Air Fryer Baking Bread: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are not just for frying. You can also bake bread in them. The process is simple and requires only a few basic ingredients. The result is a perfect loaf of bread with a light and fluffy interior and a golden crust. The bread can be used for avocado toast, garlic bread, or French toast.

Air fryer bread is easy to make and much faster than baking in the oven. The air fryer's small size also means it's much cheaper to run than a conventional oven.

There are a few things to keep in mind when baking bread in an air fryer. First, make sure you use a deep cake tin or bread pan that fits easily into your air fryer. You'll also need to adjust the temperature and cooking time depending on your air fryer model. Finally, the bottom of the bread may be a bit doughy, so you may need to flip it over during cooking or cook it directly in the air fryer basket.

Overall, air fryer bread is a quick and easy way to make delicious, fluffy bread with a golden crust.

Air fryer bread recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast (1 packet)
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg, whisked with a tablespoon of water for the egg wash
• Warm water (not hot)

Method:

• Add the yeast to a medium bowl of warm water and let it sit for about 3-5 minutes to bloom. You will know it is ready when it becomes bubbly.
• In a separate bowl, mix the flour, sugar, butter, and salt.
• Once the yeast has activated, add it to the dry ingredients and gently fold the mixture until well combined and slightly flaky.
• Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth. Shape it into a ball.
• Place the dough ball into a springform pan lined with parchment paper or sprayed with nonstick cooking spray/olive oil.
• Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
• Remove the covering and lightly brush the top of the dough with the egg wash.
• Place the pan in the air fryer basket and air fry at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
• Remove the bread from the pan and transfer it to a cooling rack.
• Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container to preserve freshness.

Tips:

• Using instant yeast will help the dough rise faster, but active yeast can also be used.
• If using active yeast, the dough will need an additional 15-30 minutes to rise.
• To check if the bread is cooked on the inside, tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it is done.
• The bread can be frozen for up to 6-8 months.

Air fryer bread ingredients

Air fryer bread is a simple recipe that requires just a few basic ingredients. Here is a list of the essential components you will need to create a delicious loaf of air fryer bread:

Ingredients:

• Flour: The type of flour used can vary depending on your preference. All-purpose flour is a versatile option and works well for a light and fluffy texture. Alternatively, you can experiment with bread flour or even try using gluten-free flour. Keep in mind that different types of flour may require adjustments in the amount of liquid used.
• Yeast: This is the key ingredient that makes your bread rise and gives it a light and airy texture. You can choose between active dry yeast and instant yeast. Instant yeast will help the dough rise faster, while active dry yeast might require a longer rise time.
• Liquid: Warm water is typically used to activate the yeast and provide moisture to the dough. Ensure that the water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. You can also add milk to enhance the softness of the bread.
• Fat: Unsalted butter or olive oil adds flavour and moisture to the bread, contributing to a tender crumb. Butter also provides a golden crust.
• Sugar: A small amount of sugar is added to feed the yeast and accelerate the rising process. It also adds a subtle sweetness to the bread.
• Salt: Kosher salt or table salt enhances the flavour of the bread and regulates yeast activity, ensuring the dough rises at a controlled pace.

You can also add various mix-ins and flavourings to your dough, such as herbs, cheese, or seeds. However, be mindful of adding too much additional moisture to the dough.

Air fryer bread baking tips

Ingredients

To bake bread in an air fryer, you will need four basic ingredients: flour, yeast, salt, and water. You can also add sugar, butter, herbs, or garlic powder to enhance the flavor.

Yeast

It is important to use warm water (not hot) to activate the yeast. If the water is too hot, it will not activate the yeast. You can use instant yeast or active yeast. Instant yeast will help the dough rise a little faster.

Dough

When mixing the ingredients, the dough should become shaggy and sticky. You can choose to knead the dough or let it rest and do a couple of "stretch and folds" to help it rise. To shape the dough, gently stretch it into a rectangular shape, then fold it towards the middle like an envelope. Turn it sideways and fold it into a roll. Shape the dough into a ball ("boule"), dusting with flour as needed.

Baking

Place the shaped dough in a greased pan that fits in your air fryer. You can use a springform pan, cake pan, or baking dish. If using a springform or cake pan, line it with parchment paper to make removal easier. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and place it in a warm area to let the dough rise.

Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F for 5-20 minutes. When the dough has doubled in size, remove the covering and lightly brush the top of the dough with an egg wash or melted butter to help it turn golden brown.

Place the pan in the air fryer basket and bake for 15-20 minutes at 380-400°F, then lower the temperature to 350°F and bake for another 25-30 minutes. If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, cover the pan with aluminum foil.

Remove the pan from the air fryer and take the bread out. Place the loaf back in the air fryer for 5-10 minutes to allow the bottom to bake evenly. The bread is ready when it sounds hollow when tapped or when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 190-200°F.

Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Storage

The best way to store bread is to slice it and freeze it. You can then toast slices straight from the freezer as needed. The bread can also be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in a linen towel for up to three days.

Air fryer bread storage

Air fryer bread should be allowed to cool completely before storing. This is to prevent excess moisture from being trapped inside, which could lead to sogginess or mould. The bread can be stored in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for two to four days. For longer storage, it can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to three months. When ready to use, the bread should be allowed to thaw at room temperature while still wrapped to retain moisture.

Air fryer bread troubleshooting

Dough is too sticky

If your dough is too sticky, you may have added too much water or not enough flour. To fix this, add a little more flour to your mixture until you reach the desired consistency.

Bread is too dense

Dense bread can be caused by a number of factors, including too much flour, humidity, and the age of the flour. Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately and use fresh flour.

Bread is doughy in the middle

If your bread is doughy in the middle, it likely needs to bake for a few minutes longer. Cover the top of the loaf with foil to prevent it from burning, and continue baking until the centre is cooked through. You may also need to flip the loaf over to ensure even cooking.

Bread is burning

If your bread is burning, try reducing the temperature by 10 degrees or using a larger cake tin so that the heat is distributed more evenly. You can also try wrapping the loaf in foil to protect it from direct heat.

Bread is dry

To prevent your bread from drying out, be sure to store it properly. Tightly wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh on the counter for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions