Air Fryer Part-Baked Bread: A Quick Cooking Guide

Air fryers have become increasingly popular due to their compact size, ease of use, and affordability. They can be used to cook a variety of dishes, from roast beef and chicken to cakes and bread. In fact, air fryers can be used to bake bread, including sourdough and no-knead bread, from scratch. They can also be used to cook part-baked bread, such as rolls and baguettes, that can be purchased from supermarkets.

Air fryer bread recipes

Air fryer bread is easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and no kneading. The bread is soft on the inside, with a golden crust, and is perfect for toast or sandwiches. Here are some recipes and tips to get you started:

Ingredients

The basic ingredients you will need are flour, yeast, salt, and water. You can also add sugar, milk, and butter to enhance the flavour. For a simple loaf of white bread, combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, then pour in the water and melted butter. Mix until you have a sticky dough.

Preparation

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth. Shape it into a ball and place it in the air fryer basket, wrapping it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rest until it doubles in size, about 30 minutes. You can also let the yeast activate in warm water before adding the other ingredients to create a smoother dough.

Cooking

Brush the top of the loaf with an egg wash and air fry at 320-325 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. The bread is done when it sounds hollow if you tap the underside. You may need to adjust the time and temperature depending on your air fryer model.

Tips

• Use a deep cake tin or a springform pan that fits easily into your air fryer, typically around 7-8 inches.
• The bottom of the bread may be doughy while the top is perfectly baked. To avoid this, flip the bread over or cook directly in the air fryer basket for a few minutes.
• Store the bread tightly wrapped or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to 3-8 months.
• Get creative with your bread! Add garlic, herbs, or cheese to the dough, or use slices for avocado toast, French toast, or grilled cheese sandwiches.

How to get an even crust

Air fryers are a great way to cook part-baked bread, but getting an even crust can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you get a perfect, uniform crust every time:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. This is a crucial step that many people overlook. Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes ensures that the bread starts cooking immediately, preventing sogginess and helping to create an even crust.

Secondly, keep an eye on your bread as it cooks. Air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking time, so it's important to watch your bread to ensure it doesn't burn. If your air fryer runs hot, you can try lowering the temperature by 10 degrees or using a larger cake tin.

Thirdly, consider flipping your bread halfway through the cooking process. This will help to ensure even browning and a crisp, uniform exterior. However, be careful when flipping, as the bread may not be fully cooked and could fall apart.

Another tip is to use a pullman tin. A pullman tin is easier to turn over during cooking, helping to create an even crust. However, keep in mind that some air fryers may not be big enough to accommodate a pullman tin.

Finally, pay attention to the sound and temperature of your bread. When your bread is done, it should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Alternatively, you can use an instant-read digital thermometer to check if the internal temperature at the core is about 200°F (over 95°C).

By following these tips, you can ensure that your part-baked bread has an even, golden crust every time you use your air fryer.

How to check if the bread is baked

There are a few ways to check if your bread is baked in the air fryer. One common method is to tap the underside of the bread and listen for a hollow sound, which indicates that the bread is cooked all the way through. Alternatively, you can use an instant-read digital thermometer to check if the internal temperature at the core is about 200°F (over 95°C).

It is important to note that air fryer bread can be tricky as the bottom tends to be doughy while the top appears perfectly baked. To address this issue, you can flip the bread over or cook it directly in the air fryer basket for a few additional minutes.

Additionally, the wattage, size, and brand of your air fryer can significantly impact the baking process. Therefore, you may need to adjust the time and temperature accordingly. For example, if your bread starts browning too quickly, you can reduce the temperature by 10 degrees and use a larger cake tin to prevent the bread from rising too tall.

To ensure an even bake, some bakers recommend covering the pan with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning. However, this may not be necessary for all recipes, especially those that require a golden crust.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the baking time and temperature settings may vary depending on the type of bread you are making. For instance, quick breads and baking powder biscuits require preheating to achieve a light and airy texture. On the other hand, cookies seem to bake well in an air fryer regardless of preheating.

What to cook in an air fryer alongside bread

Yes, you can cook part-baked bread in an air fryer. In fact, cooking bread in an air fryer is incredibly easy and simple. The only tricky part is that the bottom of the bread tends to be a bit doughy while the top looks perfectly baked. To get around this issue, you can try flipping the bread over or cooking it directly in the air fryer basket for a few minutes.

Now, what can you cook alongside the bread? Here are some ideas:

Avocado Toast, Garlic Bread, or French Toast

Cut the bread into thick slices and make avocado toast, garlic bread, or French toast. You can also make garlic breadsticks or air fryer rolls using the same dough as the bread.

Eggs in a Basket

Use fresh bread to make eggs in a basket in the air fryer. This is a fun and unique way to cook eggs and bread together.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Freshly baked bread in an air fryer can be used to make grilled cheese sandwiches. The bread will be soft and fluffy on the inside with a golden crust, perfect for grilled cheese!

Roast Beef or Chicken

You can also cook proteins like roast beef or chicken in the air fryer alongside the bread. This way, you can have a complete meal with your freshly baked bread.

Cakes

Air fryers can be used to bake cakes as well. So, if you're feeling indulgent, bake a cake to go with your freshly baked bread!

So, there you have it! Plenty of options to cook alongside your bread in the air fryer. Enjoy experimenting with different recipes and creating delicious meals.

How to store air fryer bread

Yes, you can cook part-baked bread in an air fryer. Air fryer bread is incredibly easy to make and requires no kneading. It is also much faster than baking in the oven.

To store air fryer bread, first, let the bread cool down on a wire rack. Then, you have a few options:

• Place the bread in a bread bag or wrap it in a linen towel. It will stay fresh for up to three days.
• Slice the bread and freeze it. You can then toast slices straight from frozen as and when you need them. Bread can be frozen for 6-8 months.
• For garlic bread, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 2 minutes.

Frequently asked questions