooked. Once your stromboli is cooked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving with your favourite dipping sauce.

Frequently asked questions