Making Bannock In An Air Fryer: A Tasty Experiment

Bannock pops are a special occasion treat, typically made by the Tataskweyak Cree Nation. They are made by stuffing a mixture of ground beef, onions, and mashed potatoes into a homemade bannock dough, which is then deep-fried. An air fryer can be used to make a healthier version of this dish, with less oil, and added spices, green chillies, and black beans.

Bannock pops filling ideas

Bannock pops are a fun and tasty campfire treat with a long history. While there are many ways to make bannock, the traditional recipe includes flour, water, salt, and lard. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include baking powder, butter, and even cod liver oil.

Venison Filling

This savoury option includes ground venison, onion, garlic, peas, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and spices. First, fry the onion and garlic, then add the meat and remaining ingredients. This filling is perfect for a hunting camp, as it is hearty and can be made without access to biscuits or bread.

Sweet Bannock Pops

For a sweet treat, try filling your bannock pops with cinnamon and sugar, Nutella, banana, and coconut flakes. Alternatively, peanut butter and jam is always a winning combination. For an extra indulgent twist, try drizzling melted butter on top and sprinkling with cinnamon sugar before serving.

Blueberry Bannock Pops

Blueberries are a great way to add a burst of flavour to your bannock pops. Include a handful or two of wild blueberries in the batter, and top with strawberry jam and cream cheese for a delicious breakfast or dessert option.

Cinnamon Raisin Bannock Pops

Add raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar to the dry ingredients when mixing your batter. For an extra special touch, create a "cinna-spread" by mixing butter with brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread this mixture on the cooked bannock for a gooey and delicious treat.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Bannock Pops

For a savoury and flavourful option, add garlic and onion powder, as well as some grated cheddar cheese, to the dry ingredients. If you're feeling adventurous, add some dried or dehydrated onion for extra crunch and flavour. These bannock pops are perfect for dipping into soup or enjoying as a snack.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Air fryer bannock can be cooked at varying temperatures depending on the type of air fryer you have and the specific recipe you are following. Here are some general guidelines and tips for achieving the best results:

Firstly, it is important to note that the cooking time and temperature can vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer. It is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines.

When cooking bannock in an air fryer, it is recommended to set the temperature between 330-350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range will allow the bannock to cook through evenly and achieve a desirable golden colour. The cooking time can range from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your bannock. For smaller, individual bannocks, a cooking time of around 5 minutes per side should suffice. For larger bannocks or those cooked in batches, you may need to increase the cooking time to 15-20 minutes, ensuring that you flip them halfway through.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that your air fryer basket is prepared correctly. Spraying the basket with olive oil or lining it with parchment paper can help prevent sticking and promote even cooking. It is also a good idea to give the bannock dough some space to expand, so avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

When cooking bannock in an air fryer, keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking or burning. The timing and temperature settings provided are guidelines, and adjustments may be necessary depending on your air fryer and the desired doneness of your bannock.

Lastly, for an even cook and a crispy exterior, it is recommended to brush the bannock with an egg wash before placing it in the air fryer. This will give it a golden, glossy finish.

Bannock dough ingredients

Bannock is a yeast-free bread that can be fried or baked. It is made with simple pantry ingredients and is perfect when you need a quick bread.

The ingredients for the dough are:

• Flour – all-purpose flour, or half and half whole wheat and white flour.
• Leavening agent – baking powder, not yeast.
• Fat – butter, lard, olive oil, or vegetable oil.
• Liquid – water, milk, or buttermilk.

The dough is made by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl, then adding the liquid and fat. The mixture is then kneaded on a floured surface and shaped into balls before being cooked.

Some recipes suggest adding sugar, raisins, or other dried fruit for a sweeter bannock.

Bannock dough preparation

Bannock is a type of bread that is popular in North America. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the bannock dough:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine these dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Next, add cold butter, diced into small cubes, to the flour mixture. Use your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles crumbs and there are no large clumps of butter remaining.

Now, create a well in the center of the bowl and slowly add water, incorporating it into the flour mixture with a fork until a dough is formed. You may need to adjust the amount of water or flour to ensure the dough is neither too sticky nor too dry.

Once the dough is formed, it's time to knead it. Knead the dough for around 4-5 minutes until it becomes smooth. If the dough still feels sticky, add a little more flour. If it feels too dry, add a touch more water.

At this point, you can set the dough aside and prepare the filling. However, if you want to make the dough in advance, you can place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge.

To form the bannock pops, divide the dough into 8 equal-sized pieces. On a floured surface, use your hands or a rolling pin to flatten each piece of dough into large oval shapes, about 1/4 inch thick.

Now you are ready to fill and shape your bannock pops. Place your chosen filling on one side of the oval, leaving enough space around the perimeter to seal the dough. Fold the other side of the dough over the filling and use a fork to press and seal the edges together.

Brush the tops of the bannock pops with an egg wash (a mixture of beaten egg and water) and they are almost ready for the air fryer!

Remember to prepare your air fryer basket by lining it with parchment paper and lightly spraying it with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place the bannock pops in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them, and set your air fryer to the recommended temperature and time.

Finally, enjoy your delicious, crispy, and golden bannock pops!

Bannock toppings

Bannock is a versatile bread that can be served in many ways and with a variety of toppings. Here are some ideas for bannock toppings to inspire your next meal or snack:

Savoury Toppings:

• Ground beef or lamb, and fresh vegetables for a taco filling.
• Beans, diced lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and shredded cheese for a vegetarian taco option.
• Ground pork or chorizo sausage.
• Butter.
• Cheese – a cube of cheese can be placed inside the dough before cooking, or grated cheese can be sprinkled on top.

Sweet Toppings:

• Powdered sugar and melted butter.
• Cinnamon sugar – ground cinnamon and granulated sugar mixed together and sprinkled on top.
• Honey.
• Jam or nut butter.
• Sugar and cinnamon, with a pinch of salt.

Bannock can also be enjoyed plain, or with a simple brushing of butter or honey. It is a versatile bread that can be adapted to suit many different tastes and occasions, whether served as a savoury side or a sweet treat.

Frequently asked questions