Frying Bread Dough: Air Fryer Magic

Air fryers can be used to make a variety of bread, including Indian Fry Bread, No-Knead Bread, and even simple white bread. The process is easy, requiring only a few basic ingredients, and the results are delicious. Air-fried bread is a great option for those who want to save time and energy, as it is much faster and cheaper to run than a traditional oven.

How to make air fryer bread dough

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for the pan
• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 egg, whisked with a tablespoon of water for the egg wash

Method:

• Prepare the yeast: Add the yeast to a medium bowl of warm water. Allow the yeast to sit for around 3-5 minutes until it bubbles and blooms.
• Mix the dough: Once the yeast is activated, add the flour, sugar, butter, salt, and warm water. Combine the ingredients gently until they form a slightly flaky dough.
• Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead the dough until it is smooth, then shape it into a ball. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or do this by hand.
• First rise: Place the dough ball in a springform pan lined with parchment paper or greased with non-stick cooking spray/olive oil. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, which should take about an hour.
• Shape and score: Once the dough has doubled in size, remove the covering. Lightly brush the top of the dough with the egg wash. Using a knife, score the top of the dough.
• Air-fry: Place the pan in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 320°F (or 380°F) for 8-10 minutes (or 20 minutes) until the bread is golden brown.
• Cool and store: Remove the bread from the pan and place it on a cooling rack for 5 minutes. Then, turn it out onto the rack to cool completely before storing.

Tips:

• If you don't have a springform pan, you can place the dough directly into the air fryer basket, but be sure to line it with air fryer parchment paper to prevent the dough from sinking through the holes.
• To check if your bread is cooked on the inside, tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it's done. Alternatively, use a digital thermometer to check if the internal temperature reaches 200°F.
• Always allow the bread to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause mould or sogginess.

Air fryer bread dough ingredients

Yes, you can fry bread dough in an air fryer! Here are the ingredients you will need to make a simple loaf of bread in your air fryer:

• Flour: You can use bread flour or all-purpose flour. If you want to make whole grain bread, you can substitute the flour for whole wheat flour.
• Yeast: You can use instant yeast or active yeast. Instant yeast will help the dough rise a little faster.
• Water: Make sure the water is warm, not hot, as hot water won't activate the yeast.
• Butter: You can use unsalted butter or clarified butter (ghee).
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is typically used, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.
• Salt: Kosher salt or regular salt can be used.
• Egg (optional): You can whisk an egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash to brush on top of the bread for a golden crust.

Optional ingredients include garlic, herbs, or shredded cheese for unique flavor twists.

Now that you have your ingredients, you can start making your air fryer bread!

Air fryer bread dough cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer bread dough vary depending on the type of air fryer and the desired outcome. Here are some general guidelines and tips for achieving the perfect air-fried bread dough:

Cooking Times:

• The total cooking time for air fryer bread dough can range from 10 minutes to 2 hours and 25 minutes, depending on the recipe and the specific air fryer model.
• Some recipes call for an initial cooking time of 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C), followed by a lower temperature of 350°F (180°C) for 25-30 minutes.
• It is important to note that air fryer temperatures and cooking times may vary, so adjustments may be necessary to suit your particular air fryer model.
• For a simple loaf of white bread, the cooking time is typically 8 to 10 minutes at 320 degrees Fahrenheit.
• If the bread dough is placed directly in the air fryer basket without a pan, the cooking time may be slightly shorter.
• When using a loaf pan, it is recommended to divide the dough in half and make two loaves, as the air fryer cooks differently from a traditional oven.

Cooking Temperatures:

• The ideal cooking temperature for air fryer bread dough is typically between 320 degrees Fahrenheit and 400°F (200°C).
• For a darker crust and a more evenly baked loaf, some recipes suggest cooking at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes.
• It is important to monitor the bread dough during cooking, as air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking time.
• To check if the bread is baked through, tap on the bottom of the loaf; if it sounds hollow, then it is cooked. Alternatively, use a digital thermometer to check if the internal temperature at the core is about 200°F (over 95°C).

Tips for Optimal Cooking:

• It is recommended to use a deep cake tin or a springform pan that fits easily into your air fryer to prevent the dough from sinking through the holes in the basket.
• Greasing the pan or lining it with parchment paper can facilitate easy removal and prevent sticking.
• For even cooking, it is important to allow the dough to rise adequately before placing it in the air fryer. This typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the recipe.
• To enhance the flavor and texture of the bread, you can add ingredients such as sugar, melted butter, or herbs to the dough.

Air fryer bread dough toppings

Yes, you can fry bread dough in an air fryer! Here are some topping ideas for your air-fried bread:

Savoury Toppings:

• Avocado
• Garlic butter
• Olive oil and garlic salt
• Shredded cheese (like Parmesan or cheddar)
• Cream cheese, plain or flavoured
• Pesto or marinara sauce
• Pulled pork
• Chopped herbs (like parsley or cilantro)
• Sliced olives or jalapeños

Sweet Toppings:

• Honey or maple syrup
• Nutella or other chocolate-hazelnut spreads
• Fruit jams or preserves
• Whipped cream and fresh berries
• Powdered sugar glaze
• Peanut butter and sliced bananas
• Apple slices with caramel sauce
• Bacon bits with maple syrup
• Goat cheese and honey
• Smoked salmon and cream cheese

Air fryer bread dough troubleshooting

Choosing a Pan

If you don't use a pan, the dough will sink through the holes in the basket, so it's important to use a springform pan or a cake pan. If you don't have a pan, you can use a small baking sheet or air fryer parchment paper.

Dough Preparation

Make sure your yeast is activated before adding the other ingredients. If using active yeast, the dough will take 15-30 minutes longer to rise. If your dough isn't rising, try placing it in a warmer spot.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Air fryer wattage and size can vary, so you may need to adjust the time and temperature to suit your model. If your bread is browning too quickly, try lowering the temperature by 10 degrees. If the top is cooked but the centre isn't, cover the top with foil to prevent burning and continue air frying until the centre is cooked.

Doughy Bread

If the bottom of your bread is doughy, try flipping the bread over or cooking it directly in the air fryer basket for a few minutes.

Storing Bread

Always allow the bread to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture, which can cause mould or sogginess. Bread can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for a few days longer. For longer storage, wrap the bread and freeze it for up to 6-8 months.

Frequently asked questions