Air-Fryer Flatbread: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can cook flatbread in an air fryer. In fact, it's a quick and easy way to make flatbread that's fluffy and crispy. You can make the dough with just a few simple ingredients, such as flour, yoghurt, olive oil, and salt, and cook it in your air fryer in around 8-10 minutes. You can serve it with curries, casseroles, or souvlaki, or use it as a base for pizza.

Flatbread pizzas

Ingredients:

• Flatbreads (pre-made or homemade)
• Pizza sauce (such as marinara or tomato sauce)
• Cheese (shredded mozzarella is a popular choice)
• Toppings of your choice (meat, vegetables, herbs)
• Olive oil
• Salt and other seasonings (optional)

Method:

• Prepare your flatbreads: If you are making your own flatbreads, combine flour, yogurt, and olive oil in a mixing bowl. You can also add salt and other seasonings to the dough for extra flavour. Knead the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then use a rolling pin to flatten them into 3-4 inch rounds. If using pre-made flatbreads, simply ensure they fit in your air fryer basket.
• Preheat your air fryer: Set the temperature to between 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Assemble your pizzas: Spread a layer of pizza sauce on the flatbreads, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle dried oregano or Italian seasoning on top of the sauce. Add your desired toppings, keeping in mind that thinner flatbreads may struggle to support heavier toppings.
• Cook the pizzas: Place the pizzas in the air fryer basket and cook at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning. For crispier flatbread, cook for closer to 5 minutes.
• Serve: Remove the pizzas from the air fryer, slice, and serve immediately. Top with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips:

• To prevent the flatbreads from puffing up and swirling in the air fryer, use a trivet to keep them flat.
• If you want to make flatbread pizzas in advance, you can freeze assembled pizzas and store them for up to 2 months. Thaw them before cooking in the air fryer.
• For a healthier option, use plant-based yogurt when making the dough, and opt for turkey pepperoni or mini pepperoni as toppings.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can also cook flatbread pizzas in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.

Flatbread in the oven

If you don't have an air fryer, you can still make delicious flatbread in the oven. Here's a guide on how to do it, along with some tips and tricks for achieving the best results.

Ingredients and Preparation:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. A simple flatbread recipe usually includes self-rising flour, plain or Greek yogurt, and olive oil. You can also add salt and seasonings to taste. For a more complex flavour, consider adding dried herbs and spices to the dough.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, yogurt, and oil. You can use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until a dough forms. This should take about 2-3 minutes. If you're using any additional seasonings or herbs, add them to the dough now.

Shaping the Flatbreads:

Place the dough on a floured surface and divide it into equal portions. The number of portions will depend on how large you want your flatbreads to be. Roll each portion into a ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten them into your desired thickness. Aim for a thickness of around 1/4 inch for a chewier flatbread, or roll them out thinner if you prefer a crispier texture.

Baking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to a temperature between 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your shaped flatbreads on it. Brush the tops of the flatbreads with a small amount of olive oil to promote browning and a softer texture.

Bake the flatbreads for around 10-25 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to ensure they don't burn. They are done when they are golden brown and slightly puffed up. For crispier flatbreads, consider flipping them halfway through the baking process.

Serving Suggestions and Storage:

Flatbreads are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. You can eat them plain, use them as a base for pizzas, or cut them into triangles and serve them with dips. They also pair well with soups, curries, and stews.

Leftover flatbreads can be stored at room temperature for a day or two, or in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. To reheat, simply pop them into the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Tips for a Successful Bake:

• If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt.
• If you want to achieve a charred effect, preheat your oven with a pizza stone or a heavy pan, such as a cast-iron skillet.
• For an even bake, use the fan setting on your oven.
• If you're adding toppings to your flatbread, reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit after baking the plain flatbread. Then, add your desired toppings and bake for an additional 8-12 minutes.

Now you're all set to enjoy freshly baked flatbread straight from your oven!

Flatbread ingredients

There are many different ways to make flatbread, and the ingredients will vary depending on the type of flatbread you want to make. Here is a list of common ingredients used in flatbread recipes:

• Flour: This is the base ingredient for flatbread. You can use all-purpose flour, bread flour, or a gluten-free flour blend. Some recipes call for self-rising flour, which has been premixed with a leavening agent and salt. If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by mixing all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt.
• Liquid: Water, milk, or yogurt is usually added to the flour to form a dough. Yogurt adds a tangy flavour and can make the flatbread softer.
• Fat: Olive oil, butter, or ghee is often added to the dough to make it more pliable and tender. Oil can also be brushed on the surface of the flatbread before baking to add flavour and promote browning.
• Leavening Agent: Baking powder or yeast is used to give the flatbread a light and fluffy texture. Baking powder reduces the preparation time by cutting the resting time in half compared to using yeast.
• Sweetener: A small amount of sugar, maple syrup, or honey can be added to the dough to balance the flavours and promote browning.
• Salt: Salt is added to enhance the flavour of the flatbread.

Some recipes also include additional ingredients such as garlic, Italian seasoning, or other herbs and spices to add flavour to the flatbread.

Air fryer temperature

Yes, you can make flatbread in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy recipe that can be made in about 15 minutes.

The ideal temperature to cook flatbread in an air fryer is between 300-350°F (148-175°C). It is important to note that air fryer temperatures can vary depending on the make and model. Therefore, it is recommended to start with a lower cooking temperature and increase it if needed.

Steps to Make Flatbread in an Air Fryer:

First, make the dough by mixing self-rising flour, yogurt, and olive oil in a large bowl. You can also add salt or seasonings for extra flavor. Work the ingredients with your hands until a dough forms, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Next, place the dough on a floured surface and divide it into 4 or 8 equal pieces, depending on the number of flatbreads you want to make. Roll each piece into a ball and then use a rolling pin to flatten them into 3-4 inch circles. Brush both sides of the flatbreads with a small amount of oil.

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 300-350°F (148-175°C). Place the prepared flatbreads into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. Cook the flatbreads for 7-9 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.

Tips:

• To prevent the flatbreads from puffing up and swirling inside the air fryer, you can place a trivet on top to keep them flat and in place.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your flatbreads, so it is recommended to start with a shorter cooking time and adjust as needed.
• You can flavor your flatbreads with various herbs and spices, such as Italian seasoning or stone house seasoning.

Storing and reheating flatbread

Flatbreads are best eaten fresh, but there are ways to preserve them for later. If you want to store your flatbreads, make sure they are completely cooled before storing. If they are still warm, they can become soggy or mouldy. To store, place the flatbread in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag, or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. This will help keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out. You can store the flatbread in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy your flatbread, there are a few ways to reheat it. If it's a soft bread, like pita, reheat it in the microwave. For a crunchy flatbread, use an oven or toaster oven. You can also reheat flatbread in a dry skillet on the stovetop, or even in an air fryer! Reheating in the oven is an excellent way to restore the fresh-out-of-the-oven taste and texture of your flatbread. Preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C). If your flatbread has dried out slightly, cover it with aluminium foil to retain moisture during reheating. Place your flatbread directly on a baking sheet or pizza stone and reheat for about 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bread and your desired level of crispiness.

Frequently asked questions