Air Fryer Bread Baking: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can bake bread in an air fryer! It's a quick, convenient, and energy-efficient method that delivers a delicious loaf with a soft interior and a golden crust. The process is simple and perfect for busy home cooks who want to enjoy the warmth and comfort of homemade bread without the lengthy process of traditional oven baking.

Air fryer bread typically requires just four basic ingredients: flour, yeast, salt, and water. The dough is then shaped into a loaf and placed in the air fryer basket to bake. The air fryer's rapid air technology circulates hot air around the dough, creating a perfectly golden-brown crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.

One of the benefits of baking bread in an air fryer is that it reduces baking time. You can enjoy freshly baked bread in just about 20-30 minutes, depending on the loaf size and specific air fryer model. It's also more energy-efficient than using a full-sized oven, and it keeps your kitchen cooler, making it ideal for baking even during warmer months.

So, if you're tired of store-bought bread and want to experience the joy of homemade bread without the hassle, give air fryer bread a try! It's a rewarding experience that will bring the delightful aroma and taste of freshly baked bread to your table.

How to make bread in an air fryer oven

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make bread in an air fryer:

• Flour (all-purpose or bread flour)
• Yeast (active dry, instant, or rapid rise)
• Salt
• Water (lukewarm or room temperature)
• Sugar
• Butter or oil
• Milk (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Herbs
• Cheese
• Nuts
• Seeds

Equipment

In addition to an air fryer, you will need:

• A mixing bowl
• A stand mixer with a dough hook attachment (optional)
• A deep cake tin or springform pan that fits in your air fryer
• Parchment paper
• A wire rack for cooling

Method:

• Combine the dry ingredients: Measure the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast into a mixing bowl and stir to combine.
• Mix in the wet ingredients: Pour in the water, melted butter or oil, and milk (if using). Mix until a sticky dough forms.
• Knead the dough (optional): You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. This step is not necessary for all recipes, but it can help develop the gluten and create a smoother, more elastic dough.
• First rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.
• Shape the dough: Gently stretch the dough into a rectangular shape. Fold the top towards the middle, then fold the bottom over, as if you were folding a letter. Turn the dough sideways and fold it into a roll. Shape it into a ball, dusting with flour as needed.
• Second rise: Place the shaped dough in a greased cake pan or springform pan, loosely cover, and let it rise for about 30 minutes.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180-200°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Bake the bread: Place the pan in the air fryer and cook for 15-20 minutes at the higher temperature. Lower the heat to 350°F (180°C) and continue cooking for 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
• Remove the bread from the pan: Take the pan out of the air fryer using pot holders and remove the bread from the pan. Place the loaf back in the air fryer for an additional 5-10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• Cool the bread: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips:

• Check doneness: To check if your bread is fully baked, tap on the bottom. If it sounds hollow, it's done. Alternatively, use an instant-read thermometer to check if the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F (88-93°C).
• Adjust for your air fryer: Air fryer wattage and size can vary, so you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly.
• Prevent overbrowning: If the top of your bread is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil to shield it from direct heat while allowing it to continue cooking.
• Store leftovers: Store leftover bread in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Ingredients for air fryer bread

Making bread in an air fryer is easy and can save you money on your energy bills. The ingredients you will need are:

• Flour (bread flour or all-purpose flour)
• Yeast (rapid rise or instant yeast)
• Salt
• Warm water (not hot, as this won't activate the yeast)
• Sugar (optional, but helps with flavour and browning)
• Butter (unsalted or clarified butter/ghee)
• Egg (for an egg wash to help the bread turn golden brown)

You can also add extra ingredients to change up the flavours, such as garlic, herbs, or shredded cheese.

If you are making whole grain bread, you can substitute the flour for whole wheat flour. You can also use gluten-free flour, but you may need to add more than the recipe calls for to get the right consistency.

