Air-Fried Zucchini Bread: A Healthy, Quick Treat?

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens, especially in the summer when you don't want to heat up your kitchen. They can be used to make a variety of dishes, including zucchini bread.

Zucchini bread made in an air fryer is moist, tender, and fluffy, with a crispy outside. It is a quick and easy treat to make and only requires basic ingredients. The zucchini should be shredded and squeezed gently to remove excess moisture before being folded into the batter. The batter is then baked in the air fryer for around 30-35 minutes.

You can also make zucchini fries in the air fryer by coating zucchini sticks in a batter of eggs and breadcrumbs and air-frying them until golden and crispy.

Zucchini bread recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 cups zucchini, shredded and dried
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt

Optional:

• 1/2 cup nuts (e.g. walnuts or pecans)
• 1/2 cup raisins
• Extra spices (nutmeg, ginger, allspice)

Method:

First, prepare your zucchini by cutting off the ends, cutting it into large chunks, and then shredding it using a food processor or grater. Set this aside.

Next, prepare your baking pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray, or greasing it with butter, or lining it with parchment paper.

Now, add the eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla to a large bowl and whisk together until well combined. Then add the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt to the bowl and mix well.

Finally, add the shredded zucchini to the batter and mix until fully incorporated.

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Then place the pan in the air fryer and cook at 320°F for 30-35 minutes.

Once the zucchini bread has cooked, check to see if it's done by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the centre. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. If not, put it back into the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes.

Once the bread is done, allow it to cool in the baking pan for at least 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and serving.

Storage:

This air fryer zucchini bread will keep for up to one week at room temperature when stored in a container. You can also store it in an airtight container or sealed bag in the freezer for months.

Zucchini preparation

Zucchini is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from cakes to casseroles. However, when preparing zucchini for zucchini bread in an air fryer, there are a few key steps to follow. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare your zucchini for this delicious and healthy treat:

Start by selecting fresh zucchini, ensuring they are firm and have bright, unblemished skin. You can use either small or large zucchini, but smaller ones tend to be less watery and have fewer seeds, which is ideal for bread.

Wash the zucchini under running water to remove any dirt or residue. You can use a vegetable brush to gently scrub the surface if needed. Then, use a kitchen towel or paper towels to pat them dry.

Using a sharp knife, trim and cut off both ends of each zucchini. You can now decide whether to grate, shred, or cut the zucchini into chunks or sticks, depending on your preferred bread recipe and texture.

If you're grating or shredding the zucchini, a food processor with a shredding disc or a box grater will come in handy. For chunkier pieces, simply cut the zucchini into large pieces. If you want to make zucchini fries, slice the zucchini into sticks.

Once you have the desired shape and size, it's crucial to remove excess moisture from the zucchini. This step is essential to ensure your bread doesn't become too soggy. Place the shredded or grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and gently squeeze to remove the moisture. You don't need to dry it completely, but removing some moisture will help create a fluffier bread.

Now, you can proceed with your zucchini bread recipe by mixing the zucchini with the other ingredients. Remember to follow the specific measurements and instructions provided in your chosen recipe for the best results.

By properly preparing your zucchini, you'll end up with a delicious, moist, and fluffy zucchini bread that your friends and family will surely enjoy!

Batter preparation

To prepare the batter for zucchini bread in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Eggs
• Sugar
• Oil (vegetable or olive)
• Vanilla extract
• Flour (all-purpose or whole-wheat)
• Cinnamon
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Shredded zucchini
• Optional: nuts, dried fruit, or extra spices like nutmeg or ginger

You will also need a large bowl for mixing the batter, as well as a separate small bowl if you are mixing the dry ingredients separately.

Start by shredding the zucchini. You can do this by hand with a grater or use a food processor with a shredding disc. If you are preparing the zucchini in advance, you can store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.

Next, combine the eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla in a large bowl and whisk until well combined. If you are using nuts or dried fruit, you can add them to the mixture at this stage.

In a separate bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. You can also add extra spices like nutmeg or ginger if desired. Then, slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until everything is well combined.

Finally, gently fold in the shredded zucchini. It is important to fold it in rather than mixing vigorously, as zucchini is delicate and can break apart easily.

Baking temperature and time

The baking temperature and time for zucchini bread in an air fryer will depend on the model of your air fryer and the number of loaves you are baking at the same time.

If you are baking two mini loaves at the same time, preheat your air fryer to 310 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes. Then, add the loaves and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check the loaves at the 30-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. If the toothpick comes out clean, with no wet batter, the bread is done. If there is still wet batter in the middle, continue baking for up to five more minutes.

If you are baking four mini loaves, one or two at a time, set the temperature to 320 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. As with the previous instructions, check the loaves at the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. If the toothpick comes out clean, with no wet batter, the bread is done. If there is still wet batter in the middle, continue baking for up to five more minutes.

If you are baking a single loaf, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for one hour and 10 minutes. Check the loaf at the one-hour mark by inserting a skewer into the center of the bread. If the skewer comes out clean, with no wet batter, the bread is done. If there is still wet batter in the middle, continue baking for five to 10 more minutes.

Storage and reheating

Once your zucchini bread is baked, it's important to let it cool completely before storing it. Place the bread on a cooling rack for at least 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool for another hour or two. This step is crucial, as it helps the bread retain its moisture and sets its texture.

When the bread is completely cool, it's time to slice it into individual servings. This makes portioning easier and allows for more convenient storage and reheating. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the bread into even slices, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Wipe the knife with a clean, damp cloth between cuts to prevent the bread from tearing or sticking to the blade.

After slicing, it's time to wrap the zucchini bread to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out. You can use plastic wrap, aluminium foil, or ziplock bags for this. If using plastic wrap or foil, arrange the slices in a single layer, leaving a small gap between each slice, and seal tightly. If using ziplock bags, place the slices in a single layer, remove as much air as possible, and seal the bag tightly.

Properly wrapped zucchini bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Choose a cool, dry spot in your kitchen or pantry, and keep the bread away from direct sunlight or heat sources. You can also store the wrapped bread in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag for added protection.

For longer storage, you can refrigerate or freeze your zucchini bread. If you plan to consume it within a week, the refrigerator is a good option. Place the wrapped bread in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and label it with the date. Put it in the refrigerator, preferably on a middle shelf where the temperature is most consistent. Keep in mind that refrigeration can cause the bread to dry out faster, so you may need to lightly warm the slices before serving.

If you want to store your zucchini bread for an extended period, freezing is the best option. Wrap the bread slices in plastic wrap or foil, or place them in ziplock bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and label them with the date. Zucchini bread can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months, although the quality may start to deteriorate after 3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen zucchini bread, there are a few different methods for thawing and reheating:

• Thaw at room temperature: Place the desired number of slices on a plate or wire rack and let them thaw for 2-3 hours, or until fully thawed.
• Microwave: Remove the wrapping from a frozen slice, place it on a microwave-safe plate, and heat it in short intervals until it's thawed and slightly warmed.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the wrapping from the frozen slice, place it directly on a baking sheet, or wrap it in foil for easy cleanup. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until fully heated through.

Always check the texture and doneness of the bread before consuming it. You can serve the thawed or reheated zucchini bread with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.

Frequently asked questions