Air-Fried Soda Bread: A Quick, Easy, Crispy Treat

Irish soda bread is a dense, yeast-free bread that uses baking soda and buttermilk as leavening agents. It is a quick and easy bread to make and can be cooked in an air fryer in under an hour. The air fryer is a convenient alternative to a conventional oven, as it uses less fat and cooks food more quickly. To make soda bread in an air fryer, simply mix the dry ingredients, add buttermilk, knead the dough, shape it into a loaf, and cook in the air fryer for 20-40 minutes.

Choosing the right air fryer

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a wide range of foods, from "fried" chicken to roasted vegetables and even baked goods like bread and cakes. When choosing an air fryer, there are several factors to consider to ensure you select the right one for your needs.

Types of Air Fryers

There are two primary types of air fryers: the conventional design with a basket or drawer for the food, and newer models with a mesh tray or rack. Additionally, there are toaster ovens with built-in air-frying modes, which can be a good option if you want a single appliance that can do multiple jobs.

Basket/Drawer Air Fryers

These air fryers feature a tub or basket that slides out, making it easy to put food in and take it out. They come in a range of sizes, from small 2-quart options to larger 5-quart or even 7-quart models. Some have a single basket, while others offer dual compartments for cooking two types of food at different temperatures simultaneously. Basket air fryers are generally the most affordable type and are a good choice if you want to try air frying without spending a lot of money or taking up too much counter space.

Mesh Tray/Rack Air Fryers

These air fryers cook food on a flat or shallow tray, similar to a countertop toaster oven. Some models have a single tray, while others offer multiple racks for cooking larger quantities of food. They often come with attachments for rotisserie cooking, dehydrating, and grilling, making them a versatile option. Tray models usually have clear glass doors, so you can monitor your food as it cooks.

Toaster Ovens with Air-Frying Modes

Toaster ovens with air-frying modes are a good choice if you want a single appliance that can toast, bake, broil, and air fry. They tend to be larger and more expensive than dedicated air fryers, but they can be a worthwhile investment if you need the extra oven space, especially for big family gatherings. However, due to their larger size, they may not cook as quickly or intensely as smaller solo air fryers.

Capacity

Air fryer capacity ranges from 2 quarts to over 5 quarts. When choosing an air fryer, consider how many people you typically cook for. A 2- or 3-quart air fryer is usually sufficient for one or two people, and you can add a quart of capacity for each additional person. Keep in mind that larger air fryers may not cook as efficiently as smaller ones, as the air has further to travel and may lose heat.

Price

Air fryers range in price from around $30 for basic models to several hundred dollars for high-end options. You don't need to spend a lot to get a good air fryer, as even the most basic model can cook a variety of foods. However, more expensive models may offer additional features such as dehydration, baking, and rotisserie modes, which can be useful if you plan to use your air fryer for a wide range of tasks.

Controls and Ease of Use

Air fryers come with either manual dials or digital controls. Digital models often have preset buttons for common foods, as well as indicators to let you know when the desired temperature has been reached. Manual models tend to be more affordable but may not have as many advanced features. Consider which type of control you prefer and how important preset options are to you.

Noise and Ease of Cleaning

Some air fryers can be quite loud during operation, so if you have an open-plan kitchen or prefer a quiet appliance, look for models that are known to be quieter. Additionally, consider how easy the air fryer is to clean, as some models may have hard-to-reach areas or components that are not dishwasher-safe.

Warranty

Air fryer warranties can range from as short as 60 days to up to three years. A longer warranty can give you peace of mind and indicate that the manufacturer has confidence in the quality of their product.

Ingredients and measurements

Soda bread is a quick and easy treat to make, and it's even better when you can make it in an air fryer! Here's a list of ingredients and measurements you'll need to make soda bread in an air fryer:

• Flour: You can use a combination of white and wholemeal/whole wheat flour. A good ratio is 100g of plain white flour and 200g of wholemeal flour. You can also use all-purpose flour, measuring about 410g or 4 1/2 cups.
• Baking Soda/Bicarbonate of Soda: This is what gives soda bread its unique texture. You'll need about 1 teaspoon or 1.5 teaspoons if using only wholemeal flour.
• Salt: Add 1 teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavour.
• Sweetener: You can add a sweet touch to your soda bread with sugar, brown sugar, honey, or molasses. The amount varies depending on your taste, but typically around 1-2 tablespoons of sugar or molasses is enough.
• Butter: Use high-quality butter like Irish butter or slightly softened butter, measuring about 6 tablespoons.
• Dried Fruit: For an interesting depth of flavour, add dried cranberries and golden raisins. You'll need about 1/2 cup of each.
• Buttermilk: This is a key ingredient that reacts with the baking soda to help the bread rise. You'll need about 250ml or 1 3/4 cups. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk.

