This easy Air Fryer Focaccia makes a small batch focaccia loaf, and bakes quickly! Make sure to read the notes below for baking dips and serving ideas.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Stir gently and let it rest for 5 minutes. The mixture should become frothy. If it doesn't, see the recipe tips below.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and 1 teaspoon salt.
With a wooden spoon or hard rubber spatula, mix the wet ingredients into the flour gradually. Continue to stir the mixture until a sticky dough forms.
Remove the dough onto a large cutting board or clean surface dusted with flour or sprayed with cooking spray, so the dough does not stick. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to a bowl, swirl it around or use a brush to coat the sides, and add the dough back.
Cover the dough (with a flour-dusted kitchen towel, or with oil-sprayed plastic wrap)and let proof for 4 hours in a warm spot, or until the dough doubles in size (see recipe tips below).
Grease the pan well with 1 tablespoon of unmelted butter (or use olive oil).
Pour/transfer the dough into the pie pan and let the dough settle. You might need stretch it gently to fill in the whole pan. Test the dough to see if it is ready by poking it once. If the dough springs back fast, the dough needs more time to rest. If the dimple remains, the dough is ready. Using your fingers, poke the dough deeply all over creating dimples.
Preheat the air fryer to 340F.
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a small bowl, and combine with salt and Italian seasoning. Brush half of the seasoned butter onto the dimpled dough.
Add the pan to the air fryer basket or tray and air fry at 340°F for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, add minced garlic to the butter mixture and mix well. Note: if you don't have enough melted butter left, you can add a splash of olive oil just to create a more saucy consistency. Carefully remove the pie dish from the air fryer and brush another layer of butter on the bread.
Air fry for 5 more minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown on top. Every air fryer cooks differently, so keep an eye on the focaccia during the last 5 minutes of air frying.
Let it cool completely before removing it from the pan. Once cool, remove the loaf, cut into strips or cubes, and enjoy!
Notes
→ Make sure the water you use to activate the yeast is around 105-110F, not any warmer than 115F. Use a thermometer to make sure you have the right temperature.→ Dough will rise faster in a warm spot. I like to place it on top of the dishwasher when it's running, or put the bowl with the dough on top of another bowl, pot, or over a pan filled with a little hot water. → Make sure to check on the focaccia as it is air frying to make sure it is not burning on top before it cooks all the way through. If it looks like it's starting to burn, reduce the heat to 325F. Every air fryer is different, and the exact cooking time will depend on the size and shape of your pan, your air fryer size and shape, how close the focaccia is to the heating element, etc. → The nutrition facts are estimated assuming the focaccia is divided into 10 servings.→ Serving ideas: dip focaccia into soup, chili, or marinara sauce. Slice in half across and make focaccia sandwiches!→ Oven instructions: Preheat to 450F. Place the pan in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 425F. Bake for 22-25 minutes, up to 30 if needed, or until the top is golden brown.