Marianne Martinez
Salt dough ornaments are a fun and easy craft that can be made using an air fryer. The dough is made from flour, water, and salt, and can be decorated with paint, glitter, or other craft materials. The ornaments can be cut into various shapes and sizes using cookie cutters and baked in the air fryer for 30-60 minutes at around 90-120°C, or until completely dry. Once cooled, the ornaments can be painted, sealed, and hung as decorations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 90-95°C (190-200°F) |
| Time | 30-60 minutes |
| Thickness | 1/4-1/8 inch |
| Preservation | Craft sealer, spray sealant coating, or wax paper |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer temperature and duration
The temperature and duration for cooking salt dough in an air fryer vary depending on the source. Some sources recommend preheating the air fryer to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and then air frying the dough for 30 minutes or until completely dried out. Others suggest a lower temperature of 90-95 degrees Celsius for 45-60 minutes.
It's important to note that the duration may depend on the size and thickness of your salt dough creations. Thicker and larger pieces may require a longer cooking time to ensure they are completely dried out. It is recommended to bake in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer, and you can also use racks to bake multiple batches at once.
When cooking salt dough in an air fryer, it is generally advised to place the dough directly into the air fryer basket or on a liner, spaced slightly apart, to ensure even cooking. Some sources suggest using parchment paper, while others recommend silicone baking sheets to avoid the need for extra flour and minimize cleanup.
Additionally, the type of air fryer you have may also impact the temperature and duration. Different models may have varying temperature settings and cooking capabilities, so it is always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or guidelines specific to your air fryer model.
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Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. You can do this with your hands or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Slowly pour in the water while stirring. Keep mixing until the dough starts to come together into a ball. If it's sticky, you might not need to add all the water, and you can adjust as needed. Once it forms a ball, you can finish bringing it together with your hands if you prefer.
Now, turn out the dough onto a work surface. Some recipes suggest a floured surface, but this isn't always necessary. You can use baking sheets or parchment paper to roll out the dough and avoid sticking. Roll the dough out to a thickness of around 1/4 inch, or a little thinner at 1/8 inch, depending on your preference.
Next, use cookie cutters or biscuit cutters to cut out your chosen shapes. You can re-roll any scraps to cut out more shapes and minimise waste. If you want to hang your ornaments, use a straw or skewer to make a small hole in each one. You can also make imprints or impressions in the dough, such as handprints or paw prints, to create a more personalised ornament.
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Cutting out the shapes
Once you've prepared your salt dough, it's time to roll it out and cut out your chosen shapes. This is a fun and easy process that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and it's a great way to get creative. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:
Rolling out the Dough:
First, make sure you have a clean, flat surface to work on. You don't necessarily need to flour the surface, but you may want to roll out the dough between baking sheets or parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you want to add a bit of sparkle to your ornaments, you can roll the dough between sheets of lustre powder and ground cinnamon. This will also help prevent sticking.
Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough to a thickness of approximately 1/4 inch. If you want to create thinner ornaments, you can aim for a thickness of 1/8 inch, but be careful not to make them too thin, as they may break easily. Once the dough is flattened, use cookie cutters or biscuit cutters to cut out your desired shapes. The shape is entirely up to you, and you can get as creative as you like. Popular choices include Christmas trees, gingerbread men, and other festive designs. You can even make an imprint of your child's hand as a precious keepsake. Remember to gather the dough scraps as you go, so you can roll them out again to create more ornaments.
Creating the Hanging Hole:
Before placing your cut-out shapes into the air fryer, it's important to create a small hole that will be used for hanging. Use a straw or a skewer to make a hole in each ornament. This is where you will thread a piece of string, ribbon, or twine to hang your ornament on your tree or chosen display area.
Placing in the Air Fryer:
After cutting out your shapes and creating the hanging holes, it's time to place your ornaments into the air fryer. You can place them directly into the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other, or you can put them on a liner or parchment paper, spaced slightly apart. Now you're ready to start the air-frying process!
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Adding decorations
Once your salt dough is cooked and cooled, you can decorate it as you like. If you want to add a base layer of paint, consider painting the whole ornament white or cream to give it a more finished look and to cover up any irregularities in the dough's colour. You can also add a thin coat of white spray paint to make the ornament look more like clay than hard bread.
You can then add your own creative touch using acrylic craft paint. For younger children, it is recommended to use tempera washable paints. You can also decorate your ornaments with glitter and glue, or add a seasonal scent with ground cinnamon. If you want to add some sparkle to your Christmas, you can use lustre powder, which will allow your ornaments to catch the lights on your tree.
To preserve your ornaments, you can coat them with a layer or two of Mod Podge or spray them with a sealer. This will help keep your decorations looking great for years to come.
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Sealing and storing
After air-frying your salt dough ornaments, you should let them cool down completely before decorating them. You can then paint your ornaments with acrylic paint. If you want to add a scent to your ornaments, you can add ground cinnamon or vanilla essence to the dough mixture. Once the paint is dry, you can seal your ornaments with a craft sealer like Mod Podge or spray sealant coating. This will help to prevent cracks or crumbling and preserve your ornaments for years to come. It is important to let the sealant dry completely before storing your ornaments.
When storing your salt dough ornaments, it is crucial to keep them away from heat and humidity. Choose a cool, dry place, and use a sturdy container for the best protection. For added protection, you can wrap each ornament in wax paper before storing them away. This will help keep them in good condition for many years.
If you want to hang your ornaments, use a straw to make a small hole in each ornament before air-frying. After sealing and drying, you can add a ribbon or string to hang them. This way, you can easily display your ornaments on your Christmas tree or around your home.
Proper sealing and storing of your salt dough ornaments will ensure that they last for a long time and can be brought out year after year as cherished mementos. With the right care, your air-fried salt dough creations can become lasting treasures that you can enjoy and even pass down through generations.
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Frequently asked questions
You should air fry your salt dough for 30 to 60 minutes or until completely dried out.
Preheat your air fryer to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (or 150 degrees Celsius).
First, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Then, use a cookie cutter to cut out your desired shapes. Finally, use a straw or skewer to poke a small hole in each ornament for hanging.
You can decorate your salt dough ornaments with paint, glitter, sparkles, or any other craft materials you have on hand. You can also add food coloring to the dough before cooking for a more subtle decoration.
To store your salt dough ornaments, wrap each ornament in wax paper and keep them in a cool, dry place. This will help prevent heat and humidity from damaging your creations.
