Air Fryer Focaccia Bread

Ingredients

For the Focaccia Dough:

• 500 g all-purpose flour (King Arthur is my favorite for this recipe)
• 400 g water at room temperature
• 3 g instant yeast
• 9 g sea salt

For the Toppings and Other Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 6 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more if needed
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup chopped herbs (basil, dill, sage, and parsley)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a large bowl, add the water, flour, yeast, and salt on opposite sides, ensuring they do not come into contact before mixing.
   • Mix by hand, squeezing the dough between your fingers until a sticky, homogeneous mass forms.
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 20 minutes.

2. First Set of Stretches and Folds:

   • After 20 minutes, perform a set of stretches and folds: stretch the dough, fold it over itself, and rotate it slightly.
   • Repeat the stretching and folding process after 20 minutes and then again 20 minutes later.
   • Shape the dough into a ball and rub it with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for another 20 minutes.

3. Shape and Chill:

   • Divide the dough into three equal pieces.
   • Transfer each piece to a 7.5" x 5" foil pan greased with 2 tablespoons of butter (see Notes).
   • Stretch each piece of dough to fill the entire bottom of the pan.
   • Cover the pans with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or up to 24 hours.

4. Proof and Prepare for Baking:

   • Remove the dough from the fridge two hours before baking to let it proof at room temperature, covered.
   • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), if necessary.

5. Add Toppings:

   • Drizzle olive oil generously over the top of the dough.
   • Using your fingers, make deep dimples all over the surface of the dough.
   • Spread the sliced or minced garlic, black pepper, and chopped herbs over the dough.
   • Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil.

6. Bake:

   • Place the pans in the air fryer and bake at 400°F for about 12 minutes. Since air fryers vary in performance, start checking early. The focaccia may be done sooner or might need a few extra minutes.

7. Serve:

   • Carefully transfer the focaccia to a large cutting board.
   • Slice and serve while hot for the best taste.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade focaccia bread!

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Notes:

• Foil Pans: Greasing the foil pans with butter ensures that the focaccia releases easily after baking.
• Air Fryer Variations: Since air fryers can have different baking times, keep an eye on the focaccia to avoid overcooking.

This recipe should help you make delicious focaccia bread with a crispy crust and flavorful toppings. Enjoy baking!