Air Fryer Baking: Perfecting Your Favorite Baked Goods

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, but can you bake with them? The short answer is yes, you can bake goods in an air fryer. In fact, it is essentially a small convection oven, which means it can be used for baking – if you don't mind a bit of trial and error.

The air fryer is a great tool for small-batch baking and for when it's too hot to use a conventional oven. It's also more energy-efficient and cheaper to run than a regular oven. You can bake anything from cookies to pizza, bread, and even cheesecake in an air fryer.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the air fryer cooks much more efficiently than a regular oven, so you'll need to adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly to avoid burning. It's also important to use the right bakeware and to preheat the air fryer for certain types of bakes.

So, if you're looking to experiment with baking in an air fryer, go ahead and give it a try! Just be prepared to adjust your recipes and baking techniques as you go.

Cookies

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens when it comes to baking cookies. They can bake up a few cookies in about half the time an oven takes and they don't need much time for preheating. The circulating air cooks the food faster and at a lower temperature, similar to a convection oven.

Baking Cookies in an Air Fryer

When baking cookies in an air fryer, it is important to prepare the dough and the air fryer basket. If using store-bought dough, divide it into even amounts based on the yield of the recipe. Spray the inner basket with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. You can also use a small baking pan if you have one that fits in the air fryer basket.

The time it takes to bake a cookie in an air fryer will be different from that of a conventional oven. A basic chocolate chip cookie, for example, will bake at 325°F to 350°F for around 5 to 14 minutes. Timing will vary depending on the recipe and the model of the air fryer, especially if the recipe was not specifically developed for the air fryer. When adapting a traditional oven recipe, reduce the heat on the machine by about 25°F and start with a baking time of 5 minutes, adding 1-minute increments as needed.

Tips for Baking Cookies in an Air Fryer

• Choose your recipe carefully. Air frying works best with cookies that have all the ingredients incorporated, such as chocolate chip or lemon cookies. Gooey toppings or sprinkled sugar on top can be problematic as the heating element for most air fryers is at the top, and the tops of the cookies can burn before the rest of the cookie is done.
• Use a baking pan if you have one that fits your air fryer. This will help avoid a mess as the dough can drip through the basket. You can also buy sheets of parchment paper with holes in them to allow for air circulation, but some dough may still fall through.
• For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least an hour before baking.
• Don't skip the resting time after baking. Letting the cookies rest in the basket helps prevent them from breaking and allows them to continue firming up as they cool.
• Keep an eye on the cookies as baking times may vary depending on the model of the air fryer. If your cookies feel raw, continue air frying in one-minute intervals until done.

Storing and Reheating Cookies

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. To reheat and give them a freshly baked flavour, warm them up in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 minutes, checking regularly to ensure they don't burn.

Troubleshooting

If you are having issues with the bottom of the cookies not cooking properly, try using a solid tray or baking paper underneath to cover the holes in the air fryer basket. Additionally, remember that an air fryer is a small convection oven, so it heats up much more efficiently than a regular oven. Adjust the temperature and baking time accordingly, reducing the temperature by about 15% and taking a few minutes off the bake time.

Final Thoughts

Baking cookies in an air fryer is a convenient and quick way to enjoy freshly baked treats. It is perfect for small batches and allows for greater control over the texture of the cookies, resulting in crispy exteriors and gooey centres. With a few simple tips and adjustments, you can achieve delicious, perfectly baked cookies every time.

Cakes

Yes, you can bake cakes in an air fryer, but it is not as simple as baking in a conventional oven. Air fryers are great for producing foods with a crispy exterior and a moist interior, but this is not always desirable for cakes.

• Choose a simple recipe. Air fryers can be unpredictable, so it is best to start with a basic recipe and work your way up to more complex cakes.
• Use the right pan. Many air fryers can only accommodate pans up to 8" in diameter. Smaller pans are better as they allow the cake to bake more quickly and evenly. A half-size Bundt pan is a good option as it allows hot air to circulate through the centre of the cake.
• Adjust the time and temperature. Air fryers bake at a lower temperature than conventional ovens, so reduce the temperature by about 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit. The baking time will also be longer than in a conventional oven, but this will depend on your particular air fryer.
• Prevent the cake's crust from burning. The biggest challenge when baking cakes in an air fryer is preventing the crust from burning before the centre is cooked. You can cover the cake with aluminium foil or a heat-safe lid once it reaches the desired colour to prevent further browning.
• Check for doneness. Since baking in an air fryer is not an exact science, it is important to check if your cake is done by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the centre. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.

Overall, baking cakes in an air fryer can be a fun way to experiment with new culinary possibilities, but it may require some trial and error to get the perfect results.

