Air-Fried Sourdough: A Tasty, Crispy, And Quick Treat!

Sourdough bread is a time-consuming process, with a starter that can take days to prepare. However, it is possible to bake sourdough in an air fryer, which can significantly reduce the cooking time. This method is ideal for when you want fresh bread without heating up your kitchen, especially during the hot summer months.

Air fryer sourdough vs. oven-baked sourdough

Baking sourdough in an air fryer is a convenient alternative to using a traditional oven. It is a great option for those who want to enjoy fresh bread without having to deal with a hot oven during the summer months or when short on time. Air fryers also offer a more energy-efficient way to bake sourdough, as they heat up much more quickly than ovens.

To bake sourdough in an air fryer, you will need to adjust your traditional recipe slightly. It is recommended to reduce the cooking temperature by about 30°F and cut the baking time in half. This is because air fryers, like convection ovens, circulate hot air with a fan, resulting in a more intense heat compared to a conventional oven. By reducing the temperature and baking time, you can prevent your bread from burning or drying out.

When preparing your sourdough for the air fryer, it is important to ensure that your dough has enough room to expand inside the air fryer basket. The heating element in most air fryers is located directly above the basket, so if your dough rises too much, it may come into contact with the coils and burn. To avoid this, some bakers suggest baking your bread immediately after removing the dough from the refrigerator, as it will have a better rise and be less likely to overflow.

Another factor to consider when baking sourdough in an air fryer is the lack of steam. In a conventional oven, steam is produced during the initial stages of baking, which helps to prevent the crust from setting too early. However, air fryers do not produce steam, which can affect the crumb structure of your bread. To mitigate this, you may need to experiment with different techniques, such as adding water under the basket or adjusting the temperature and baking time.

In conclusion, while air fryers offer a convenient and efficient way to bake sourdough, they may not always produce the same results as a traditional oven. The intense heat and lack of steam can present challenges in achieving the desired crumb structure and crust. However, with some experimentation and adjustments to your recipe, it is certainly possible to bake delicious and crispy sourdough bread in an air fryer.

Pros and cons of using an air fryer to cook sourdough

Pros

Air fryers can be used to cook a variety of foods, and one of the advantages of using an air fryer to cook sourdough is that it is a quick and easy method. Unlike traditional ovens, which require a lengthy preheating and baking process, air fryers can bake sourdough in under 30 minutes, making them a convenient option when you're short on time. They also allow you to enjoy fresh bread without heating up the entire kitchen, which is especially useful during the hot summer months.

Another benefit is that air fryers produce a super-crisp crust and soft, airy crumb, giving you a delicious bakery-style loaf. The intense heat of the air fryer, combined with its ability to circulate hot air evenly, results in a perfectly cooked sourdough with a unique taste and texture.

Cons

One of the main drawbacks of using an air fryer for sourdough is the size limitation. Due to their compact design, air fryers have smaller capacities than traditional ovens, which means your loaf size will be restricted. Additionally, the intense heat of the air fryer may require adjustments to your regular sourdough recipe. It is recommended to reduce the cooking temperature by about 30°F and cut the baking time in half to prevent overcooking.

Another potential issue is that air fryers are designed for fast cooking, which may not align with the slow nature of sourdough preparation. Sourdough starters take days to develop, and the rapid cooking process of an air fryer may not allow enough time for the dough to expand properly. This could result in a denser loaf than desired.

Lastly, while air fryers are versatile, they may not offer the same level of customisation as a traditional oven. The lack of steam injection, for example, can affect the formation of the crust, potentially resulting in a less-than-ideal texture.

How to adapt a traditional sourdough recipe for an air fryer

Baking sourdough in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy fresh bread without heating up the whole kitchen, especially in the summer months. It's also a quicker method than baking in a conventional oven, as air fryers take less time to preheat.

However, adapting a traditional sourdough recipe for an air fryer requires some adjustments. Firstly, it's important to note that sourdough is typically a slow process, from growing the starter to baking the loaf. Air fryers, on the other hand, are designed for faster cooking. Therefore, you'll need to make some changes to your recipe to account for this difference.

• Reduce the cooking temperature: Lower the temperature by about 30°F (16.6°C) compared to a conventional oven recipe. Air fryers heat up more quickly and intensely due to their smaller size, so reducing the temperature is necessary to prevent overcooking.
• Adjust the baking time: Cut the baking time by about half. This will depend on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on your loaf to ensure it doesn't burn.
• Prepare your dough: Test the dough by lightly poking it. If the surface barely holds a dimple, it's ready for the air fryer.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about three minutes.
• Prepare the dough: Flip the dough and score the surface with a bread lame to help it rise. This will encourage a good rise and a crisp crust.
• Place the dough in the air fryer: Ensure the dough fits comfortably with enough room to expand on all sides.
• Air fry the dough: Bake for about 20-28 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The loaf is ready when it sounds hollow when tapped on the underside.
• Cool the bread: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing. This helps to maintain the soft, airy crumb texture.

Note: The specific adjustments may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it's always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's instructions and adjust the temperature and timing accordingly.

How to tell when your sourdough is ready to bake

Yes, you can bake sourdough in an air fryer. It's a convenient way to bake sourdough, especially in the summer when you want fresh bread without heating up the whole kitchen. The air fryer also cuts down the baking time by half, producing a loaf with a super-crisp crust and a soft, airy crumb in under 30 minutes.

Now, how do you know when your sourdough is ready to bake? The proofing stage, also called the second rise, can be tricky to navigate. Time and temperature are crucial factors in making sourdough bread. The warmer your kitchen, the faster your sourdough will proof, and the cooler the temperature, the slower it will be. You need to time your oven to be ready when your dough is.

There are several ways to determine if your sourdough starter is ready to bake:

• The Float Test: Drop half a spoonful of your starter into a glass of water. If it floats, your starter is ready to bake.
• The Poke Test: Poke your finger almost an inch deep into the dough and wait 1-5 minutes. If the indent springs back gently but not entirely, your sourdough is ready to bake.
• Visual Inspection: After feeding your starter, it should double or triple in size with bubbles visible on the surface and sides of the jar. The starter should have a light and airy texture, and when you scoop a small amount out, it should be fluffy and slightly stretchy.
• Smell: A mature and healthy sourdough starter will have a pleasant, tangy aroma with hints of acidity and fermentation. It should not have any off-putting odors, such as a strong vinegar-like smell.
• Sound: Tap the underside of your bread. If it sounds hollow, it's ready to be baked.

Remember, every air fryer model is different, so adjust your cooking time accordingly. The internal temperature of your sourdough should be around 200°F, which you can measure with a digital thermometer.

How to store air-fried sourdough

Sourdough bread can be baked in an air fryer in under 30 minutes, resulting in a super-crisp crust and soft crumb. This method is quicker and more energy-efficient than using a traditional oven.

Firstly, it is important to allow your air-fried sourdough to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Once the loaf has cooled, it can be stored in a bread bag. Sourdough bread will last longer than yeast bread and can be kept for up to a week in a bread bag.

Alternatively, you can slice the loaf and freeze it. Frozen sourdough slices can be toasted straight from the freezer, and they will keep for up to three months.

If you have leftover bread, you can also use it in various recipes. For example, air-fried sourdough toast can be topped with smashed avocado, scrambled eggs, butter and jam, or used as a base for bruschetta.

Additionally, if you have leftover sourdough starter, it can be stored and revived for future use. It can be stored on the counter for 1-2 days, in the fridge for about a week, or in the freezer for months. For long-term storage, it is best to dry or freeze the starter.

Frequently asked questions