Introduction
Sourdough bread has long been a favourite for its tangy flavour, satisfying crust, and chewy interior. With the advent of air fryers, making sourdough bread at home has become even more accessible. This article will guide you through a recipe that adapts sourdough bread-making for the air fryer, maintaining its classic taste and texture while cutting down cooking time.
What You Need
- Active sourdough starter
- Strong bread flour
- Salt
- Water
- A reliable air fryer
- A proofing basket or bowl
- Parchment paper
- An oven thermometer
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preparing the Starter
Your sourdough starter should be active and bubbly before you begin. Feed it roughly 4-8 hours before baking so it reaches its peak activity.
2. Mixing the Dough
In a large bowl, combine 200g of starter with 500g of strong bread flour, 350g of water, and 10g of salt. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and no dry flour remains. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes to an hour to autolyse, which will improve gluten formation.
3. Stretch and Fold
The stretch and fold method strengthens the dough. Perform this step every 30 minutes over a 2-hour period.
4. First Rise
Let the dough rise at room temperature for 4-5 hours or until it has doubled in size. This could take longer if your kitchen is particularly cool.
5. Shaping the Dough
Gently turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round by folding the edges into the centre. Flip it over, seam side down, and let it rest for a few minutes.
6. Final Proof
Place the dough in a proofing basket or bowl lined with a floured cloth. Let it rise for 2-4 hours, depending on room temperature, or until it has noticeably risen but is not overproofed.
7. Preheating the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 200°C and allow it to preheat for about 10 minutes. It is important to use an oven thermometer to check the accuracy of your air fryer's temperature.
8. Baking
Carefully line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Transfer the dough onto the parchment, then make a few slashes on the top with a sharp knife. Place the dough in the air fryer.
Air fry at 200°C for about 25-30 minutes. Check the bread halfway through and rotate if necessary for even browning.
9. Cooling
Once baked, remove the loaf from the air fryer and let it cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing. This cooling period is crucial for developing the perfect crust and crumb.
Conclusion
Making sourdough bread in an air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy freshly baked bread at home with less cook time and without the need for a conventional oven. This recipe captures the essence of traditional sourdough, ensuring each bite is both fluffy and flavourful. Try it yourself and experience the wonderful aroma and taste of homemade sourdough bread fresh from your air fryer!