Air-Fried Pita Bread: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Pita bread is a versatile food that can be used for sandwiches, scooping up dips, or as a side. It is also surprisingly easy to make at home, either from scratch or by using store-bought pita. Air fryers have become a popular way to make pita bread and pita chips, as they are quick, easy, and healthier than other cooking methods. Air fryer pita bread is a no-fail recipe that results in fluffy pita with a large pocket. Air fryer pita chips are a tasty, crunchy snack that can be made with just a few simple ingredients and seasonings of your choice.

Cooking pita bread in an air fryer

Pita bread dough preparation

Pita bread is a simple recipe that requires a few basic ingredients. It is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing pita bread dough:

Ingredients:

• Flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
• Water (lukewarm or warm)
• Yeast (instant or active dry)
• Salt
• Honey (optional)

Preparation:

• Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and instant yeast together. If using active dry yeast, sprinkle it over the lukewarm water and let it stand for 15 minutes before adding it to the flour mixture.
• Add liquid: Gradually add lukewarm or warm water to the dry mixture. The water temperature is important for activating the yeast. It should not be too hot, as this can kill the yeast. Adjust the water level if using whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour. You may also add a teaspoon of honey to the water to feed the yeast.
• Knead the dough: Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes. This develops the gluten, creating a soft, chewy texture and helping the pita puff up. You can do this by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
• Let it rest: Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for about 1-2 hours. This allows the dough to rise and double in size. Creating a warm environment, such as preheating the oven for a minute and then turning it off, is ideal for proofing.
• Form dough balls: After the dough has risen, form it into small balls. The number of balls will depend on the size of pita bread you prefer. For smaller pitas, you can make 10-12 balls, and for larger ones, you might make 6-8.
• Roll out the dough: Use a rolling pin to roll out each dough ball into a circle with an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Be careful not to roll it too thin, as this can affect the pocket formation. Dust the surface and the dough with a little flour if needed to prevent sticking.
• Let it rest again: Cover the rolled-out dough circles and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and ensures the pita bread will not shrink during baking.

Once the dough is prepared, it is ready to be baked in the air fryer or oven. Follow the remaining steps for cooking instructions to achieve the perfect pita bread!

Air fryer settings

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature range for cooking pita bread is between 325°F and 475°F (162°C to 245°C). The higher the temperature, the quicker the cooking process. However, be cautious not to burn the pita bread. If your air fryer has a bread setting, feel free to use it.

Cooking Time:

The cooking time for pita bread in an air fryer can vary depending on the desired doneness and the thickness of the pita. For a softer pita chip, cook for 4 to 6 minutes. If you prefer a crispier chip, increase the cooking time to 8 to 10 minutes. Keep in mind that thicker pita pockets will take longer to cook, while thin Lebanese pita will cook faster.

Avoiding Overcrowding:

When placing the pita bread in the air fryer, avoid overcrowding the basket. Arrange the pita bread in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If you have a large batch, cook the pita bread in multiple batches.

Preventing Burning and Ensuring Even Cooking:

To prevent the pita bread from burning, keep a close eye on it during the cooking process, especially towards the end. Lightly weighted pita bread may fly around in the air fryer basket, so consider using an air fryer rack to place over the bread. Additionally, if you notice that the pita bread looks dry during cooking, spray the tops with cooking spray or oil to prevent dryness.

Achieving the Perfect Puff:

To achieve the signature pita pocket, a high heat setting is crucial. Preheat the air fryer to around 475°F (245°C). Do not overbake the pita bread; instead, remove it from the air fryer as soon as it puffs up and turns a light golden colour. Overbaking will result in dry and brittle pita bread.

Maintaining Softness:

To maintain the softness of the pita bread after baking, immediately cover it with a clean kitchen towel. This helps keep the pita bread soft and pliable.

Cooking time

The cooking time for pita bread in an air fryer depends on the type of pita bread being cooked, the air fryer being used, and the desired texture.

For pita chips, thicker pocket pitas will take longer to cook, while thin Lebanese pita will cook more quickly. The cooking time also depends on the air fryer being used. For example, the cooking time for pita chips in one source is 12 minutes, while another source suggests a cooking time of 8 to 10 minutes.

Some sources recommend cooking pita chips for 6 minutes, then flipping or shaking the pita chips and cooking for another 6 minutes. This method results in a total cooking time of 12 minutes. Other sources suggest cooking pita chips for a total of 10 minutes for crispier chips or a total of 8 minutes for softer chips.

For pita bread, one source recommends cooking the pita bread in the air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes, until it is puffed up and starting to take on color. Another source recommends cooking pita bread in the air fryer for 4 minutes at 190 degrees Celsius.

Pita bread toppings

Pita bread is a versatile food that can be used in a variety of ways and topped with a range of different ingredients. Here are some ideas for pita bread toppings:

Savoury Toppings:

• Mediterranean-style toppings such as hummus, Greek olives, feta cheese, tomatoes, and other Mediterranean ingredients.
• Chicken coated in a creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce, with lettuce and tomato on top.
• Brats and sauerkraut for a hearty meal.
• Garlic butter with mozzarella and Parmesan or a similar hard, tasty cheese.
• Peanut butter, banana, honey, and oats for a unique breakfast option.
• Tuna and other pescatarian ingredients.
• Butter and kosher salt.
• Za'atar, a Middle Eastern blend of herbs, spices, sesame seeds, and dried sumac.
• Lemon pepper seasoning.
• Italian seasoning.
• Umami blend.
• Rosemary and thyme with sea salt.
• Cajun seasoning.
• Chilli powder.
• Paprika.
• BBQ rub.

Sweet Toppings:

Cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat.

Pita bread can be used as a replacement for bread, tortillas, or flatbreads, and can be filled, rolled, or baked. They can also be cut into triangles and baked to make pita chips, which can be served with dips such as hummus or crushed in a fattoush salad.

Pita chip alternatives

Pita chips are a tasty alternative to potato chips and are great with dips. They are also healthier than store-bought pita chips and contain little oil. You can make them in an air fryer in about 10-12 minutes with just three simple ingredients – pitas, olive oil, and some sea salt. You can also add a sprinkling of rosemary, sesame seeds, cinnamon sugar, or your favourite spice blends.

If you are using an air fryer, preheat it to 325ºF for at least 5 minutes. Cut the pita pockets into 8-12 triangles, depending on their size. You want to make about 1½-inch pieces. Combine the oil and any seasonings you’d like to use in a small bowl and drizzle this over the pita pieces in a large bowl. Toss the pita chips to ensure they are coated well in the oil.

Add the pita pieces to the air fryer. You can add up to 4 pitas at once. Spray the tops with cooking spray if the pita looks dry, and cook for 4 minutes. Gently toss or flip and continue to cook for another 3-8 minutes or until the pita pieces are golden and crispy. Thicker pocket pitas will take longer, and thin Lebanese pita will cook quicker.

Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they start to soften, refresh them at 250ºF in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently asked questions