Make Vetkoek In An Air Fryer: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Vetkoek is a traditional South African fried bread snack, also known as a fat cake. It is usually deep-fried, but can also be made in an air fryer. This method is healthier, quicker, and less messy than deep-frying, and still produces the same delicious, crispy results. The process is simple: roll out the dough, cut into shapes, and place in the air fryer for around 10 minutes. Vetkoek can be served sweet or savoury, with toppings or fillings such as cheese, apricot jam, or minced curry.

Vetkoek dough preparation

Vetkoek is a traditional South African fried bread, sometimes called a fat cake. It is usually deep-fried, but can also be made in an air fryer for a healthier alternative. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing the vetkoek dough:

Step 1: Mixing the Dough

In a large bowl, mix lukewarm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let this mixture stand for about 5 minutes, until the yeast softens and starts to bubble slightly. In a separate large bowl, sift and combine flour and salt.

Step 2: Kneading the Dough

Pour the yeast mixture over the flour mixture and start kneading. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes. You may need to add small amounts of flour or water to achieve the desired bread dough consistency.

Step 3: First Rise

Cover the bowl containing the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise. The dough should double in volume, which will take about 45 minutes to an hour.

Step 4: Shaping the Dough

Pinch off a piece of dough about the size of a tennis ball. Roll it until smooth, then flatten it with your hands to a palm-sized circle. Repeat this process until you have used up all the dough, placing the flattened pieces on a floured work surface.

Step 5: Rolling and Cutting the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and flatten it to knock out any air bubbles. You may need to add a small amount of flour to the dough and your work surface to prevent sticking. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1 inch (or 2 cm if you prefer thicker vetkoek). Cut the dough into your desired shape, or use a cookie cutter of about 3 inches or larger.

At this point, your vetkoek dough is ready to be fried! If you are using an air fryer, brush the basket with oil, place the dough inside, and brush the top of the dough with oil as well. Fry at a temperature of 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown.

Air fryer settings

To make vetkoek in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your appliance and prepare the basket to prevent the dough from sticking. Here is a step-by-step guide to the air fryer settings and procedures:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking vetkoek is around 350°F (175-180°C). Not all air fryers require preheating, so check your model's instructions.
• Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or melted butter. This step is crucial to prevent the dough from sticking to the basket and ensure easy removal once cooked.
• Place the Dough in the Air Fryer: Arrange the flattened dough pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the vetkoek in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Set the Cooking Time and Temperature: Set the air fryer to cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. After this initial cooking period, you will need to flip the dough and continue air frying for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and puffs up.
• Flip the Dough Halfway Through: For even browning and cooking, it is essential to flip the vetkoek halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that both sides of the dough cook evenly and achieve the desired crispy texture.
• Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Depending on the size and thickness of your vetkoek, as well as the specific model of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Start checking a few minutes earlier than suggested to prevent overcooking.
• Use Parchment Paper (Optional): To make cleanup easier and further prevent sticking, you can place a piece of parchment paper in the basket of your air fryer. Ensure that the parchment paper is perforated or has holes to allow proper airflow.
• Brush with Oil or Butter: For a more indulgent and flavourful finish, brush the cooked vetkoek with melted butter or oil while they are still warm. This step is optional but adds a rich taste and can help toppings adhere better.
• Add Toppings: Vetkoek is versatile and can be served with various sweet or savoury toppings. Experiment with different options like cinnamon sugar, garlic salt, cheese, or even fill them with curried minced meat, syrup, or tuna and mayo.

Remember to always refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines. Each model may have unique features and settings, so understanding your appliance is crucial for optimal results.

Oil usage

Oil is an important aspect of making vetkoek in an air fryer, and there are a few key moments when you will need to use it. Firstly, before placing the dough in the air fryer, brush the basket with oil to prevent sticking. You can use olive oil spray or melted butter for this step. Secondly, once the dough is in the basket, brush the top of the dough with oil to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. Finally, after air frying for 6 minutes, turn the dough and brush it again with a small amount of oil to complete the cooking process.

It is also important to note that the type of oil you use can vary depending on your preference. Vegetable oil, canola oil, and olive oil are all suitable options. Additionally, the amount of oil used will depend on the size of your air fryer and the specific recipe you are following. Be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully and adjust the amount of oil as needed.

Using an air fryer to make vetkoek offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying, as it significantly reduces the amount of oil needed. This method allows you to achieve the desired crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior without excess oil and mess. The hot air circulated by the air fryer cooks the dough evenly and efficiently, resulting in a delicious treat that can be enjoyed without the guilt of excessive oil consumption.

Frying time

If you are making smaller vetkoek, such as "vetkoekies", adjust the frying time accordingly, as they may cook faster. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture. You may need to cook the vetkoek in batches.

Additionally, the frying time may vary depending on the specific model of your air fryer, the thickness of the dough, and other factors. It is recommended to start checking the vetkoek a few minutes before the suggested cooking time to prevent overcooking.

Filling options

Vetkoek, also known as "fat cakes", can be filled with a variety of sweet or savoury fillings. Here are some ideas for fillings to try:

Savoury

• Minced meat curry
• Cheese and apricot jam
• Tuna and mayonnaise
• Boerewors, tomato, and onion sauce
• Bacon, egg, and salad
• Cheese, garlic, and herbs
• Pizza toppings (sauce, cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms)
• Chicken curry
• Bobotie mince

Sweet

• Jam or jelly
• Syrup
• Chocolate sauce or chocolate-hazelnut spread
• Honey
• Fruit compote or fruit sauce
• Cinnamon sugar
• Powdered sugar
• Lemon sugar (powdered sugar with lemon zest)
• Nutella and marshmallows
• Pumpkin spice (mixed with powdered sugar)
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate chips

Frequently asked questions