Vetkoek, Air-Fried: A Tasty, Quick Treat

Vetkoek, also known as fat cake, is a traditional South African fried bread. It is usually deep-fried, but can you make it in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air frying vetkoek offers a healthier alternative to deep frying, resulting in a less oily treat. The process is simple: prepare the dough, cut it into desired shapes, brush with oil, and air fry until golden. This cooking method allows you to enjoy the crispy exterior and fluffy interior of vetkoek without the excess oil and mess of deep frying. So, if you're looking for a tasty snack or a unique way to impress your guests, making vetkoek in an air fryer is definitely worth trying!

Vetkoek dough preparation

Vetkoek is a traditional South African treat, also known as "fat cakes". It is a deep-fried dough that can be served as a snack or as part of a meal. The word "vetkoek" means "fat cake" in Afrikaans. Vetkoek can be filled with a variety of sweet or savoury ingredients, such as meat, tuna, mayonnaise, syrup, cheese, or jam.

Step 1: Mixing the Dough

• Sift and mix the dry ingredients: flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
• Add oil and lukewarm water gradually and mix until a soft, sticky dough forms. You may need to adjust the amount of water to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 2: Kneading the Dough

• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
• Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process develops the gluten in the dough, creating a chewy texture.

Step 3: First Rise

• Place the kneaded dough in a large, lightly oiled bowl.
• Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place.
• Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, which should take around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the room temperature.

Step 4: Shaping the Dough

• After the first rise, gently deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface again.
• Divide the dough into equal portions, depending on the desired size of your vetkoek. For small vetkoek, you can make about 20 pieces, while for larger ones, you might make fewer.
• Shape each portion into a smooth ball by rolling and gently pulling the dough underneath towards the center, using your cupped hand.

Step 5: Second Rise

• Place the shaped dough balls onto greased baking trays or a large, greased baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
• Cover the dough again and let it rise for a second time in a warm place. This step ensures that the vetkoek will be light and fluffy.
• The second rise should take about 15 minutes, or until the balls of dough have noticeably increased in size.

Once the dough has completed its second rise, it is ready to be fried. Follow the remaining steps for frying and serving your vetkoek. Enjoy!

Air fryer settings

To make vetkoek in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to 180°C or 350°F (175°C) if your model requires preheating. This is to ensure the dough cooks evenly and attains a perfect golden colour.

Brush the basket with oil or melted butter to prevent sticking. You can also use olive oil spray or parchment paper with holes in it.

Place the flattened dough in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Set the air fryer to cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, flip the dough and continue to air fry for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.

The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your vetkoek and the make of your air fryer. For smaller shapes, adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster. Be sure to turn them halfway through for even browning.

Once cooked, carefully remove the vetkoek from the air fryer and place them on a serving plate or paper kitchen towel to drain.

Oil type and application

The type of oil you use for making vetkoek in an air fryer is important, and the options are similar to those used for traditional deep frying. Vegetable oil, olive oil, or olive oil spray are all suitable options. The oil is used to brush the baking sheet, the air fryer basket, and the top of the dough to prevent sticking and ensure an even cook.

When using an air fryer, it is crucial to use just enough oil to coat the surface lightly. This is in contrast to deep frying, where the dough is submerged in oil. The amount of oil used in air frying is significantly reduced, making it a healthier alternative to traditional methods.

To prepare your vetkoek in an air fryer, start by placing your shaped dough on a baking sheet brushed with oil. Allow it to rest and proof for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 180°C or 350°F, depending on your recipe. Once preheated, brush the air fryer basket with oil and carefully place the dough inside. Brush the top of the dough with a light coating of oil as well.

During the cooking process, you may need to turn the dough and brush it with oil again to ensure even cooking and browning. The oil helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy and tender. The exact amount of oil needed will depend on the size of your vetkoek and the make of your air fryer, so adjust as necessary.

Remember, the key to successful vetkoek in an air fryer is to use just enough oil to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. This way, you can enjoy the taste and texture of traditional vetkoek with less oil and a healthier twist.

Vetkoek shaping

• Prepare your workspace: Clear a spacious area on your countertop or table and sprinkle it generously with flour. This step is important as it prevents the dough from sticking to the surface and makes it easier to work with.
• Roll out the dough: Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough to a thickness of about 2 cm. This thickness will ensure that your vetkoek has enough structure to hold its shape while cooking.
• Cut or press the dough: Using a cookie cutter, a glass, or a small press, cut or press the dough into your desired shape. Vetkoek is traditionally shaped like a doughnut without a hole, but you can get creative and experiment with different shapes if you prefer.
• Place on a greased baking sheet: Gently lift the shaped dough and place it on a baking sheet that has been brushed with oil or grease. This step will prevent your vetkoek from sticking to the sheet and make it easier to remove once cooked.
• Cover and let it rise: Cover the shaped dough with a clean cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes to an hour. This step is crucial as it allows the dough to rise and double in size, resulting in a softer and fluffier texture.
• Pre-fry preparation: Once the dough has risen, you may need to flatten it slightly again to remove any excess air bubbles. Use your hands or a rolling pin to gently press down on the dough, being careful not to deflate it completely.
• Fry your vetkoek: Finally, it's time to fry your perfectly shaped vetkoek. Heat oil in a large saucepan or pot to a temperature of around 350°F. Carefully place your vetkoek in the hot oil and fry until golden brown, which should take about 3-5 minutes depending on the size.

Remember, vetkoek is a versatile dish, and you can get creative with the shaping and sizing. Some people like to make smaller vetkoekies, which are essentially mini vetkoek, perfect for bite-sized treats. You can also experiment with different toppings and fillings to create a unique and delicious treat that's perfect for any occasion.

Vetkoek serving suggestions

Vetkoek is a South African treat that can be served as a snack, for breakfast, or lunch. It is a versatile dish that can be made sweet or savoury. Here are some serving suggestions for vetkoek:

Savoury Options

Vetkoek can be served with a variety of savoury fillings or toppings. Some popular options include:

• Minced meat curry
• Cheese and apricot jam
• Bacon and mayonnaise
• Spinach and lentil curry
• Grilled steak

To make a savoury vetkoek, you can prepare a mince filling by sautéing onions, garlic, and green peppers until soft, then adding ground beef or minced meat and cooking until browned. Add curry powder and chopped tomatoes, along with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer until the sauce thickens. Fill each vetkoek with the savoury mince and garnish with fresh parsley.

Sweet Options

For a sweet treat, vetkoek can be served with:

• Syrup and honey
• Apricot jam
• Powdered sugar
• Chocolate sauce
• Fruit compote

You can also get creative and experiment with other sweet fillings like Nutella and banana.

Side Dishes

Vetkoek can be served with butter, cheese, and jam as a delicious side dish.

Drinks

As a snack or part of a larger meal, vetkoek can be accompanied by a variety of drinks. For a traditional South African experience, you might consider pairing it with a local wine or beer.

Presentation Ideas

When serving vetkoek, you can cut them in half and fill them with your chosen savoury or sweet filling. For a crowd-pleasing platter, offer a mix of savoury and sweet vetkoek with a variety of fillings and toppings on the side, allowing guests to customise their own.

Vetkoek can be a delicious and versatile addition to your menu, offering a taste of South African cuisine.

Frequently asked questions