Air Fryer Salt Dough Baking: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can bake salt dough in an air fryer. In fact, air fryers can be used to make a wide range of baked goods, including cakes, muffins, cookies, brownies, cupcakes, bread, and puddings. They cook faster than conventional or fan-assisted ovens, but you may need to adjust the baking time and temperature to get the perfect result.

Air fryer salt dough ornaments are a fun and easy craft project for the whole family. You can create gorgeous mementos for the holiday season or special occasions like Valentine's Day. The basic ingredients for salt dough are plain/all-purpose flour, table salt, and warm water. You can also add food colouring, lustre powder, and ground cinnamon to decorate your ornaments.

To make salt dough ornaments in an air fryer, simply combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, gradually add water to form a soft and pliable dough, and knead until it forms a ball. Then, roll out the dough, cut out your desired shapes using cookie cutters, and use a straw to make a small hole for hanging. Place the ornaments in the air fryer basket and air fry at a low temperature (around 90-95°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until completely dry. Once cooled, you can paint your ornaments with acrylic paint, seal them with a varnish, and add a ribbon for hanging.

Salt dough ingredients

Salt dough is typically made with three ingredients: flour, salt, and water.

For the flour, use plain or all-purpose flour. Self-raising flour may cause the dough to become bubbly.

For the salt, use table salt, fine sea salt, or something similar. Avoid anything too grainy, as this could change the dough's texture.

For the water, use warm tap water and add it to the dry ingredients gradually. If you add too much water, the dough will become sticky.

Optional additions to a basic salt dough recipe include food colouring, lustre powder, and ground cinnamon for a seasonal scent.

How to make air fryer salt dough ornaments

Salt dough ornaments are a great way to create gorgeous mementos for the holiday season. They are easy to make and can be a fun project for the whole family. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make air fryer salt dough ornaments:

Ingredients:

• Plain/all-purpose flour
• Table salt or fine sea salt
• Warm water
• Food colouring powder or gel food colouring (optional)
• Lustre powder (optional)
• Ground cinnamon (optional)

Equipment:

• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters or biscuit cutters
• Straw
• Air fryer
• Acrylic paint (optional)
• Mod Podge (optional)
• Ribbon or twine for hanging
• Airtight container for storage

Method:

Step 1: Making the Dough

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add warm water and mix using a dough hook attachment. Add just enough water so that the dough becomes pliable and soft but not sticky. If using food colouring powder, add it at this stage and knead until the colour is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Shaping the Dough

Flatten the dough with a rolling pin. You may not need a floured surface, but you can roll it out between baking sheets or parchment paper to avoid sticking. Use your cookie cutters to cut out your preferred shapes. Gather the scraps of dough and roll them out again to make more ornaments.

Step 3: Creating the Hole for Hanging

Use a straw to make a small hole in each ornament. This is where you will thread a piece of string or ribbon for hanging.

Step 4: Air Frying

Place the ornaments directly into the air fryer basket, spaced slightly apart. Air fry for 45-60 minutes at 90°C or until completely dry. It is best to do this at night so that the salt dough has extra time to dry in the air fryer as it cools.

Step 5: Painting and Sealing (optional)

Once the salt dough ornaments are completely dry, you can paint them using acrylic paint. Allow the paint to dry completely. To seal and protect the ornaments from damage, apply a coat of Mod Podge (glossy or matt) and let it dry.

Step 6: Hanging and Storing

Thread a pretty ribbon or twine through the hole in each ornament to hang them. Keep the ornaments in a airtight container in a dry place. The Mod Podge should preserve the ornaments well, and they can be stored for years.

Storing salt dough ornaments

Avoid Heat, Humidity, and Moisture:

Keep your salt dough ornaments away from heat, humidity, and moisture. These factors can cause the dough to soften or become mouldy.

Use Airtight Containers:

Store the ornaments in airtight containers in a dry place. You can also add a desiccant, such as silica gel, rice, or even a marshmallow, to the container to absorb any excess moisture and prevent mould.

Preserve and Seal:

Before storing, ensure your ornaments are properly preserved and sealed. Paint them with acrylic paint if desired, then seal them with a few coats of Mod Podge (a decoupage medium) or a spray sealer. You can choose between a Satin, Gloss, or Matte finish. This extra layer of protection will help extend the life of your ornaments.

Use Wax Paper for Multiple Ornaments:

If you have multiple ornaments, layer them between sheets of wax paper (not tissue paper, which can stick) and store them in a sturdy box.

Avoid Self-Raising Flour:

When making the salt dough, avoid using self-raising flour as it can cause the dough to puff up during the drying process.

Allow Proper Drying Time:

Ensure your ornaments are completely dry before storing them. The drying time will depend on the thickness of your ornaments. Thin ornaments may only need an hour or two in the oven, while thicker items may require a longer drying time or air drying.

By following these steps, you can keep your salt dough ornaments in great condition for years to come, bringing them out each holiday season to decorate your home and cherish the memories.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for baking salt dough in an air fryer will depend on what you are making. For example, if you are making salt dough ornaments, you will want to air fry them for 45-60 minutes at 90°C or 95°C (200°F).

If you are making bread, the temperature and time will vary depending on the type of bread and the size of your air fryer. For example, if you are making a loaf of bread, you might air fry it for 8 to 10 minutes at 320°F. If you are making a smaller roll, you might air fry it for 20 to 25 minutes at 400°F, and then flip it over and fry for an additional 5 minutes.

It's important to note that air fryers can vary in wattage and size, so you may need to adjust the time and temperature to suit your specific air fryer model.

Salt dough recipe variations

Salt dough is a simple mixture of flour, salt, and water that can be used to create long-lasting crafts and ornaments. Here are some variations to the basic recipe:

Food Colouring

You can add food colouring to the mix to create ornaments in a variety of colours. You can either add it to the water or work it into the dough after it has been kneaded. Keep in mind that the colour will be more subtle once the dough dries.

Glitter

Add some sparkle to your creations by mixing in lustre powder or glitter. This will give your ornaments a shiny, glittery finish.

Scented Dough

Add a seasonal scent to your dough by mixing in ground cinnamon or vanilla essence. This will give your ornaments a pleasant aroma that will enhance their appeal.

Gluten-Free Option

If you or your child has a gluten sensitivity, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour option. This variation will work well and ensure that everyone can join in the fun.

Paint and Decorations

Once your salt dough ornaments are baked and cooled, you can decorate them with acrylic paint or washable tempera paint. Get creative and add glitter, sparkles, or any other decorations you desire. You can also add a thin coat of Mod Podge or spray sealant to preserve your creations and make them last for years.

Frequently asked questions