Cinnamon rolls

Ingredients:

• 1 can of Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls (8-count)
• Cooking spray (coconut oil or other)
• Icing (optional)

Method:

• Prepare the air fryer basket: Spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray. You can use coconut oil or another type of cooking spray. This will prevent the cinnamon rolls from sticking to the basket.
• Place the cinnamon rolls in the basket: Unroll the Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll dough and separate the individual rolls. Place them evenly in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each roll.
• Air fry: Set your air fryer to 360°F and air fry the cinnamon rolls for about 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model. If you want them crispier, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Flip halfway (optional): Some air fryer models may require you to flip the cinnamon rolls halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning. Check your cinnamon rolls after 4-5 minutes and flip them over if needed.
• Add icing (optional): Once the cinnamon rolls are done, remove them from the air fryer and top them with the provided icing or any other toppings of your choice.

Tips:

• Use parchment paper: If you want to avoid any potential sticking, you can line your air fryer basket with parchment paper before placing the cinnamon rolls inside.
• Aluminum foil: You can also use aluminum foil, which is easy to use in the air fryer and will help with even heat distribution.

Variations:

You can get creative and experiment with different flavours and ingredients to customize your cinnamon rolls:

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some crushed pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the cinnamon rolls before baking for a crunchy texture and nutty flavour.
• Dried fruit: Add raisins or dried cranberries to the cinnamon rolls for a burst of fruity sweetness in every bite.
• Chocolate chips: Mini chocolate chips will melt as the rolls bake, creating pockets of gooey chocolate.
• Shredded coconut: Toasting shredded coconut in the air fryer gives the cinnamon rolls a subtle nuttiness and extra texture.

Glaze Variations:

While the original glaze that comes with Pillsbury cinnamon rolls is delightful, you can experiment with different flavours:

• Lemon glaze: Mix powdered sugar with freshly squeezed lemon juice for a tangy and refreshing taste.
• Maple glaze: Combine powdered sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, decadent flavour.
• Cream cheese glaze: Blend softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of milk for a creamy, tangy glaze.

Enjoy your freshly made cinnamon rolls!

Doughnuts

Yes, you can make doughnuts in an air fryer! They will be light, fluffy, and crispy, with a soft and fluffy inside and a crisp exterior.

Ingredients

To make air-fried doughnuts, you will need the following ingredients:

• Milk
• Yeast
• Sugar
• Butter
• Eggs
• Flour
• Salt
• Oil spray
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla

Method

• Whisk together warm milk, yeast, and a small amount of sugar in a small bowl. Let the mixture stand until it becomes very bubbly.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, and the remaining sugar until smooth. Stir in the yeast mixture until combined.
• Add flour and salt to the mixture. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms, then increase the speed to medium-low and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Transfer the dough to a large, lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until it has doubled in size.
• Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
• Use a donut cutter or biscuit cutters to cut out the doughnuts and donut holes. You can also use round cookie cutters to cut out the shapes.
• Place the doughnuts and holes on a large rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly dusted with flour. Loosely cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size.
• Preheat your air fryer and spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Carefully place the doughnuts in the basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them. Lightly spray the tops with oil.
• Air fry the doughnuts for about 4-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your doughnuts and the model of your air fryer.
• While the doughnuts are cooking, make a glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
• Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze and place them on a wire rack to let the excess glaze drip off. Let the glaze set for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations

• Avoid the temptation to add more flour during the kneading process. The dough should be a little tacky.
• Make sure to measure your flour correctly to avoid overpacking your measuring cup.
• If you don't have a stand mixer, you can mix the dough by hand. Combine the ingredients as directed, then turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand until smooth and elastic.
• Don't wait too long to glaze the doughnuts. You want them to still be warm so that the glaze sets properly. However, if they are too hot, the glaze will slide off.
• You can also coat the doughnuts in cinnamon-sugar instead of a glaze. Simply brush the cooked doughnuts with melted butter and toss them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
• You can also decorate the doughnuts with sprinkles, chocolate chips, or other toppings of your choice.

Storage

Air-fried doughnuts are best consumed on the same day they are made. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the doughnuts for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through.

Breads

Yes, you can bake bread in an air fryer! It is easy, economical, and a great way to save on your energy bills.

Ingredients:

You will need four basic ingredients: flour, yeast, salt, and water. You can also add sugar and butter to enhance the flavor.

Method:

First, mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Then, add the water and butter, and mix until you have a sticky dough. You can choose to knead the dough or let it rest for a while. After that, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased pan that fits your air fryer. Preheat the air fryer with the pan inside, then bake the bread for around 30 minutes. You may need to adjust the time and temperature depending on your air fryer model.

Troubleshooting:

One common issue with air fryer bread is that the bottom tends to be doughy while the top looks done. To fix this, you can flip the bread over or cook it directly in the air fryer basket for a few minutes. You may also need to turn your bread during the cooking process to ensure an even crust.

Recipe Variations:

You can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or gluten-free flour. You can also add ingredients like cheese, nuts, or seeds to your loaf.

Storage:

The best way to store air fryer bread is to slice it and freeze it. You can then toast slices straight from the freezer as needed.

Baking bread in an air fryer is a convenient and quick way to make a fresh loaf of bread with a golden crust and a soft crumb. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can achieve delicious results every time!

Frequently asked questions