Focaccia Bread, Air-Fried: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Making focaccia in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to satisfy your bread cravings. The air fryer creates a crispy exterior while keeping the interior soft and fluffy, and it also ensures even cooking. In addition, the compact size of most air fryer baskets makes it ideal for making smaller portions, and there is no need to preheat the air fryer beforehand. To make focaccia in an air fryer, simply follow a traditional focaccia recipe, shape the dough to fit the air fryer basket, and air fry at 340-350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Choosing a pan

Choosing the right pan is crucial for successfully baking focaccia in an air fryer. Here are some tips and considerations to keep in mind when selecting the right pan:

First and foremost, ensure that you have an 8-inch or 9-inch round or square pan that fits into your air fryer. It is recommended to use a metal pan with a minimal lip to avoid any issues with fitting. If you need to purchase a pan, consider investing in a metal one that fits securely in your air fryer without a large lip, as this will ensure your pan fits properly and reduce the risk of it not fitting due to the lip.

Additionally, it is important to consider the size of your air fryer and choose a pan that fits comfortably inside it. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to opt for a smaller pan to ensure it fits properly. It is also worth noting that some air fryers may require a specific type of pan, such as a baking pan or a cake pan, so be sure to refer to your air fryer's instructions or user manual for specific recommendations.

When selecting a pan, it is crucial to choose one made from a suitable material. Metal pans are typically recommended as they can withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer. Avoid using glass or ceramic pans, as they may not be able to handle the heat and could pose a safety risk.

Another factor to consider is the depth of the pan. Choose a pan with a depth that allows for the focaccia to rise properly. A pan that is too shallow may result in the dough overflowing, while a pan that is too deep may hinder proper air circulation and affect cooking performance.

Lastly, it is important to ensure that your chosen pan is properly greased or lined before adding the dough. This will prevent the focaccia from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove once it is baked. You can use olive oil or cooking spray to grease the pan adequately.

Preparing the dough

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The exact quantities may vary depending on your recipe, but you will typically need lukewarm water, active dry yeast, sugar, flour (either bread flour or all-purpose flour), salt, and olive oil. You may also choose to add herbs or other flavourings to your dough, such as rosemary or Italian seasoning.

Next, activate the yeast by combining the lukewarm water, yeast, and sugar in a jug or small bowl. The water should be around 100°F (37-38°C) to activate the yeast without killing it. Stir the mixture until combined, then set it aside in a warm place for about 5- 10 minutes or until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is activated and ready to use.

Now it's time to mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. You can also add any dried herbs or spices you wish to include at this stage. Give everything a good mix so that the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Create a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture. Use a wooden spoon or a hard rubber spatula to gradually mix the wet and dry ingredients until a sticky dough forms. You may need to adjust the amount of flour or water slightly to get the right consistency.

Once the dough has come together, it's time to knead it. This can be done by hand on a floured surface or in a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth and elastic. This step helps to develop the gluten in the flour, which gives the bread its structure and texture.

After kneading, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1- 4 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This process is called proofing, and it allows the yeast to work and produce air bubbles, giving the bread its characteristic light and airy texture.

Once the dough has doubled in size, you may need to ""punch" it down and let it rise again. This helps to remove some of the air bubbles and gives the dough a second chance to develop flavour and structure. Cover the dough and let it rise for another 30-60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size again.

Your focaccia dough is now ready to be shaped and prepared for the air fryer. Remember to preheat your air fryer before adding the dough, and grease the air fryer basket or pan with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Adding toppings

Vegetables

Halved cherry tomatoes, colourful vegetables like capsicum or bell peppers cut into flower petals, fennel, olives, caramelised onions, and roasted vegetables are all excellent choices. You can arrange them simply or get creative and make focaccia art! Just remember to gently press the toppings into the dough so they stay in place while cooking.

Herbs

Fresh herbs like rosemary, bee balm leaves, lavender, catmint, tarragon, and fennel fronds will add a fragrant aroma and depth of flavour to your focaccia. You can also use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available.

Cheese

Feta, mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan cheese will add a salty, savoury element to your focaccia. Just be sure to drain any fresh mozzarella well to prevent a soggy bread.

Spices

A blend of spices like thyme, basil, Italian seasoning, or Sicilian herb mix (dried oregano, red chilli flakes, garlic powder, and crushed fennel seeds) will infuse your focaccia with savory, herbal, and aromatic notes.

Other Toppings

Other toppings you can consider include flax seeds, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, oats, crushed nuts, and sundried tomatoes. You can also experiment with adding different types of seeds and nuts to your dough for added texture and flavour.

Remember, the key to adding toppings is to be creative and have fun! You can arrange your toppings in a simple pattern or go wild with focaccia art. Just be sure to press the toppings gently into the dough so they stay in place during cooking. Enjoy the process and savour the delicious results!

Cooking the focaccia

Now it's time to cook your focaccia! If you're using an air fryer, there's no need to preheat it beforehand—one of the benefits of using an air fryer is that it heats up very quickly. However, if you're using an oven, preheat it to 450°F and then reduce the temperature to 425°F once you've placed the pan inside.

Firstly, you'll want to prepare your air fryer basket or tray by lining it with baking paper. Make sure the paper doesn't come more than 2cm up the side of the basket, as it may catch on fire. Then, place your dough in the centre of the basket and cover the top of the basket with a clean tea towel. Leave the dough to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

Next, drizzle olive oil over the dough and use your fingertips to spread it out, making sure the dough is coated. You can also use your fingertips to create dimples in the dough, which will stop it from rising too quickly and give it that signature flatness. Cover the basket again and leave the dough to rise for another 30 minutes, or until it rises slightly.

At this point, you can decorate the dough with your chosen toppings. Load it up with colourful vegetables, herbs, cheese, or whatever else you like! Press your toppings gently into the dough to ensure they adhere during cooking. You can also sprinkle some sea salt over the top.

Once you've added your toppings, it's time to cook your focaccia. Place the basket in the air fryer and set the temperature to 340-350°F. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown. If you're cooking in an oven, it will take 22-30 minutes at 425°F.

Keep an eye on your focaccia during the last 5 minutes of cooking, as every air fryer is different and you don't want your bread to burn. When it's done, the focaccia should be golden brown and firm, and it should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also insert a toothpick or cake tester into the centre; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready.

Finally, let your focaccia cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Storing leftovers

You can also store it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week to keep it fresher.

Additionally, you can freeze leftover focaccia bread for later. Allow the bread to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminium foil before placing it in a freezer bag or container. Freeze it for up to 1-2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw the bread at room temperature and warm it in the air fryer or oven until heated through.

Frequently asked questions