Ciabatta runs near 80 percent hydration, so wet you cannot knead it by hand; a pre-ferment and a series of folds build the gluten instead. Handle the risen dough gently and never punch it down, because those big, irregular holes are just trapped gas you do not want to knock out.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep25 min
Cook30 min
Makes2 loaves
CuisineItalian
Cost$
Vegan
Contains gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for2loaves
Active dry yeast
A small amount plus an overnight pre-ferment for flavor and lift.
Cool water at about 80 percent of the flour weight, plus fine salt.
1 3/4 cups water
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer●●●●●Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerSheet pan
The Method
Make a poolishThe night before, mix a quarter of the flour with equal water and a pinch of yeast into a loose batter. Let it ferment 12 hours until bubbly and domed.
Mix wetCombine the poolish with the rest of the flour, water, yeast, oil, and salt into a shaggy, very wet dough. It will look like paste; that is right.
Fold, do not kneadDo four sets of stretch-and-folds in the bowl over 2 hours, resting 30 minutes between. The dough should turn smooth, airy, and jiggly.
Cut and bakeTurn out onto heavy semolina, cut into two rectangles, and bake at 475F with steam for 25 to 30 minutes until deep gold and hollow. Do not deflate them when you transfer.
Yes — bake it in a small pan or dish that fits the basket, at about 25°F below the recipe temperature. Air fryers run hot and fast, so check it early; no flipping needed.
Can you freeze Ciabatta? — Yes
Yes — freeze it well-wrapped, then reheat or toast straight from frozen. Frost or glaze after thawing.
Can you make Ciabatta ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.
Is Ciabatta gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Ciabatta vegan? — Yes
Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.
Community Notes
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