Air-Fried Soda Bread: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Traditional Irish soda bread is a dense, yeast-free bread that uses baking soda as its leavening agent. It is traditionally made with flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. The chemical reaction between baking soda and buttermilk produces carbon dioxide, which causes the bread to rise. This bread can be made in an air fryer in under an hour, and the recipe requires only a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation.

Ingredients and preparation

Irish soda bread is a quick, dense bread that uses baking soda as its leavening agent. It is traditionally made with flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. The chemical reaction between baking soda and buttermilk produces carbon dioxide, which causes the bread to rise.

To make soda bread in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Flour (a mixture of wholemeal and plain flour is recommended)
• Baking soda (please note that this is not the same as baking powder)
• Salt
• Buttermilk (you can substitute buttermilk with half plain yogurt and half milk, or use dairy-free milk and add vinegar or lemon juice)
• Optional: sugar, for a little bit of sweetness

Before you begin, preheat your air fryer to 320°F. You will also need to ensure that your air fryer has enough space for the bread to rise without touching the heating element at the top.

Now, let's get started with the preparation:

• Step 1: Add all the dry ingredients into a big bowl and use a spatula or your hands to combine them.
• Step 2: Add the buttermilk to the dry ingredients and gently combine with a spatula or your hands until a soft dough forms. The dough should be a little bit sticky to the touch. If it is too dry, add a little more buttermilk, but do not overwork the dough.
• Step 3: Form the dough into a ball and then divide it into two equal portions.
• Step 4: Form each portion into a round loaf. You can also make a cross or score the top of the dough with an 'X' to help the dough bake more evenly.
• Step 5: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with baking paper. Place one loaf in the basket and milk wash the top of the bread by brushing it with milk.
• Step 6: Air fry each loaf for 20 to 25 minutes at 300°F. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the centre of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the bread is done.
• Step 7: Remove the loaf from the air fryer and let it cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Step 8: Serve the bread warm or at room temperature with butter, jam, honey, or marmalade. Enjoy!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for soda bread in an air fryer will depend on the size of the loaf you are baking. A bigger loaf will take longer to cook. For example, one source recommends baking a small loaf for 20 minutes at 300 degrees, while another source suggests baking a larger loaf for 20 to 25 minutes at 320 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important to note that air fryer temperatures can vary depending on the size, make, and model of the appliance. Therefore, it is crucial to refer to your air fryer's instructions and adjust the temperature and timing accordingly. As a general rule, it is recommended to set the temperature between 300 and 320 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the bread for 20 to 35 minutes.

To check if your soda bread is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the centre of the loaf. If it comes out clean, without any raw dough stuck to it, then your bread is ready. Additionally, the outside of the loaf should be a nice golden brown, and the bottom should sound hollow when tapped.

If your soda bread is not done after the initial cooking time, you can return it to the air fryer for a few more minutes. Be careful not to overcook it, as this can result in a hard and burnt loaf. It is also important to ensure that the bread has enough space to rise without touching the heating element at the top of the air fryer.

By following these guidelines for cooking time and temperature, you can ensure that your soda bread turns out perfectly cooked and delicious every time you use your air fryer.

How to check if it's cooked

There are several ways to check if your soda bread is cooked. Firstly, the appearance of the crust is a good indicator. A well-cooked soda bread will have a golden-brown crust that is crisp to the touch. You can also try the "knock test" by gently tapping the bottom of the bread. If it sounds hollow, it is likely fully cooked.

Another way to check is to use a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the bread. It should have reached around 190°F (88°C). Finally, you can slice the bread open and observe the color of the internal crumb. It should be cooked through and have an even texture.

It's important to note that baking times can vary depending on the oven and other factors such as oven temperature, loaf size, and altitude. So, it's recommended to use additional methods to check for doneness rather than relying solely on time. If you find that your soda bread is not fully cooked, you can always return it to the air fryer for a few more minutes.

Serving suggestions

Soda bread is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your soda bread cooked in an air fryer:

Breakfast

For breakfast, serve your freshly baked soda bread with some smashed butter or jam. You could also try a pistachio spread or, for a healthier option, top your bread with avocado and sliced tomatoes.

Lunch

For a light lunch, a slice of warm soda bread with some butter is a delicious option. You could also try spreading hummus on your bread and topping it with roasted vegetables for extra flavour.

Dinner

Soda bread is a great accompaniment to a hearty soup or stew, especially on St. Patrick's Day. You could also serve it with corned beef or a meat dish. If you're feeling creative, you can cut out the centre of the loaf and fill it with your favourite soup.

Storing and Reheating

Soda bread is best eaten fresh, but it can be stored for a few days if wrapped properly. To store, let the bread cool completely, then slice and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat it, simply pop the slices in the toaster or reheat them in the air fryer or oven until warm.

Special Occasions

Soda bread is a traditional Irish recipe, so it's perfect for serving on St. Patrick's Day, especially when paired with a green beer! It's also a great dish to serve when you're hosting a dinner, as it's quick and easy to make, and you likely already have all the ingredients in your pantry.

Storing and reheating

Soda bread is a dense, quick bread that uses baking soda as its leavening agent. It is best enjoyed when fresh and moist. To preserve its taste, texture, and freshness, proper storage is crucial.

Storing Soda Bread

Soda bread can be stored at room temperature for up to two days, but it is prone to drying out, so ensure it doesn't dry out. For longer storage, it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, avoid refrigerating unless necessary, as it can change the texture of the bread.

If you want to store soda bread for even longer, freezing is an option. It can be frozen for up to three months, although for the best quality, it is recommended to consume it within one to two months. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen soda bread, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. You can also wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and warm it slightly in the oven to enhance its freshness.

Reheating Soda Bread

Reheating soda bread is essential to restore its taste and texture, especially if it has been stored or frozen. You can reheat it using various methods such as the oven, toaster, microwave, or steam. When reheating, it is best to consume the bread immediately after reheating. Serve it with butter, jam, or alongside your favourite soups and stews.

Frequently asked questions