Air-Fried Focaccia: Is It Possible?

Focaccia is a traditional Italian bread characterised by its dimpled surface and airy texture. Typically, it is made from flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil, and is often flavoured with herbs and other toppings. Interestingly, it can be cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. This method is also quicker and more convenient than using a conventional oven.

Air fryer focaccia recipe and ingredients

Focaccia is a traditional Italian bread characterised by its dimpled surface and airy texture. It is typically made from flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil, and can be flavoured with herbs and other toppings. Here is a recipe for making focaccia in an air fryer, along with some optional ingredients for customisation.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups strong white flour
• 1½ tsp salt (or nutritional yeast as a substitute)
• 2 tbsp ground flax seeds
• 1 tsp sugar (to activate yeast)
• 1½ cups water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 10 cherry tomatoes, sliced or halved
• 15 black olives
• 1 tsp rosemary (optional)
• Minced garlic (optional)
• Thyme, basil, or Italian seasoning (optional)

Method:

• Add 2 tbsp of water to the yeast and sugar, stir, and let it activate for a few minutes.
• In a separate bowl, add flour, salt, and ground flax seeds. Then, add the activated yeast into the mixture and add water.
• Knead the dough until the texture is evenly smooth. Cover with a towel or put it in a warm place for 20 minutes to set and rise.
• Spread the dough evenly into a baking tray using your fingertips or a spatula.
• Add toppings: sliced tomatoes, olives, and rosemary (either fresh or dried).
• Drizzle olive oil over the dough and toppings.
• Bake in the air fryer for 30 minutes at 160°C.
• The focaccia is ready when it is soft and airy inside and crispy on the outside.

Tips:

• The more time spent kneading the dough, the better the bread will be.
• The dough should be smooth, gooey, and very sticky.
• This recipe can be customised with various toppings such as fresh herbs, vegetables, garlic, olives, cheese, or caramelised onions.
• For a vegan option, replace the olive oil with flax seeds.
• For a thicker and fluffier loaf, allow the dough to rise twice.

How to prepare the dough

Focaccia is a traditional Italian bread that can be made in an air fryer. The dough typically consists of flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing the dough for focaccia in an air fryer:

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

You will need flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. You can also add sugar to activate the yeast. For a healthier option, you can replace olive oil with flax seeds.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

In a bowl, mix the yeast, sugar (if using), and a small amount of warm water (around 105-110°F or 40-45°C). The water should be warm, not hot, as hot water can kill the yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is activated.

Step 3: Mix and Knead the Dough

Add the flour, salt, and flax seeds (if using) to the yeast mixture and mix until a rough dough forms. You can use a blender to ground the flax seeds before adding them. Then, start kneading the dough. Kneading is essential for developing the gluten that gives the bread its structure. Knead the dough for at least 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough back into the bowl and cover it with a wet towel or cling film. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 45 minutes to an hour. This first rise is crucial for the bread's texture and allows the yeast to do its work.

Step 5: Second Rise

After the first rise, knead the dough again for a few minutes to remove any air bubbles and improve its elasticity. Then, let the dough rise for a second time, covered, for another 30-40 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Once the dough has risen, you can shape it and add toppings. Drizzle olive oil over the dough and use your fingers to create dimples on the surface. You can also add various toppings like herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil), minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, olives, or other ingredients of your choice.

Now you are ready to bake your focaccia in the air fryer!

How to cook the focaccia in an air fryer

Yes, you can make focaccia in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook delicious focaccia in your air fryer:

Ingredients:

First, gather your ingredients. The exact measurements may vary depending on the recipe you follow, but the basic ingredients for focaccia include:

• Flour (strong white flour, all-purpose flour, whole wheat pastry flour, or bread flour)
• Water
• Yeast (active dry yeast or fast-action/easy-bake yeast)
• Salt (fine sea salt or nutritional yeast)
• Olive oil
• Sugar (for activating the yeast)

Optional ingredients for toppings:

• Tomatoes (cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or grape tomatoes)
• Olives (black olives)
• Herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil, Italian seasoning, or lavender)
• Spices (such as Italian seasonings)
• Minced garlic
• Cheese of your choice

Step 1: Prepare the Dough:

In a large bowl, mix the yeast, sugar, and a small amount of warm water (around 105-110°F or 35-43°C). Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is activated.

Then, add the remaining ingredients: flour, salt, olive oil, and water. Mix everything together until a dough forms. You can use a blender or mix by hand. If you're using your hands, you may need to add a small amount of flour to your hands to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Knead the Dough:

Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes. The more time you spend kneading, the better the texture of your bread will be. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.

Step 3: First Rise:

Place the dough back into the bowl and cover it with a wet towel or cling film. Let the dough rise in a warm spot in your kitchen for about 45 minutes or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Second Rise:

After the first rise, knead the dough again for 4-5 minutes to remove any air bubbles and improve elasticity. Then, place the dough back into the bowl, cover it, and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes or until it doubles in size again.