Air fryer bread recipe

Ingredients

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

Method

• Measure the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast into a mixing bowl.
• Stir to combine the dry ingredients.
• 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 shaggy, sticky dough.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit on your counter or inside your unheated oven for 2 to 3 hours. During this time, the dough should double in size.
• Preheat a 6-8 inch round pan in your air fryer to 400°F for 20 minutes.
• Flour your hands and sprinkle a bit of flour over the dough.
• Gently remove the dough from the bowl and shape it into a ball.
• Place the ball of dough onto a piece of parchment paper and transfer it to a bowl.
• Cover with a dry, clean kitchen towel until the pan has been preheated.
• Remove the pan from the air fryer basket and drop the dough, with the parchment paper, into the pan.
• Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife (optional).
• Cover the pan with aluminum foil, seal the edges, and place the pan back into the air fryer basket.
• Bake the bread for 20 minutes.
• Open the basket and remove the foil.
• Bake for another 10 minutes or until golden brown.
• Turn the bread upside down and bake for another 5 minutes to brown the bottom (optional).
• The bread is cooked when it sounds hollow when tapped.

Tips

• If you don't have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast. However, the dough will take longer to rise.
• Make sure your water is at room temperature as it will affect the outcome of your yeast.
• You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or your hands to knead the dough.
• If your dough is still doughy at the bottom, you can flip the loaf over and add a few extra minutes of cook time.
• If you don't have a springform pan, you can put the dough directly into the air fryer basket, but make sure to line it with air fryer parchment paper or a small baking sheet to prevent the dough from sinking through the holes.
• If you want to add some extra flavor to your bread, you can incorporate ingredients like garlic, herbs, or shredded cheese.
• The best way to store bread is to slice it and freeze it. You can then toast slices straight from the freezer as needed.

Tips for making bread in an air fryer

Choose the Right Air Fryer and Pan

Air fryers come in different sizes, so select one that can accommodate the bread pan you wish to use. A round cake pan or a special air fryer accessory pan is ideal for most models. If you're using a silicone mold, make sure it's safe for your baking temperature.

Prepare the Dough

Combine the dry ingredients (flour, yeast, salt, and any optional ingredients like sugar or herbs) in a large mixing bowl. Then, add liquids such as water, melted butter, or olive oil and mix until a sticky dough forms. You can do this with a spoon, a dough hook, or your hands. Depending on the recipe, you may need to knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.

First Rise

Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for developing the bread's structure and flavor.

Shape and Second Rise

After the first rise, punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf that will fit your air fryer basket. Let the dough rise again, usually for about 30 minutes or until it becomes puffy.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, often around 350°F (175°C), for a few minutes before baking. Preheating helps achieve a consistent bake and a better crust on your bread.

Bake the Bread

Place the dough in the air fryer basket, optionally lining the basket with parchment paper or using a mini loaf pan. Air fry for about 20-30 minutes, depending on your loaf size and air fryer model. The bread is done when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool and Store

Remove the bread from the air fryer and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. This ensures the interior finishes cooking and sets properly. Store leftover bread in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

Adjustments and Experimentation

You may need to adjust the temperature and timing based on your air fryer model. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients, such as herbs, cheeses, or nuts, to create unique flavors. However, be mindful of adding too much additional moisture to the dough.

Storing and freezing air fryer bread

Storing Air Fryer Bread:

Firstly, it is important to allow the bread to cool completely before storing it. This is to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mould or sogginess. Then, you have a few options:

• Air-tight container: Place the bread in an airtight container to preserve its freshness. This will keep the bread fresh at room temperature for a few days.
• Refrigerator: Storing the bread in the refrigerator will help it last a little longer. However, be aware that the refrigerator can dry out the bread, so only use this method if you plan to consume the bread within a few days.

Freezing Air Fryer Bread:

Freezing is an excellent option if you want to preserve your bread for longer periods. Here's how to do it:

• Slice and freeze: The best way to freeze bread is to slice the entire loaf and then place the slices in a plastic bag or container in the freezer. This way, you can easily take out as many slices as you need and pop them directly into the toaster from frozen. There's no need to thaw them first!
• Freeze as-is: If you prefer, you can also freeze the bread as-is without slicing it. However, keep in mind that you will need to thaw the entire loaf before you can use it, which may take some time.

Defrosting and Toasting:

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen bread, simply remove the desired number of slices from the freezer and pop them into the toaster. There's no need to defrost them first. If you froze the entire loaf, let it thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before slicing and toasting.

By following these simple storage and freezing instructions, you can ensure that your air fryer bread stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible!

Frequently asked questions