Air-Fried Focaccia: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Focaccia is a type of Italian bread that is often baked in a conventional oven. However, it is possible to bake focaccia in an air fryer, which offers several advantages. Air fryers heat up quickly, reducing the cooking time for focaccia and resulting in a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. The circulating hot air in the air fryer ensures even cooking, and the compact size of the air fryer baskets is perfect for making smaller portions. Additionally, there is no need to grease baking sheets or worry about spilled dough, making the air fryer a convenient and mess-free option for baking focaccia.

Air fryer vs. oven

Focaccia is a type of bread that can be made in both an air fryer and an oven. However, there are some key differences between the two cooking methods that may impact your choice of appliance.

One advantage of using an air fryer is the reduced cooking time. Air fryers heat up quickly and can cook focaccia in a fraction of the time it takes to bake in an oven, making it a convenient option if you're short on time. Additionally, air fryers create a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and fluffy interior, providing a pleasing texture combination. The circulating hot air in the air fryer also ensures even cooking, resulting in evenly browned focaccia.

Another benefit of air fryers is their compact size, which is ideal for making smaller portions or individual servings. They also require less preparation, as there is no need to preheat the appliance or grease baking sheets, reducing the overall mess and hassle.

On the other hand, ovens offer certain advantages as well. For instance, if you prefer a well-browned bottom on your focaccia, an oven is more likely to achieve that result. Ovens also provide more space, making them suitable for larger batches of focaccia or other baked goods.

In terms of the cooking process, air fryers may require flipping the dough during cooking, which can make it challenging to decorate the top of the focaccia with herbs or vegetables. In contrast, ovens allow for more traditional topping methods. It's also important to note that air fryer capacities vary, and you may need to adjust the cooking time or temperature to suit your specific model.

Ultimately, both air fryers and ovens can produce delicious focaccia, and the choice between the two depends on your personal preferences, the desired texture and browning of your focaccia, and the convenience of faster cooking times and reduced mess.

Choosing toppings

Focaccia is a highly customisable bread, and you can add a variety of toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Some popular toppings include herbs, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, red peppers, flax seeds, confit garlic, cheese, caramelised onions, olives, rosemary, sea salt, and olive oil. You can also add some diced tomatoes for a roasted tomato flavour. If you want to add herbs to your focaccia, it is recommended to add them directly to the dough, as the herbs will fall off if you try to top the dough with them.

For a healthy addition, you can add flax seeds, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, oats, and crushed nuts to your bread. This is a great way to add extra texture, omega fatty acids, and other valuable nutrients.

If you want to experiment with different flavours, you can try adding other herbs such as rosemary, bee balm leaves, lavender, catmint, tarragon, or shaved truffles.

When adding toppings, sprinkle them evenly over the dough and press them gently to ensure they adhere during cooking.

Preparing the dough

Once the yeast, sugar, and water are combined, you can add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and mix. The specific additional ingredients may vary depending on the recipe, but generally, you will need flour, salt, and possibly olive oil. Some recipes also suggest adding ground flax seeds for a healthier version of the dough. At this point, you should also add any herbs or seeds you wish to include in your focaccia. Herbs like rosemary or lavender can be added directly into the dough, as toppings may fall off during the cooking process in the air fryer.

Now it's time to start kneading the dough. This step usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes and helps to develop the perfect texture. The dough should be smooth, sticky, and gooey. If the dough starts to stick to your hands, you can add a small amount of flour, but be careful not to add too much, as this will affect the final product.

After kneading, place the dough back into the bowl and cover it with a towel. Leave it in a warm spot in your kitchen to rise. The rising time can vary depending on the recipe, but it typically ranges from 20 to 45 minutes. Some recipes suggest flipping the dough over halfway through the rising process to ensure even proofing.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making focaccia in an air fryer vary depending on the recipe and the desired texture. Some recipes call for a shorter cooking time of around 8 to 15 minutes at temperatures ranging from 350 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Other recipes suggest a longer cooking time of about 30 minutes at a lower temperature of 160 degrees Celsius.

When cooking focaccia in an air fryer, it is important to consider the size and thickness of the bread. Cooking times may vary depending on these factors, so it is crucial to keep an eye on the bread as it cooks to avoid overcooking. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the dough to ensure even cooking and a golden crust.

The circulating hot air in the air fryer creates a crispy exterior while keeping the interior soft and fluffy. This even cooking results in evenly browned and perfectly cooked focaccia throughout. However, if the focaccia is browning too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside, it is advisable to lower the temperature slightly and continue cooking until done.

Additionally, the type of flour used can also impact the cooking time and temperature. Using all-purpose flour or bread flour will result in different textures, so adjustments may be necessary depending on the desired outcome.

Overall, the cooking time and temperature for making focaccia in an air fryer can be adjusted to suit individual preferences and the specific characteristics of the air fryer being used.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried focaccia is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some mouth-watering serving suggestions to get you started:

Appetizers and Snacks

Focaccia makes a great appetizer or snack on its own. Cut it into bite-sized cubes or wedges, and dip them into soups, chilis, stews, or sauces like marinara or homemade garlic confit. You can also spread roasted garlic on top for a tasty treat. If you have stale focaccia, slice it into cubes, mist with olive oil, and air fry to make delicious homemade croutons.

Sandwiches

Focaccia sandwiches are a popular choice. Cut a chunk of focaccia, slice it in half, and fill it with your favorite ingredients. Try a classic combination of mayo, pesto, grilled chicken, bacon, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and lettuce. Or, for a simpler option, toast a slice of focaccia and spread on some smashed avocado for a delicious breakfast.

Sides

Focaccia is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Serve it alongside pasta dishes, chicken breast, chicken parm, or a main course like chicken-fried steak. It also complements salads, especially when toasted and topped with smashed avocado.

Pizzas

Focaccia can be used as a base for pizzas. Simply top it with your favorite pizza toppings, such as tomato sauce, cheese, vegetables, or meats, and bake until melted and bubbly.

Gifts

Homemade focaccia bread also makes a wonderful gift for friends, family, and neighbors. Package it nicely, perhaps with a jar of your favorite dip or a small bottle of olive oil, and deliver it as a thoughtful present.

Remember, the beauty of focaccia is its versatility, so feel free to get creative with your toppings and serving suggestions. Enjoy experimenting and indulging in this delicious, crispy, and fluffy bread!

Frequently asked questions