Step 5: Prepare the Toppings:

While your dough is rising, you can prepare your desired toppings. For a classic focaccia, you can use olive oil, sea salt, and herbs like rosemary. You can also get creative and use toppings such as minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, olives, or even cheese.

Step 6: Shape and Top the Dough:

After the second rise, pour olive oil over the dough and use your fingers to create dimples in the dough, allowing the olive oil to settle into the dimples. Then, sprinkle your desired toppings over the dough.

Step 7: Air Fry the Focaccia:

Preheat your air fryer to 350-450°F (depending on your recipe). Place the dough into your air fryer basket and air fry for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 8: Flip and Cook Again:

After the first round of air frying, flip the bread in the air fryer. Add any additional toppings, such as herbs and sea salt, and air fry for another 10-15 minutes at the same temperature.

Step 9: Final Touches:

Once the focaccia is cooked, remove it from the air fryer. You can brush it with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle over some salt to enhance the flavour.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy:

Let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy the delicious, freshly baked air fryer focaccia!

Feel free to experiment with different flours, toppings, and herbs to create your own unique focaccia variations. Enjoy the convenience and delicious results of making focaccia in your air fryer!

How to add toppings

When it comes to adding toppings to your focaccia, the options are endless! Here are some tips and ideas to get you started:

Timing of Toppings:

Firstly, it's important to note that if you're adding toppings to your focaccia, it's best to do so before baking it in the air fryer. This ensures that your toppings cook evenly and adhere to the dough.

Classic Topping Options:

If you're a fan of traditional focaccia, you can't go wrong with a classic combination of rosemary and sea salt. This simple yet delicious pairing will infuse your bread with fragrant herbal aromas and a subtle salty taste.

Adventurous Topping Ideas:

For those who like to experiment, try adding sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, sliced onion, halved cherry tomatoes, or even cheese! These toppings will provide a burst of colour, flavour, and texture to your focaccia. For example, the briny and salty flavours of black olives create a rich and deep taste sensation.

Healthy Topping Alternatives:

If you're looking for a healthier option, consider using flax seeds instead of olive oil. Flax seeds add valuable nutrients like omega fatty acids and give your focaccia an extra crunchy texture.

Herb Combinations:

For an aromatic focaccia, experiment with different herb combinations such as rosemary, bee balm leaves, lavender, catmint, tarragon, or shaved truffles. These herbs will elevate your bread and impress your taste buds!

Adding Toppings to the Dough:

If you want your toppings to be more integrated into the dough, you can try adding them directly to the dough before baking. However, this method might work better for certain ingredients like herbs and spices, as some vegetables may require a different approach.

Pressing Toppings into the Dough:

When placing toppings on your focaccia, gently press them into the dough to ensure they stick during the air-frying process. This is especially important for toppings like herbs, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, red peppers, and cheese, which can easily fall off if not properly adhered.

Remember, the beauty of making focaccia in an air fryer is the customizability it offers. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different topping combinations to find your favourite flavour profiles!

How to store leftover focaccia

Focaccia is a type of Italian flatbread with a chewy texture and a dimpled, crispy exterior. It is often enjoyed as an antipasto side dish, sandwich bread, or dipped in olive oil and seasonings. If you have leftover focaccia, follow these tips to keep it fresh and delicious:

Storing at Room Temperature

If you plan on eating your leftover focaccia within a couple of days, the best way to store it is at room temperature. Cut the loaf into smaller pieces, then wrap them in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminium foil. Finally, store the wrapped pieces in a plastic bag. This method will keep your focaccia fresh for two to three days.

Storing in the Fridge

If your focaccia contains perishable ingredients like cheese or meat, it is best to store it in the refrigerator. However, if your focaccia is a simple variety, such as rosemary focaccia, you can leave it unrefrigerated.

Storing in the Freezer

If you want to keep your leftover focaccia for longer, freezing is a great option. Cut the focaccia into squares and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, ensuring there is space between each piece. Put the baking sheet in the freezer for up to two hours to flash-freeze the focaccia. Once frozen, wrap the pieces in plastic wrap and place them in freezer bags. With this method, your focaccia will stay fresh for up to one month.

Reheating Focaccia

There are several ways to reheat your leftover focaccia to bring it back to its former glory. You can use an oven, microwave, or even a toaster!

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Let frozen focaccia defrost at room temperature for a few hours, while keeping it wrapped. For fresh focaccia, you can start right away. Unwrap the bread and place it on a lined baking sheet. Mist the dough with warm water using a spray bottle. Place the bread in the middle of the oven and reheat for 6-8 minutes, until the crust is golden brown. If there are exposed or cut edges, cover them with aluminium foil to maintain a soft inside and crispy outside.
• Microwave: This method is ideal for a quick reheat. Wrap the bread in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-second intervals until it is no longer frozen. The microwave will not crisp the crust, resulting in a chewier texture.
• Toaster: Cut the focaccia to fit into your toaster and set it to a medium setting. This will give you a crispier result than the microwave.

Frequently asked questions