Panettone, a beloved Italian treat, has charmed palates worldwide, especially when its season arrives. Traditionally baked in the oven, this light and airy sweet bread is now finding a fresh home in modern kitchens: the air fryer.
Here is a guide to making panettone in an air fryer and a closer look at the festive world of Christmas desserts and how its popularity keeps growing.
What is panettone?
Panettone is a sweet bread that originated in Milan, Italy, and it has become a festive symbol in many countries. Known for its delicate, fluffy crumb, it is crafted from a fermented dough that includes flour, eggs, sugar, and butter, enriched with candied fruits and raisins. The process requires patience, with several hours of fermentation to achieve its signature texture.
In recent years, panettone has gained international appeal thanks to its distinctive flavor and versatility. It has become a popular Christmas gift and is celebrated for both taste and cultural significance. Global exchange and evolving culinary traditions have spurred chefs around the world to create new versions that suit different tastes and customs.
Panettone in the air fryer makes a stylish bridge between tradition and convenience. This approach preserves the dessert’s celebratory spirit while saving time, allowing more people to enjoy a spongey, fragrant loaf without the long bake required by a traditional oven.
Panettone in the air fryer is a modern, practical way to savor this Christmas favorite while maintaining its character. It offers a streamlined method that still delivers the soft crumb and fruity richness that define the classic bake.
Panettone in the air fryer
- 500 grams hard flour
- 120 grams sugar
- 200 ml warm milk (also lactose-free)
- 2 eggs
- 100 grams melted butter (or lactose-free substitute)
- 10 grams dry yeast
- Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
- 100 grams candied fruit
- 100 grams raisins
- A pinch of salt
- Activate yeast: Dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it foams.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and citrus zest. Mix well.
- Knead and add butter: Knead until a smooth dough forms. Add melted butter gradually while continuing to knead.
- Include fruits: Fold in candied fruits and raisins so they are evenly distributed.
- First fermentation: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Prepare for the air fryer: After rising, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a mold suitable for the air fryer.
- Preheat and bake: Preheat the air fryer to 160°C. Set the pan in the air fryer and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the loaf is golden and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove the panettone from the mold and let it cool before slicing and serving.
Starting panettone in the air fryer offers a creative, time-saving way to enjoy this Christmas treat. It keeps the spongey texture and rich flavor that define the classic loaf while cutting down on preparation time and heat usage.