Sourdough Recipe for Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re a bread enthusiast or someone looking for a simple way to bake sourdough without a traditional oven, this Sourdough Recipe for Air Fryer is a game-changer. Air fryers have become increasingly popular for their versatility, speed, and efficiency, and they can produce a beautifully crusty and soft sourdough bread. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from ingredients and equipment to the nutritional profile, so you can enjoy homemade sourdough bread with minimal fuss.
Introduction
Sourdough bread is a timeless favorite, prized for its tangy flavor, chewy texture, and natural leavening process. While traditionally baked in a conventional oven, sourdough bread can also be made in an air fryer, offering a quicker and more energy-efficient method. The air fryer’s compact size creates an ideal baking environment, resulting in a crispy crust and tender crumb.
This recipe is perfect for anyone with a sourdough starter and an air fryer, whether you’re new to baking or an experienced sourdough enthusiast.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: International
- Course: Bread
- Servings: 4-6 slices
- Calories: ~180 per slice
Nutrition Information (Per Slice)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 240 mg |
Prep and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Active Time: 30 minutes
- Resting Time: 6-8 hours (for fermentation and proofing)
- Total Time: 7-9 hours
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer (with a basket or oven-style compartment)
- Mixing bowl
- Kitchen scale
- Parchment paper
- Dough scraper or spatula
- Proofing basket or bowl (optional)
- Spray bottle (for water)
Ingredients
- 250 g (2 cups) bread flour
- 50 g (1/4 cup) whole wheat flour
- 200 g (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp) water
- 100 g (1/2 cup) active sourdough starter
- 5 g (1 tsp) salt
Instructions
Step 1: Feed Your Sourdough Starter (Optional)
If your sourdough starter hasn’t been fed recently, feed it about 6-8 hours before baking to ensure it’s active and bubbly.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, whole wheat flour, and water. Stir until no dry spots remain. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes (this step is called autolyse).
- After resting, add the active sourdough starter and salt. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Knead the dough gently or use the stretch-and-fold method for about 5 minutes. This helps develop the gluten structure.
Step 3: Bulk Fermentation
- Cover the dough and let it ferment at room temperature for 4-6 hours, depending on the ambient temperature.
- During fermentation, perform stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Once the dough has doubled in size, transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
- Shape the dough into a round boule or an oval loaf.
- Place it seam-side down into a proofing basket or a parchment-lined bowl.
Step 5: Proof the Dough
- Cover the shaped dough and allow it to proof for 1-2 hours at room temperature. Alternatively, refrigerate it overnight for a slow, cold proof.
Step 6: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Place a small bowl of water in the air fryer to create steam, which helps achieve a crispy crust.
Step 7: Prepare the Dough for Baking
- Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper to easily lift it into the air fryer basket.
- Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife or razor blade to allow for proper expansion during baking.
Step 8: Bake the Sourdough
- Transfer the dough (on the parchment paper) into the preheated air fryer basket.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for the first 15 minutes.
- Lower the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Remove the bread from the air fryer and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.
- Enjoy your air fryer sourdough with butter, jam, or as a sandwich base!
Tips for Success
- Use a well-fed, bubbly sourdough starter for the best results.
- Adjust water quantity slightly based on the humidity and flour type to achieve the desired dough consistency.
- If your air fryer has a small basket, consider dividing the dough into smaller loaves or buns.
- For added flavor, mix in seeds, herbs, or dried fruits during Step 2.
Why Bake Sourdough in an Air Fryer?
- Convenience: No need to preheat a large oven; the air fryer heats up quickly.
- Energy Efficiency: Uses less electricity compared to a conventional oven.
- Perfect Crust: The compact size creates a steamy environment, mimicking a traditional bread oven.
- Versatility: Great for small batches of bread.
This Sourdough Recipe for Air Fryer brings the joy of homemade bread within everyone’s reach, even without a traditional oven. With a little patience for the fermentation process, you’ll enjoy a crusty, tangy sourdough loaf that’s perfect for any meal. Give it a try and elevate your baking game!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.