Air Fryer Flatbread: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can make flatbread in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to make fresh, fluffy, and crunchy flatbread with a soft texture. You can use this flatbread as a base for pizza toppings, as sandwich bread, or as a side dish for soups and curries.

To make flatbread in an air fryer, you'll need just a few simple ingredients, such as self-rising flour, yogurt, and olive oil. The process is simple: mix the ingredients, knead the dough, divide it into balls, roll them out, and then cook in your air fryer for a few minutes until golden brown.

So, if you're looking for a convenient and tasty flatbread option, give the air fryer method a try!

Flatbread pizza toppings

There are endless possibilities for flatbread pizza toppings, and you can get creative with various combinations. Here are some ideas for inspiration:

Classic Combinations:

• Tomato, basil, and mozzarella
• Olive oil or sauce, cheese, meats (such as cooked sausage, bacon, or pepperoni), and veggies (such as sliced onion, bell peppers, or mushrooms)
• Spinach, artichoke, and white cheese
• BBQ chicken

Unique Creations:

• Pesto and spinach with parmesan, mozzarella, and feta
• Broccoli and cheddar, with a sprinkling of feta and red pepper flakes
• Caramelized mushrooms with creamy havarti cheese and crispy shallots, topped with spinach
• Pineapple, bacon, and barbecue sauce, with a blanket of melted cheese
• Barbecue ranch and sweet potato, with a drizzle of BBQ sauce and ranch dressing
• Beets, goat cheese, tomato, and arugula, with herbed garlic and a balsamic glaze

You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat or blue cheese, and add fresh herbs or arugula on top for an extra touch of flavour.

Flatbread dough ingredients

The ingredients for flatbread dough vary depending on the type of flatbread you want to make. Here are some common ingredients used in flatbread dough recipes:

• Flour is a fundamental ingredient in flatbread dough. You can use all-purpose flour, bread flour, or even a gluten-free flour blend. The type of flour you choose will affect the texture of your flatbread. For a chewier texture, bread flour is a good option, while all-purpose flour will give you a softer and more pliable dough.
• Leavening Agents are essential to give the flatbread its rise and fluffy texture. You can use either baking powder, baking soda, or yeast as a leavening agent. If you're short on time, baking powder or baking soda is a good choice, as they act more quickly than yeast.
• Liquid is necessary to bring the dough together. This can be water, yogurt, oil, or a combination of these ingredients. Water will give you a more traditional flatbread, while yogurt and oil will make the dough softer and richer.
• Salt is important to enhance the flavour of the flatbread and balance out the other ingredients. You can use fine sea salt or table salt, but be sure to adjust the amount according to the type of salt you're using.
• Sweeteners like sugar, honey, or maple syrup can be added to the dough to give it a subtle sweetness and improve browning during cooking.
• Fat such as olive oil or avocado oil can be added to the dough to enhance flavour and create a softer texture. Oil also helps to make the dough more pliable and easier to work with.

You can also add various herbs and spices to your flatbread dough to give it a unique flavour profile. Experiment with different combinations to find your favourite!

Air fryer flatbread cooking times and temperatures

Air fryer flatbreads are best cooked at around 300°F/148-160°C for 7-9 minutes. However, it's important to note that air fryer temperatures can vary depending on the model and make. Therefore, it is recommended to start with a lower cooking time and temperature and adjust accordingly.

For example, one source suggests cooking flatbreads at 200°C for 6 minutes, while another recommends 320°F/160°C for 8 minutes.

The cooking time will also depend on the size and thickness of the flatbreads. Thinner flatbreads will cook faster and may only need 3-4 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the flatbreads while they cook and adjust the time as needed.

Additionally, some air fryers may cause the flatbreads to move around or puff up during cooking. To prevent this, you can use a trivet or a metal rack to keep them in place.

How to store leftover flatbread

Flatbread is best consumed as soon as it's baked. However, if you have leftovers, there are several ways to store them.

Room Temperature

If you want to consume the flatbread within a day or two, you can store it at room temperature. Wrap the flatbread in a tortilla warmer or a clean kitchen towel if you plan to eat it on the same day. If you want to keep it for the next day, let it cool and then store it in a resealable bag.

Refrigerator

You can also store flatbread in the refrigerator. Let it cool completely, and then put it in a resealable ziplock bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezer

If you want to store the flatbread for longer, put it in the freezer. This is the best method to retain freshness and chewiness. To avoid freezer burn, keep the flatbread away from the vent that pumps cold air into the freezer. Ensure the flatbread is perfectly flat to prevent it from breaking or warping. Flatbread can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat the flatbread, you can use an air fryer, oven, instant pot, or microwave. For the air fryer, preheat it to 350℉/175℃ for 3 minutes, and then warm the flatbread wrapped in aluminium foil for 5-7 minutes. For the oven, preheat it to the same temperature and warm the wrapped flatbread for the same amount of time. For the instant pot, put a cup of water in the pot, add a trivet, and wrap the flatbread in aluminium foil. Secure the lid, turn the valve to seal, and steam for 1 minute. To reheat in the microwave, take two pieces of kitchen towel, sprinkle them with water, and then wrap the flatbread in them.

How to reheat flatbread

There are several ways to reheat flatbread, depending on your preference for convenience or taste.

Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F/175°C for 3 minutes. Wrap the flatbread in aluminum foil and let it warm for 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature.

Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C. Wrap the flatbread in aluminum foil and place it in the centre of the oven. Reheat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

Instant Pot

Put a cup of water in the Instant Pot and add a trivet. Wrap the flatbread in aluminum foil and place it on top of the trivet. Close the lid, secure it, and turn the valve to seal. Set to steam for 1 minute and quick-release.

Microwave

Take two pieces of kitchen paper/towel and sprinkle them with water. Place the flatbread between the dampened paper and put it in the microwave for 10-20 seconds. Check it regularly to ensure it doesn't dry out or become too crispy.

Stovetop

You can also reheat flatbread on the stovetop. Place the flatbread directly on the burner on low heat for a few seconds on each side, until warmed through.

Notes

• It is important to note that air fryer and oven temperatures can vary depending on the make and model, so keep an eye on your flatbread to ensure it doesn't burn.
• When reheating flatbread, it is best to wrap it in aluminum foil to help retain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
• If you are reheating frozen flatbread, it is best to thaw it first before reheating, or increase the reheating time.
• For convenience, you can also freeze flatbread for up to 3 months and reheat it whenever you need it.

Frequently asked questions