Posted by Making flatbread in an air fryer is one of the easiest ways to prepare a delicious, quick bread. Whether you’re looking for a base for pizza, a side for soup, or a tasty bread for sandwiches, this recipe fits the bill. The best part is how quickly it comes together, with just a few ingredients like self-rising flour, plain yogurt, and olive oil. This soft and flavorful flatbread will become your new go-to for a variety of dishes.
Why Choose Air Fryer Flatbread?
Using an air fryer to make flatbread has its advantages. First, it reduces the need for oil, making it a healthier option than frying in a pan. Second, the air fryer ensures even cooking and gives the flatbread a beautiful golden brown color. The air fryer is a game-changer when you want fast, homemade flatbread without heating up your oven, especially during summer.
Ingredients Breakdown
Self-Rising Flour
Self-rising flour simplifies the process by already containing leavening agents, which eliminate the need for yeast. It’s a mix of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. If you don’t have self-rising flour on hand, it’s easy to make your own at home (more on that below). Self-rising flour gives the flatbread a soft and tender crumb, with a subtle lift from the baking powder.
Plain Yogurt
Yogurt adds moisture, a slight tangy flavor, and helps to tenderize the dough. Using plain yogurt is key to keeping the recipe savory, as sweetened yogurt would alter the flavor profile. Greek yogurt is a great option if you’re looking for more protein, but regular plain yogurt works perfectly as well.
Olive Oil
Olive oil not only enriches the dough but also contributes to the flatbread’s soft texture. A small amount of oil in the dough keeps the bread from being dry, while brushing oil on the surface before air frying ensures a crispy, golden finish. You can substitute it with avocado oil or any neutral oil based on your preference.
Optional Seasonings
Though the base flatbread recipe is simple and delicious on its own, you can elevate the flavor by adding salt or your favorite seasonings to the dough. A dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs like rosemary can add a unique twist to your flatbread.
How to Make Your Own Self-Rising Flour
Self-rising flour is not always a pantry staple, but the good news is you can easily make it yourself with ingredients you likely already have at home. To make 1 cup of self-rising flour, mix:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
This homemade version works just as well as store-bought self-rising flour, and you can adjust the salt and leavening to suit your needs.
Choosing the Best Air Fryer for Flatbread
When selecting an air fryer for this recipe, size matters. A larger basket allows the flatbread to cook evenly without overcrowding, which is key to achieving a perfectly golden finish. A small air fryer may force you to cook in multiple batches, which can add time to the process. If you’re cooking for a crowd or want to prepare larger items, a more spacious air fryer like the Ninja Foodi Grill is a great choice. It offers versatility as it can also bake, roast, and dehydrate. However, for limited counter space, compact air fryers will still work effectively.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Flatbread in an Air Fryer
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by adding the self-rising flour, plain yogurt, and olive oil to a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to work the ingredients together until a dough forms. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too wet, you can add a little more flour, and if it’s too dry, add a small amount of yogurt.
Step 2: Divide the Dough
Once your dough is ready, transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. The easiest way to do this is by rolling the dough into a log and cutting it into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, ensuring that they are even in size to promote even cooking.
Step 3: Roll Out the Flatbreads
Using a rolling pin, roll each dough ball out on a floured surface until it is about 4 inches in diameter. You want the dough to be thin enough to cook quickly but thick enough to hold its shape.
Step 4: Oil the Flatbreads
Brush a small amount of olive oil onto both sides of each rolled-out piece of dough. This helps to prevent sticking and promotes a crisp, golden-brown exterior when air fried.
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and allow it to preheat for 3 minutes. Preheating ensures that your flatbreads will cook evenly.
Step 6: Air Fry the Flatbread
Place the flatbreads in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry the flatbreads for 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. The flatbreads should be golden brown and slightly puffed when done.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Your flatbreads are now ready to serve! They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a minute or two to restore their crisp texture.
Creative Ways to Use Flatbread
1. Flatbread Pizza
One of the most popular uses for flatbread is as a pizza base. Simply add your favorite pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or fresh basil, and pop it back into the air fryer or oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Dippable Appetizers
Cut the flatbreads into strips or small pieces and serve them alongside dips like hummus, guacamole, or a spicy jalapeño dip for a perfect appetizer or snack.
3. Side Dish for Soup or Salad
This flatbread pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, and salads. The soft, chewy texture is ideal for soaking up broths and adding a bit of heartiness to your meal.
4. Sandwiches and Wraps
Use your flatbread to create delicious wraps or sandwiches. Try filling it with grilled vegetables, hummus, and fresh greens for a healthy and satisfying lunch. The soft texture makes it an excellent alternative to traditional sandwich bread.
Adding Flavor with Herbs and Spices
If you want to experiment with flavor, consider adding herbs or spices to the dough. A teaspoon of Italian seasoning or fresh rosemary kneaded into the dough can provide a delightful twist. You can also sprinkle herbs like oregano, basil, or garlic powder on top of the flatbread before cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
Flatbread vs. Pizza Dough: What’s the Difference?
While both flatbread and pizza dough share similarities, there are key differences that make each unique. Flatbread dough is typically made with self-rising flour, resulting in a softer, more pliable texture, perfect for rolling out thin. Pizza dough, on the other hand, often uses bread flour, which has a higher protein content, giving it a chewier texture that holds up well to heavy toppings.
Additionally, flatbread dough doesn’t require a long rising time, making it a quicker option when you’re short on time. Pizza dough usually needs at least an hour to rise, giving it a thicker, airier crust once baked.
Making Flatbread in the Oven
No air fryer? No problem! You can bake flatbreads in a traditional oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the flatbreads on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This method gives you a similar result—crispy, golden flatbreads with a soft interior.
Air Fryer Flatbread
Quick Air Fryer Flatbread Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Servings: 8 flatbreads
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
- 2 cups self-rising flour (see instructions to make your own)
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular, unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (plus 1 tablespoon for brushing, optional)
Instructions:
- Mix flour, yogurt, and olive oil in a large bowl until a dough forms.
- On a floured surface, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten with a rolling pin to about 4 inches wide.
- Lightly brush both sides of each flatbread with olive oil.
- Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place flatbreads in the air fryer basket, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve warm as a side or use for pizzas, sandwiches, or appetizers.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 flatbread (1/8th of recipe)
Servings: 8
- Calories: 151
- Total Fat: 4g (5% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 0mg (0% DV)
- Sodium: 1.9mg (0% DV)
- Total Carbohydrates: 24.8g (9% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 1.1g (4% DV)
- Sugars: 0.7g
- Protein: 3.7g
