Air-Fried Bread: A Quick And Easy Cooking Method?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to conventional ovens, offering reduced cooking times, energy efficiency, and ease of use. Interestingly, you can also use an air fryer to bake bread, producing a crusty exterior and a soft, warm interior. This involves preparing a dough, allowing it to rise, and then shaping it before placing it in the air fryer. The air fryer is preheated, and the bread is cooked for a specified duration, resulting in a freshly baked loaf with a golden crust and a light, airy texture.

Air fryer bread recipes

Air fryer bread is easy to make, requiring no kneading, and tastes delicious! You can make a simple loaf of soft white bread in your air fryer, and making bread in the air fryer is much faster than baking in the oven.

Ingredients

As with all bread recipes, you need four basic ingredients: flour, yeast, salt, and water. You can also add sugar and a little melted butter to enhance the flavor.

Recipe

• Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
• Pour in the water and melted butter.
• Mix together with a spoon or a dough hook until there are no dry streaks of flour and you have a sticky dough.
• You do not have to knead this dough, but you can do a couple of "stretch and folds" after the dough has rested for 15 minutes.
• Place the dough in a greased 7-inch cake pan, cover, and leave to rise for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) 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 (200°C).
• Lower the heat to 350°F (180°C) and cook for 25 -30 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the air fryer and take the bread out.
• Place the bread back in the air fryer to cook for 5-10 minutes to allow the bottom to bake evenly.
• Check if the bread is done by tapping the underside – if it sounds hollow, it's done.

Tips

• The bottom of the bread may be a bit doughy, so flipping the bread over or cooking directly in the air fryer basket for a few minutes can help.
• You can also use an instant-read digital thermometer to check if the internal temperature at the core is about 200°F (over 95°C).
• The best way to store bread is to slice it and freeze it. You can then toast slices straight from frozen.
• The bread can also be placed in a bread bag or wrapped in a linen towel for up to three days.

Variations

This basic dough can be used for breadsticks, garlic bread, or air fryer rolls. You can add garlic, herbs, or shredded cheese to the dough for unique flavors. You can also try making Irish soda bread, Yorkshire pudding, ranch breadsticks, or garlic knots in your air fryer!

How to make dough rise quickly

Yes, you can cook bread in an air fryer! The crust emerges golden and crisp, and the interior is light and airy. Here is a simple method to make dough rise quickly.

Firstly, ensure that your yeast is fresh and active. Instant yeast is recommended if you want the bread to be ready quickly, but active dry yeast can also be used. The optimal fermentation temperature for regular yeast is around 32°C or 90°F, so it is important to use warm liquid ingredients such as water or milk to dissolve the yeast and knead the dough. The water should be warm but not boiling, as this will kill the yeast. Sugar or honey can be added to feed the yeast, although this is not necessary as there are already plenty of nutrients in the flour.

Next, prepare your dough by mixing all the ingredients in a large bowl. The dough will be sticky and shaggy. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rest in a warm place. A warm oven, dryer, or microwave can be used to create a suitable environment for the dough to rise. You can also place the covered bowl of dough on a heating pad set to low or on top of a radiator. The ideal temperature for the dough to rise is around 78-79°F, and it should double in size. This process should take about 2 to 3 hours.

Once the dough has risen, follow the remaining steps for your specific air fryer bread recipe. Place the dough in the air fryer basket, brush the top with an egg wash, and air fry at 320-380°F for 8 to 20 minutes, depending on the recipe. The bread is cooked when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

How to prevent dough from sinking

Yes, you can cook bread in an air fryer. The crust emerges golden and crisp, and the interior is light and airy. Here are some tips on how to prevent dough from sinking in an air fryer:

Firstly, it is important to prepare your dough according to your preferred recipe. However, as proofing in an air fryer can be quicker than traditional methods, you may want to reduce the amount of yeast used. This adjustment will prevent over-rising and potential collapse during baking. Choose a proofing container that fits comfortably inside your air fryer, ensuring it is deep enough to allow the dough to rise without touching the heating element. Grease the container lightly to prevent sticking.

To create an optimal proofing environment, add moisture to the air fryer by placing a small dish of warm water at the bottom. This will prevent the dough's surface from drying out and help it rise properly. Set the air fryer to the appropriate temperature for proofing, typically between 75°F and 85°F (24°C and 29°C).

Once the dough has proofed, carefully remove the container from the air fryer, being mindful of hot surfaces. Preheat your oven to the temperature specified by your recipe. Transfer the proofed dough to a baking sheet or loaf pan and place it in the oven.

Additionally, allowing your air fryer to preheat for a few minutes before adding the dough helps to evaporate excess moisture and create a non-stick surface. You can also season the basket with a thin layer of high-heat cooking oil, such as avocado or canola oil, using a paper towel or brush for even application. Parchment paper creates a barrier that prevents sticking, so cut it to size and line the basket before adding the dough.

Finally, during the cooking process, gently shake the basket every few minutes to redistribute heat and prevent adhesion. If the dough does stick, use a soft-bristled dish brush to gently scrub away any residue.

How to get a crispy texture

To get a crispy texture on the outside of your bread, place some ice cubes around the outside of the bread pan. The steam will help the outside form a nice, chewy, crispy crust.

First, make sure you allow your dough to rest for at least an hour to let it rise. Then, place the pan with the bread dough in the air fryer. Add a few pieces of ice to the outside of the round pan, but inside the air fryer basket. Place the air fryer basket back into the air fryer and bake at 400°F until golden brown for about 20 to 25 minutes.

Another way to get a crispy texture is to bake the bread at a high temperature with a piece of tented foil on top of the bread. This will create steam inside the pot and cook it perfectly. For the last 10 minutes, remove the foil to allow the bread to finish baking. During this time, the bread will turn a gorgeous golden brown colour, with a crispy crust.

Additionally, you can score the top of the dough with a sharp knife. This will not only make your bread look prettier, but it can also prevent it from cracking.

Remember to allow the bread to cool completely before storing it to prevent moisture in the bread, which can cause mould or sogginess.

How to store air fryer bread

Air fryer bread is easy to make and tastes delicious. It is also incredibly fast, filling your house with the wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread. The bread is light and fluffy on the inside, with a golden crust.

The best way to store air fryer bread is to slice it and freeze it. You can then toast slices from frozen as and when you need them. The bread can also be placed in a bread bag or wrapped in a linen or dry towel for up to three days.

If you have leftovers, seal or wrap them in a dry container. The bread will taste fresh for 3-4 days. If stored in the fridge, it will last a few days longer. You can also store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Air fryer bread can be frozen for 6-8 months.

Frequently asked questions