Once you've gathered your ingredients, simply mix the dry ingredients, add the wet ingredients, form your dough, and bake in your air fryer! Enjoy your freshly baked soda bread!

Mixing the dough

To make the dough for soda bread, you will need to mix together your dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. This typically includes flour, salt, and bicarbonate of soda or baking soda. You can also add sugar to your dry ingredients for a little sweetness.

Once you have mixed your dry ingredients, create a well in the middle of the dry mixture and slowly pour in the buttermilk. You can also add an egg at this stage. Using your hands or a spatula, mix everything together until a soft dough forms. The dough should be a little sticky to the touch, but if it is too dry, you can add a little more buttermilk.

You can also add butter to your dough, working it into the flour mixture with your hands or a pastry blender until it is coarse. You can then fold in any additional ingredients, such as raisins or dried cranberries, before giving the dough a light knead and forming it into a ball.

Shaping the dough

Start by mixing and kneading the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients, including flour, baking soda, sugar (if using), and salt. Mix them until they are well incorporated. Then, pour the buttermilk into the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms. You can use a bread knife, spatula, or your hands for this step.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface: This will prevent the dough from sticking excessively to your work area.

Gently knead the dough: Soda bread dough should be handled gently and not overworked, so lightly knead it until it comes together. You may need to add a little more buttermilk if the dough feels too dry, but be careful not to add too much, as this can affect the texture of the bread.

Shape the dough into a ball: Bring the dough together and shape it into a round loaf. Avoid making the ball too perfectly round; instead, flatten it slightly like a dome. This is important to give the bread enough room to rise in the air fryer. If it rises too much, it may touch the heating element and burn.

Transfer the dough to the air fryer basket: Place a piece of parchment paper or baking paper in the air fryer basket, and then gently place the shaped dough on top.

Flatten the dough: Gently press down on the dough to flatten it slightly. This step ensures even cooking and helps prevent the bread from rising too much and touching the heating element.

Score the top of the dough: Use a sharp knife or a serrated knife to make a deep cross or two lines across the top of the dough, about 1 cm deep. This step is important for even cooking and helps the heat penetrate the centre of the bread. It also creates a traditional look for soda bread and makes it easier to divide the bread into pieces later.

Now your dough is shaped and ready for the air fryer! Place the basket into the preheated air fryer, and your soda bread will be ready to enjoy in no time!

Cooking the bread

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

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly flour a piece of baking paper and place it in the air fryer basket. This will make it easier to remove the bread once it's cooked. You can also grease the basket with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Take your dough and shape it into a round loaf. It's important not to make the ball too perfect or round; flatten it slightly to give the bread enough room to rise in the air fryer. If it rises too much, it might touch the heating element and burn.

Step 3: Score the Dough

Use a sharp knife to cut a deep cross or two lines about 1 cm deep on the top of the dough. This step is important as it helps the bread bake more evenly and allows the heat to penetrate the centre of the dough. It also makes it easier to divide the bread into quarters later.

Step 4: Place the Dough in the Air Fryer

Carefully place the shaped dough into the prepared air fryer basket. Make sure there is enough space for the bread to rise without touching the heating element.

Step 5: Set the Air Fryer Temperature and Time

Preheat your air fryer to the correct temperature. Most recipes recommend a temperature between 175°C and 185°C (345°F to 365°F). The cooking time will vary depending on the recipe, but it usually takes around 30-40 minutes for the bread to cook through.

Step 6: Flip the Bread Halfway Through

To ensure even cooking, it's a good idea to flip the bread halfway through the cooking process. This will prevent the outside from browning too quickly while the inside remains uncooked.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

After the allotted cooking time, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the centre of the bread to check if it's done. If the toothpick comes out clean, your bread is ready! You can also tap the bottom of the loaf; if it sounds hollow, it's cooked through. If it's not quite ready, return it to the air fryer for a few more minutes.

Step 8: Remove from the Air Fryer and Cool

Once your bread is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy your freshly baked soda bread!

Frequently asked questions