Air Frying Salt Dough: Is It Possible?

Salt dough ornaments are a fun and easy craft project that you can make with an air fryer. You can create gorgeous mementos for holidays like Christmas or Valentine's Day, or even make them as gifts for your loved ones. The best part is that they require just three simple ingredients: plain flour, table salt, and water. You can also add optional ingredients like food colouring, lustre powder, and ground cinnamon to make your ornaments more festive and personalised. Once you've mixed and kneaded the dough, simply use a cookie cutter to cut out your desired shapes and air fry them for 30-60 minutes. After they've cooled, you can paint and seal your ornaments to preserve them for years to come. So, if you're looking for a creative project to do with your family, consider giving air fryer salt dough ornaments a try!

Salt dough ingredients

Salt dough is made from three staple ingredients: flour, salt, and water.

For a standard batch of salt dough, you will need two cups of all-purpose flour and one cup of table salt. You can also use fine sea salt, but avoid anything too grainy as this may affect the texture of the dough. The amount of water you will need will vary, but it should be added gradually until the dough reaches the right consistency. You want the dough to be pliable and soft but not sticky.

If you are making a smaller batch, you can reduce the quantities accordingly. For example, for a batch of dough for one handprint ornament, you will need around 1/2 cup of flour and 1/8 cup of salt.

You can also add optional ingredients to your salt dough, such as food colouring, lustre powder, or ground cinnamon for a seasonal scent.

How to make salt dough

Salt dough is a fun and easy project for the whole family. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create gorgeous mementos for the holiday season or any time of year. Here's how to make your own salt dough at home:

Ingredients:

You only need three basic ingredients to make salt dough:

• Plain/all-purpose flour
• Table salt (or fine sea salt)
• Warm water

Optional ingredients for decoration:

• Food colouring powder or gel food colouring
• Lustre powder
• Ground cinnamon or vanilla essence for scent
• Acrylic paint
• Mod Podge (glossy or matt)

Method:

• Combine the dry ingredients: Add the flour and salt to a large mixing bowl and stir briefly to combine.
• Add water gradually: Slowly add warm water to the dry ingredients, a little at a time, and mix using a dough hook attachment. You want to add just enough water so that the dough becomes pliable and soft but not sticky.
• Knead the dough: Once the dough starts to come together, knead it with your hands until it forms a ball. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If you're using food colouring powder, add it to the dough at this stage and knead until the colour is evenly distributed.
• Roll out the dough: Flatten the dough with a rolling pin. You may want to roll it out between baking sheets or parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Cut out shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. You can gather and reroll any scraps to make more ornaments.
• Make a hole for hanging: Use a straw or skewer to make a small hole in each ornament. This is where you will thread a string or ribbon to hang it.
• Air fry or bake the ornaments: Place the ornaments in the air fryer basket or on a lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Air fry at 90°C for 45-60 minutes, or bake in the oven at a similar temperature for 2-4 hours, until completely dry.
• Paint and decorate (optional): Once the salt dough is dry, you can paint your ornaments using acrylic paints. Allow the paint to dry completely before adding any additional decorations.
• Seal the ornaments: To preserve your ornaments and prevent cracking or crumbling, apply a layer of Mod Podge varnish. This will also give your ornaments a nice finish.
• Store in an airtight container: Keep your finished ornaments in a dry place, such as an airtight container. With proper care, they can last for years!

Storing salt dough ornaments

Salt dough ornaments can last for decades if preserved properly. Here are some tips for storing your salt dough ornaments:

Seal the Ornaments

Sealing your salt dough ornaments is important to prevent them from becoming mouldy or cracking and crumbling. Even in a controlled environment, salt dough can be susceptible to mould, so it is recommended to seal the ornaments as soon as they are completely dry. Spray sealants are a good option as they provide a quick and even application. Alternatively, you can use a paint-on outdoor sealant, which comes in a variety of finishes and is rated for outdoor use or high-moisture areas. Avoid using polyacrylic or polyurethane sealants, as these can turn yellowish over time. If you have used ink, watercolours, or acrylic paint on your ornaments, it is recommended to first apply a light spray sealant to seal in the colour and prevent bleeding or smearing before applying additional coats of sealant.

Choose the Right Storage Container and Location

When storing your salt dough ornaments, it is important to keep them in a sturdy, well-sealed box. Place the ornaments between sheets of wax or parchment paper, avoiding paper towels, which can absorb moisture and cause warping or moulding. Choose a cool, dry location, such as a closet or basement, to store your ornaments. Attics should be avoided, as the temperature can fluctuate and be warm during the summer months. Additionally, be mindful of storing your ornaments near sources of moisture, such as water conditioners, hot water tanks, or HVAC units, as this can negatively affect the ornaments.

Decorating salt dough

Choosing your tools and materials

Before you begin, gather your tools and materials. You will need a rolling pin and cookie cutters or biscuit cutters in various shapes and sizes. You can also use a straw to create holes in your ornaments for hanging. If you want to get creative, you can use acrylic paint, glitter, glue, and Mod Podge to decorate your salt dough creations.

Preparing the dough

To prepare the salt dough for decorating, roll it out to a thickness of about 1/4-1/8 inch. You can roll it between two sheets of parchment paper or baking sheets to avoid sticking. Use your cookie cutters to cut out the desired shapes, and don't forget to poke a hole in each ornament if you plan to hang them.

Baking the ornaments

Place the ornaments on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they are not touching. Preheat your air fryer to between 90-300°C and air fry the ornaments for 30-60 minutes, or until completely dry. You may need to bake them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Painting and decorating

Once your ornaments are baked and cooled, you can start decorating! If you want to add paint, use acrylic paint and allow it to dry completely before adding any additional layers or decorations. You can also add glitter, glue, or Mod Podge to create different effects. Get creative and experiment with different textures and colours!

Sealing and storing your creations

To preserve your salt dough ornaments, you can seal them with a layer of Mod Podge or a spray sealer. This will help protect them from cracking or crumbling. Allow the sealant to dry completely before handling the ornaments. Store your finished ornaments in an airtight container in a dry place, and they will last for years!

Air fryer temperature and time

The air fryer is a mini convection oven that cooks food by circulating hot air around it. It is a great alternative to traditional frying methods as it requires little to no oil, making it healthier and less messy.

When using an air fryer, it is recommended to lower the temperature by 25°F and reduce the cooking time by 20 to 25% compared to a regular oven recipe. For example, if a recipe calls for baking at 350°F for 20 minutes, you would set your air fryer to 325°F for approximately 15 to 16 minutes.

However, it is important to note that air fryers can vary in wattage, size, and brand, which will affect the cooking time and temperature. Therefore, you may need to adjust the settings based on your specific air fryer model.

Additionally, the type of food being cooked and the desired level of crispiness will also impact the cooking time and temperature. For instance, fried dough is typically cooked at 375°F for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the dough. On the other hand, bread is baked at a higher temperature of 400°F for 15 minutes, followed by a reduced temperature of 350°F for an additional 25 to 30 minutes.

Furthermore, the placement of the food within the air fryer can also impact the cooking process. For example, when baking bread, it is recommended to place the pan of dough in the centre rack position of the air fryer. Additionally, flipping the bread over halfway through the cooking process can help ensure even baking.

In summary, while there are general guidelines for adjusting temperature and time when using an air fryer, it is important to consider the specific model of your air fryer, the type of food being cooked, and the desired level of doneness when determining the optimal settings.

Frequently asked questions