Air Fryer Turkish Bread

Air Fryer Turkish Bread: The Ultimate Guide to Making Soft & Crispy Pide at Home

If you’re looking for an easy and delicious bread recipe, Air Fryer Turkish Bread (also known as Turkish Pide) is your new go-to! This fluffy, golden bread is a beloved staple in Turkish cuisine—traditionally baked in large stone ovens, but now just as achievable in your own air fryer.

With minimal ingredients and a hands-off rise, this recipe delivers an authentic taste and texture with a modern twist. Best of all? It’s ready in under an hour from scratch. Whether you’re pairing it with hummus, soups, or grilled meats, this bread adds a warm, pillowy touch to every meal.

🍞 What is Turkish Bread (Pide)?

Turkish bread, or Ramazan Pidesi, is a round, flat, and slightly puffy bread traditionally served during Ramadan. It’s soft inside with a chewy crust, featuring the iconic diamond pattern on top. Typically, it’s made with a simple yeast dough enriched with olive oil and yogurt, which helps achieve its signature softness.

By air frying it, you get the perfect crispy crust while maintaining the tender interior—all without heating up your oven.

⚙️ Why Use an Air Fryer?

Using an air fryer for Turkish bread has multiple advantages:

Faster cooking time (bakes in just 10–12 minutes)
Even heat circulation, ensuring a golden crust
Energy-efficient, especially compared to a full-sized oven
Compact and easy cleanup

🧂 Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour: The base of the dough; bread flour also works if you want extra chew.
Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly and easily.
Warm water & yogurt: Creates a tender texture and slight tanginess.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the crust.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness.
Salt: For flavor balance.
Egg yolk + milk wash: This gives that signature golden sheen.

Optional: Sprinkle with sesame seeds or nigella seeds for authentic texture and flavor.

📝 Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Turkish Bread

Don’t skip the second rise: It helps the dough puff up beautifully and develop flavor.
Wet your fingers to press the diamond pattern—it keeps the dough from sticking.
Preheat the air fryer for even cooking and a better crust.
Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to avoid sticking to the basket.
Watch closely after the 8-minute mark; air fryers vary in strength.

🧺 How to Serve It

As a side dish to curries, stews, or soups
Topped with labneh, za’atar, or butter
Stuffed with cheese, herbs, or meats as a wrap
Toasted the next day with a drizzle of olive oil

🌿 Variations You Can Try

Whole wheat flour for a healthier version
Add garlic, herbs, or feta cheese into the dough
Shape into mini rounds for sliders or appetizers

📦 Storage Tips

Room temp: Store in an airtight bag for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in air fryer or oven.
Reheat: Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 3–5 minutes until warm and crisp.

📌 Recipe Card: Air Fryer Turkish Bread (Pide)

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp instant yeast
½ tsp sugar
½ tsp salt
¾ cup warm water
2 tbsp plain yogurt
1 tbsp olive oil

For topping:

1 egg yolk
1 tbsp milk
Sesame or nigella seeds (optional)

Instructions:

Mix the dough: In a bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir in water, yogurt, and olive oil. Knead until smooth and elastic (8–10 minutes by hand or 5 with a mixer).
Let it rise: Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30–40 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Shape: Flatten the dough into a round or oval shape about 1 inch thick. Use wet fingers to press a criss-cross or diamond pattern into the top.
Second rise: Let rest for another 10 minutes while the air fryer preheats at 350°F (175°C).
Egg wash: Mix egg yolk and milk, then brush over the top of the dough. Sprinkle with seeds if using.
Air fry: Place in air fryer basket on parchment paper. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Cool slightly and serve warm with your favorite dips or dishes.