Air Fryer Pita Bread: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can put pita bread in an air fryer. In fact, there are many recipes for making pita bread and pita chips in an air fryer. Air fryer pita bread is a no-fail, soft pita with a large pocket, ready in just 4 minutes. It is perfect for appetizers or scooping your favourite stew or dip.

How to make pita bread in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons dehydrated milk powder
• 1 cup full-fat milk, warm
• 1 teaspoon dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon granulated white sugar or honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method:

• Proof the yeast: Add the yeast to the warm milk and stir well. Let the yeast mixture get frothy and foamy for 5-7 minutes.
• Prepare the dough: Sift together the flour, salt, and milk powder into a large mixing bowl. Gradually add the oil to the dry ingredients, rubbing it in with your hands to ensure it is fully absorbed. Mix in the yeast mixture, stirring with a spoon, and then knead with your hands or a stand mixer until a soft, sticky dough forms. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours.
• Shape the bread balls: Roll out the dough with a rolling pin and cut out disks of about 2 2/3" in diameter. Cover the dough disks with a tea towel and let them rest for 20-30 minutes.
• Air fry the pita bread: Preheat the air fryer to around 475°F/245°C. Choose the bread or pizza setting and reduce the programmed baking time to 4 minutes. Arrange the bread in a single layer and air fry until puffy and golden.
• Serve or store: Pita bread is best served hot. To store, cover with a clean tea towel to keep it soft. For later use, store in zip locks or vacuum seal and freeze for up to one month.

Tips:

• Use warm water (not hot) when activating the yeast to help the dough rise properly.
• Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes to develop gluten, creating a soft, chewy texture and helping the pita puff up.
• Let the dough rest for 1-2 hours in a warm place until it doubles in size. This helps create a perfect pocket.
• Roll out the dough to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. If it's too thin, it won't puff, and if it's too thick, the bread will become dense.
• Don't overbake the pita; bake it just until it puffs up and turns a light golden colour. Overbaking will make it dry and brittle.
• Keep the pita covered after baking to keep it soft and pliable.

How to make pita chips in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• 4 pitas (flatbread style)
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1 tsp of sumac powder (or another seasoning of your choice)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to between 320 and 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
• While the air fryer is preheating, cut each pita into 8 triangles.
• Place the pita chips in a large mixing bowl and add the olive oil. Toss the pita chips and oil together, ensuring that all the pita chips are coated.
• Add the salt and sumac powder (or alternative seasoning) to the bowl and stir to combine, ensuring that the pita triangles are evenly coated with seasoning.
• Once the air fryer has preheated, add the seasoned pita chips to the air fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes.
• After 6 minutes, remove the air fryer basket and give it a good shake, stirring the pita chips with a rubber scraper if needed.
• Air fry for another 6 minutes. The pita chips are done when they are golden brown and stiff rather than soft.

Tips

• You can use any type of pita for this recipe, including white or whole wheat pita, Lebanese pita, Greek pita, and naan bread. Just be sure to avoid pita with a built-in pocket, as this will cause some chips to burn.
• You can also use other types of flatbread, such as tortillas, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.
• If you want to make a larger batch, it's best to cook the pita chips in two batches to ensure they get crisp.
• You can season your pita chips with a variety of spices and herbs, such as garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, Cajun spice, black pepper, paprika, rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning.
• For a sweet option, sprinkle the pita chips with cinnamon sugar before air frying.
• You can serve pita chips with a variety of dips, such as hummus, tzatziki, baba ganoush, or spinach and artichoke dip.
• Pita chips can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they start to soften, you can refresh them in the air fryer at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 1-2 minutes.

How to store pita bread/chips

Pita bread can be stored in a few different ways to keep it fresh. Firstly, it is not recommended to store pita bread in a sealed plastic bag, as this can cause the bread to mould due to trapped moisture. Instead, pita bread can be stored in a bread box, preferably ceramic, or a perforated bag, a paper bag, or a linen or cotton sack. This is to ensure airflow and the right amount of moisture.

If you are storing homemade pita bread, it is recommended to cover the bread with a tea towel while it cools and then store it in a plastic bag or airtight container. You can also use a tortilla warmer, which allows the right amount of airspace.

Another option is to store pita bread in the fridge or freezer. This will keep the bread fresh for longer, although it may dry out more quickly in the fridge. If you do choose to freeze your pita bread, it can be stored for up to one month in the freezer and then reheated in the oven.

As for pita chips, it is recommended to let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be stored for up to one week. If the pita chips start to soften, you can refresh them by putting them in the air fryer for a few minutes.

What to serve with pita bread/chips

Pita bread and pita chips are extremely versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:

Dips

Pita bread and chips are often served with dips. Some popular options include hummus, baba ganoush, tzatziki, muhammara, and citrus avocado dip. You can also serve them with a dip of your choice, such as a creamy dip or a spicy dip.

Soups

Pita bread and chips can be used in place of croutons and served with soups such as tomato basil soup, lentil soup, or roasted carrot soup.

Salads

Pita chips can be added to salads, such as a Fattoush salad, to provide a crunchy element.

Appetizers and Platters

Pita bread and chips can be served as part of an appetizer or mezze platter, along with other items such as cheese, raw vegetables, or dips.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Pita bread can be used as a wrap or sandwich for fillings such as gyros, kofta, or arayes (sandwiches).

Stews and Curries

Pita bread is often used for scooping up stews, curries, or dips. Some specific options include Egyptian Ful Medames (stew of fava beans) or Ta'ameya (crispy Egyptian falafel).

Sides and Condiments

When serving pita bread as a side, you can offer a variety of condiments such as olive oil, dukkah, or hummus.

Snacks

Pita chips can be a great snack on their own, especially when seasoned nicely. They are a healthier alternative to potato chips and can be easily made at home with just a few ingredients.

Breakfast

Pita bread can be served for breakfast, especially in the Egyptian style of breakfast, where it is often served with ful medames (stewed fava beans) or ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel).

Lunch

Pita bread and chips are great for packing in school or work lunches. They can be served with various fillings or dips to make a tasty and nutritious lunch.

How to make pita bread/chips without an air fryer

How to Make Pita Bread Without an Air Fryer

To make pita bread without an air fryer, you can use an oven or a stovetop. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Whole wheat flour (optional)
• Sea salt
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Lukewarm water
• Active dried yeast
• Sugar
• Za'atar or other seasonings (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Activate the yeast: Combine lukewarm water (95 to 110°F), active dry yeast, sugar, and a small amount of all-purpose flour. Let the mixture activate for about 15 minutes.
• Combine the remaining ingredients: Mix whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, sea salt, and the activated yeast mixture. Add olive oil to the mixture.
• Knead the dough: You can do this by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Knead until the dough becomes smooth and less tacky.
• First proof: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for at least 1 hour, but no more than 2 hours.
• Determine pita size: Depending on your desired use, adjust the weight of each pita dough. For pita sandwiches, use 110-120g of dough for an 8-inch pita. For a side dish or appetizer, use 90-100g of dough for a 5-6 inch pita.
• Second proof: Form small dough balls based on your desired pita size. Cover and let them proof for another 15-20 minutes.
• Roll out the dough: Use a rolling pin or a tortilla press to roll out the pita dough into thin, even circles.
• Cook the pita: If using an oven, bake at 450-500°F for about 5 minutes. For a stovetop, use a heavy-bottom cast iron skillet for better heat retention.
• Enjoy: Slice larger pita bread in half to create pockets for fillings. Cut smaller pitas into bite-size triangles for dipping.

How to Make Pita Chips Without an Air Fryer

To make pita chips, you can bake pita bread in the oven to achieve a crispy texture. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• Pita bread (fresh or stale)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Seasonings of your choice (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F.
• Cut pita triangles: Cut the pita bread into wedges or triangles of equal size. You can use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter.
• Toss and season: Combine olive oil and your desired seasonings in a small bowl. Drizzle the mixture over the pita wedges and toss to coat evenly.
• Bake the pita chips: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and add the seasoned pita wedges. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The baking time may vary depending on the thickness of the pita bread.
• Cool and serve: Allow the pita chips to cool before serving. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Frequently asked questions