Air Fryer Bread Baking: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens when it comes to baking bread. They are easy to use, take up little space, and are much cheaper to run. You can bake a variety of bread in an air fryer, from simple white bread to banana bread, and even sourdough. The process is also simple and requires only a few basic ingredients such as flour, yeast, salt, and water. However, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as the size and wattage of your air fryer, which can affect the baking time and temperature. Additionally, the bottom of the bread may be doughy while the top looks perfectly baked, so it is recommended to flip the bread over or cook it directly in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Overall, baking bread in an air fryer is a convenient and cost-effective option that delivers delicious results.

Air fryer bread recipes

Air fryers can be used to bake bread. Here are some recipes to try out:

Air Fryer No-Knead Bread

This recipe requires just four ingredients and no kneading. It's perfect for sandwiches, toast, or anything you'd want to eat bread with.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 3/4 cup room-temperature water
• Salt

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, salt, and water with a spatula or wooden spoon until well incorporated. The dough will be sticky.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit on the counter or in an unheated oven for 2-3 hours until it doubles in size.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F with a 6-inch round pan inside.
• Flour your hands and gently shape the dough into a ball. Place it on a piece of parchment paper and cover with a kitchen towel until the pan is preheated.
• Remove the pan from the air fryer and place the dough, with the parchment paper, into the pan. Score the top of the dough with a knife (optional).
• Cover the pan with aluminium foil and place it back into the air fryer. Bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until golden brown. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped.

Air Fryer Bread

This recipe is easy to make and requires no kneading. It results in fluffy bread with a golden crust and soft crumb.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups white bread flour (or 385g of all-purpose flour)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons rapid-rise yeast (one packet)
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or ghee, plus extra for greasing
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt

Instructions:

• Mix the flour, sugar, salt, yeast, water, and melted butter in a bowl until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
• Cover with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for an hour.
• Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently stretch it into a rectangular shape. Fold the dough like an envelope and then turn it sideways and fold it into a roll.
• Shape the dough into a ball, dusting with flour as needed.
• Place the dough in a greased 7-inch cake pan and let it rise, loosely covered, for 30 minutes.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for five minutes.
• Score the top of the bread with a knife and brush the sides with melted butter.
• Place the pan in the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes at 400°F.
• Lower the temperature to 350°F and cook for 25 minutes.
• Remove the bread from the pan and place it back in the air fryer for 5-10 minutes to cook the bottom evenly.
• Cool the bread on a wire rack before slicing.

Air Fryer Bread

This recipe uses a springform pan and results in a light and fluffy loaf with a golden crust.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (one packet)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg, whisked with a tablespoon of water for an egg wash
• Warm water

Instructions:

• Add yeast and warm water to a medium bowl and let sit for 3-5 minutes until it bubbles.
• Add the flour, sugar, milk, butter, and salt to the yeast mixture and gently fold until well combined.
• Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth. Shape it into a ball.
• Place the dough in a springform pan lined with parchment paper or sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
• Cover the pan and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
• Brush the top of the loaf with the egg wash.
• Place the pan in the air fryer and cook at 320°F for 8-10 minutes until the bread is golden brown.
• Remove from the pan and let it cool on a rack.
• Store the bread in an airtight container.

Air fryer bread ingredients

Air fryer bread is easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients. Here is a list of the essential ingredients you will need to make delicious air fryer bread:

• Flour — Most recipes call for all-purpose flour, but you can also use whole wheat flour or bread flour. If using bread flour, you may need to adjust the amount of water in your recipe, as it has more protein.
• Yeast — You can use instant yeast or active dry yeast. Instant yeast will help your dough rise faster, while active dry yeast may require a longer rise time.
• Salt — This ingredient is crucial for adding flavour to your bread. You can adjust the amount to your taste preferences.
• Water — Make sure to use warm water, not hot, as it needs to be at the right temperature to activate the yeast.

Additionally, you may want to include sugar and butter in your recipe. Sugar can add a touch of sweetness and enhance the flavour, while butter can make your bread softer and more flavourful. You can also brush the top of your bread with an egg wash to help it turn golden brown.

Once you have your ingredients, follow the steps to make the dough, let it rise, shape it, and then bake it in your air fryer!

How to make air fryer bread

Making bread in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a simple guide on how to make air fryer bread:

Ingredients:

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

Method:

Step 1: Add the yeast to a medium bowl with warm water. Let it sit for about 3-5 minutes until it blooms and becomes bubbly.

Step 2: Once the yeast is activated, add in the flour, sugar, milk, butter, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold the ingredients together until well combined and slightly flaky.

Step 3: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth. Then, shape it into a ball.

Step 4: Place the dough ball into a springform pan lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 5: Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and place it in a warm spot until the dough doubles in size.

Step 6: When the dough has doubled, remove the covering and lightly brush the top with the egg wash.

Step 7: Place the pan in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 320-380 degrees Fahrenheit. Air fry for 8-10 minutes until the bread is golden brown.

Step 8: Remove the bread from the pan and transfer it to a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before storing in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Tips:

• Using instant yeast will speed up the dough-rising process.
• If using active dry yeast, the process will take about 15-30 minutes longer.
• Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast effectively.
• If not using a springform pan, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent the dough from sinking through the holes.
• The bread is cooked when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Enjoy your freshly baked air fryer bread!

How to tell when air fryer bread is baked

There are a few ways to tell if your air fryer bread is baked. Firstly, you can tap the bottom of the bread and if it sounds hollow, it is baked. Another way is to use an instant-read digital thermometer to check if the internal temperature at the core is about 200°F (over 95°C). You can also try turning the bread upside down and giving the bottom a firm knock with your thumb – if it sounds hollow, it's done.

Storing air fryer bread

Storing your air fryer bread is an important step to preserving its freshness and taste. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you store your freshly baked air fryer bread:

Cooling the Bread:

Before storing your air fryer bread, it is crucial to let it cool completely. Place the bread on a cooling rack or a wire rack to allow proper air circulation. This step is essential to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mould or sogginess.

Storage Containers:

Once the bread is cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. You can use a bread bin, a ceramic bread box, or an airtight plastic container. These containers help maintain freshness by regulating moisture levels and protecting the bread from external contaminants.

Room Temperature Storage:

You can store your air fryer bread at room temperature for up to three days. To ensure optimal freshness, keep the bread in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can accelerate staleness.

Refrigerator Storage:

If you want to extend the shelf life of your air fryer bread, consider storing it in the refrigerator. It can last for up to five days when properly refrigerated. However, the refrigerator tends to dry out the bread faster, so make sure to use an airtight container to slow this process.

Freezer Storage:

For long-term storage, freezing is an excellent option. Slice the bread before freezing to make it convenient for future use. Wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in freezer bags. Label the packages with the date, and they can be stored for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy the bread, simply take out the desired number of slices and thaw them at room temperature or toast them directly from frozen.

Maintaining Freshness:

To maintain the freshness of your air fryer bread, it is recommended to consume it within the first few days of baking. Freshly baked bread has the best texture and flavour. If you plan to store the bread for an extended period, freezing is the best option to preserve its quality.

Frequently asked questions