Air-Fried Bread: Crunchy, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their versatility and convenience. They can be used to cook a variety of dishes, from fried foods to baked goods. But can you cook fried bread in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer fried bread is a quick, easy, and delicious option for breakfast or as a side dish. With just a few simple ingredients and a short cooking time, you can enjoy crispy, golden fried bread that is perfect for serving with a full English breakfast or alongside dishes like chilli con carne or chicken soup.

Air fryer fried bread recipe

Making air fryer fried bread is incredibly easy and quick. This simple recipe makes a perfect loaf of bread that is light and fluffy on the inside, with a golden crust. You can use any kind of bread you like, from thick slices of bloomer to wholegrain, whole wheat, gluten-free, sourdough, or plain sliced white.

Ingredients

• Bread
• Olive oil, butter, rapeseed oil or sunflower oil
• Salt and black pepper (optional)

Instructions

• Brush both sides of the bread with olive oil, butter, rapeseed oil, or sunflower oil. You can also add a pinch of salt and black pepper if you like.
• Place the bread in the air fryer basket and cook on the air fry setting at 200C for 4-5 minutes, or until it's as golden brown as you like.
• Use silicone tongs to flip the bread over after 2-3 minutes of cooking.
• Use the silicone tongs to remove the air fryer bread and serve with your favourite breakfast or dinner.

Tips

• If you're cooking a full English breakfast, you can cook the fried bread simultaneously with sausages or bacon. The fat from the meat will drip into the bottom tray, which can then be mopped up by the bread.
• You can also cook the bread on its own using meat drippings or oil/butter. Spread it onto both sides of the bread and then cook on the crisper plate.
• If you want to get a nice crispy texture on the outside of the bread, place some ice cubes around the outside of the bread pan. The steam will help form a chewy, crispy crust.
• If you're making a loaf of bread, you can add a few ingredients to change up the flavors, such as garlic, herbs, or shredded cheese.

How to get the perfect crust

To get the perfect crust on your air-fried bread, there are a few methods you can try.

Firstly, it is important to ensure your bread is cooked through. Air fryer bread can sometimes be doughy on the bottom, so it is a good idea to flip the bread over halfway through cooking. You can also cook the bread directly in the air fryer basket for a few minutes to achieve this. Tap the underside of the bread; if it sounds hollow, it is cooked. You can also use an instant-read digital thermometer to check the internal temperature is over 95°C.

To achieve a crispy texture, you can place ice cubes around the bread pan. The steam will help form a crispy crust. You can also brush the bread with butter or oil before cooking to help achieve a golden crust.

If you are making no-knead bread, you can tent foil over the top of the bread while it cooks. This will create steam and cook the bread perfectly. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the bread to turn golden brown and form a crust.

Finally, if you are making fried bread, you can cook it in the fat from cooking meat like sausages or bacon. The fat will drip into the bottom tray and can be mopped up by the bread. You can also cook the bread on its own using meat drippings or oil/butter.

What type of bread to use

When it comes to choosing the type of bread to use in an air fryer, there are several options to consider. The beauty of using an air fryer is that you can experiment with different types of bread to find your preferred taste and texture. Here are some popular choices:

White Bread

White bread is a versatile option for air fryer fried bread. It soaks up the fat from meat drippings or oil/butter, resulting in crispy and golden brown slices. When selecting white bread, opt for medium or thick slices. Thin slices may not have enough body to absorb the fat adequately, while extra-thick slices might not get crispy in the middle and would require more fat. A toastie loaf is ideal for a square air fryer basket, as the slices fit neatly when cut in half diagonally.

Wholegrain and Whole Wheat Bread

If you prefer a healthier option, wholegrain or whole wheat bread can be a great choice for air fryer fried bread. These types of bread contain more fibre and nutrients than white bread. Just brush both sides with oil or butter, season with salt and pepper if desired, and air fry until golden brown.

Gluten-Free Bread

For those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, gluten-free bread is a suitable option for air fryer fried bread. Keep in mind that gluten-free bread slices are often smaller than regular bread slices, so you may need to adjust the cooking time or use new slices.

Sourdough

Sourdough bread has a unique flavour and texture due to its long fermentation process. It can be a tasty option for air fryer fried bread, providing a crispy exterior and a soft interior.

Bread Dough

If you want to bake your own bread in the air fryer, you can use bread dough. This method requires a bit more time and preparation but results in a fresh, homemade loaf. You can shape the dough into a ball, let it rise, and then bake it in the air fryer. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model, so adjust accordingly.

How to store air fryer bread

Air fryer bread is easy to make and tastes delicious, but how do you store it?

Firstly, it's important to let the bread cool completely before storing it. This is to prevent moisture in the bread, which can cause mould or sogginess. Once the bread has cooled, it can be stored in an airtight container to help preserve its freshness.

If you want to keep the bread for a few days, it can be placed in a bread bag or wrapped in a linen or dry towel and kept at room temperature for up to three days.

Alternatively, the best way to store bread for longer is to slice it and freeze it. You can then toast slices straight from frozen as and when you need them. Bread stored this way can last for 6-8 months.

How to get the bread to rise

Yes, you can cook fried bread in an air fryer. Here is a guide on how to get the bread to rise:

Firstly, it is important to understand the role of yeast in bread-making. Yeast is a living organism that converts sugar or starch into carbon dioxide when used in baking. This is what causes the dough to rise. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your yeast is active before adding it to your dough. To do this, combine water, yeast, sugar, and salt, and let the mixture sit for five minutes. If your yeast is active, you should see some bubbles form as the yeast dissolves. If not, there may be an issue with your yeast.

Once you have confirmed that your yeast is active, you can mix all your ingredients together. Knead the dough thoroughly and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or cling film and place it in a warm, non-drafty area to rise. The ideal temperature for dough fermentation is between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If your room is cooler, you may need to let the dough rise for a longer period of time. You can also try placing the dough in a cold oven with a bowl of just-boiled water to create a warm, humid environment for the dough to rise.

Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size. This may take around an hour, depending on the temperature and humidity of your environment. Once the dough has risen, you can proceed to the next steps of shaping and baking your bread.

Additionally, it is worth noting that some bread recipes call for a second rising after the dough has been shaped. This step helps to create smaller air pockets and a finer crumb, resulting in lighter and airier bread. So, depending on the recipe you are following, you may need to repeat the rising process after shaping your dough.

Frequently asked questions