Air-Fried Flatbread: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making flatbread in an air fryer is a quick and easy recipe that can be made in no time. The flatbread can be used as a base for pizza toppings, as sandwich bread, or as a side dish for soups and curries. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, including flour, yogurt, olive oil, and salt. The dough is formed by mixing the ingredients and kneading them into a soft, flexible ball. It is then divided into small pieces, rolled out, and placed in the air fryer for a few minutes until puffed up and golden brown. The flatbreads can be served warm with dips or used to scoop up sauces from curries and casseroles.

Choosing the right flour

• Self-Rising Flour: Many air fryer flatbread recipes call for self-rising flour, which is a type of flour that already contains a leavening agent (usually baking powder) and salt. Using self-rising flour eliminates the need to add baking powder separately and ensures a light and fluffy texture in your flatbreads. If you don't have self-rising flour on hand, you can easily make your own by mixing all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in the correct proportions.
• All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour is a versatile option that can be used as a base for your flatbread dough. It has a moderate protein content, which contributes to a balanced texture in the final product. If you are catering to those with gluten intolerance, you can opt for a gluten-free flour blend to achieve similar results.
• Bread Flour: While not commonly used for flatbreads, bread flour can be an option if you prefer a chewier and more elastic texture. Bread flour has a higher protein content, making it ideal for recipes that require more structure, such as pizza dough. However, keep in mind that flatbreads are typically softer and more pliable, so using bread flour may require adjustments to the liquid content in your recipe.
• Whole Wheat Flour: If you want to add a nutritional boost to your flatbreads, consider using whole wheat flour. It is made from ground whole wheat grains and contains more fibre, vitamins, and minerals than refined flours. Whole wheat flour will give your flatbreads a nutty flavour and a denser texture.
• Gluten-Free Options: For those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, there are gluten-free flour blends available that can be used as a substitute for regular flour. These blends often combine different types of gluten-free flours, such as rice flour, potato starch, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum, to mimic the properties of gluten-containing flours.

Remember to check the specific recipe you are following for the recommended type and amount of flour to use. Each recipe may have slight variations, and adjusting the flour accordingly will ensure the best results for your air fryer flatbreads.

Adding flavour

Herbs and Spices

Adding herbs and spices to the dough is a simple way to infuse flavour into your flatbreads. Try sprinkling Italian seasoning, or a mixture of herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme, over the dough before baking. You can also experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to find your favourite flavour profile.

Salt and Seasonings

Including salt in the dough is essential for enhancing the other flavours in your flatbread. You can also get creative with other seasonings, such as adding a sprinkle of ground cumin or sesame seeds to the flour before mixing. This will give your flatbreads an extra depth of flavour.

Olive Oil

Using olive oil in the dough will add richness and moisture, and brushing a small amount of olive oil onto both sides of the flatbread before air frying will give it an extra boost of flavour. You can also try substituting olive oil with avocado oil or any neutral oil.

Yogurt

While plain yogurt is typically used in flatbread recipes, you can experiment with different flavours of yogurt to add a subtle tanginess to your flatbreads. Just be sure to use plain, unsweetened yogurt to avoid altering the texture of the dough.

Toppings

Once your flatbreads are cooked, the fun of adding toppings begins! For a simple option, try spreading butter or hummus on top. If you're feeling more adventurous, create a flatbread pizza by adding tomato sauce, your chosen toppings, and vegan cheese. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of toppings to find your favourite flavour profile.

Kneading the dough

• Once you have combined your dry ingredients (flour, salt, and baking powder, if using), add your wet ingredients (yoghurt, olive oil, and water, if using). Mix until a dough forms. You may find it easier to use your hands for this step.
• Tip the dough out onto a floured surface. This will make it easier to handle and prevent sticking.
• Begin to knead the dough. There are various techniques for kneading, but the basic method involves using the heels of your hands to push the dough away from you, then folding it back over on itself towards you. Rotate the dough a quarter turn and repeat. You can also lift the dough and slap it down onto the surface to encourage a smooth and elastic texture.
• Knead the dough for around 6 to 10 minutes. The dough should become smoother, softer, and more elastic. It is ready when it passes the 'windowpane test'—this is when you can stretch the dough thin enough to see through without it tearing.
• If you are adding any extra ingredients, such as sesame seeds or cumin, you can incorporate them during the kneading process. Simply sprinkle over the dough and gently work them in.
• Once your dough is kneaded, it is ready to be divided and shaped into flatbreads.

Remember, when it comes to kneading, less is more. Over-kneading will result in denser, tougher flatbreads. So, avoid the urge to create a perfectly smooth dough, and instead aim for a flexible and slightly sticky texture.

Shaping the flatbreads

Firstly, after kneading your dough, divide it into equal portions. The number of portions will depend on the size of your air fryer basket and your desired flatbread size. For smaller, pita-style flatbreads, you can divide the dough into 8 pieces. For larger flatbreads, 4 pieces should be sufficient.

Next, roll each portion into a ball. This step helps create evenly shaped discs when rolled out. Make sure your hands are lightly floured to prevent the dough from sticking to them.

Now, it's time to roll out the dough balls. Use a rolling pin on a floured surface to roll out each ball into a disc. For pita-style flatbreads, aim for a diameter of around 15-20 cm (6-8 inches). If you prefer a thicker, fluffier flatbread, roll the dough to about 5mm thickness. For a thinner, crispier flatbread, roll the dough to about 3-4 inches across.

Turn the discs a few times as you roll them out to maintain a round shape. You can also use your hands to gently stretch and shape the dough if you don't have a rolling pin.

Finally, brush both sides of the flatbreads with olive oil. This step is optional but will add flavour and help achieve a golden colour when cooked.

Your flatbreads are now ready to be placed into the air fryer! Remember to cook them in a single layer and flip them halfway through the cooking time for even cooking.

Cooking the flatbreads

Now that your dough is ready, it's time to cook your flatbreads! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 180-200°C (350-400°F). This is a crucial step to ensure your flatbreads cook evenly.
• Prepare the dough balls: Take one of your dough balls and place it on a floured surface. Gently roll it out into a disc about 3-5mm thick (around 4-6 inches in diameter). Repeat this step for each dough ball.
• Oil the dough: Brush a small amount of olive oil onto both sides of each disc. This will give your flatbreads a softer texture and a golden colour.
• Place in the air fryer: Carefully place one or two flatbreads into the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
• Cook: Air fry your flatbreads for about 8-9 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn. The flatbreads are ready when they are puffed up and golden brown.
• Keep warm: If you're cooking in batches, place the cooked flatbreads in a thick tea towel to keep them warm while you cook the rest.

Your flatbreads are now ready to be served! These flatbreads are best enjoyed warm and fresh, but if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Frequently asked questions