Air-Fried Banana Bread: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to make a variety of dishes, from snacks to desserts. Banana bread is a popular treat, but it usually takes about an hour to bake in the oven. However, you can make banana bread in an air fryer in about half the time, with equally tasty results. This article will explore the steps and benefits of making banana bread in an air fryer.

Ingredients and measurements

The ingredients and measurements for making banana bread in an air fryer are fairly straightforward and similar across different recipes. Here are the ingredients and their measurements that you will need:

• Bananas: 2-3 medium or large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup or 250g). The riper, the better, as they are sweeter and more flavourful.
• Eggs: 1 large egg, preferably at room temperature.
• Oil: 2-3 tablespoons of your preferred oil (co: 0,1,3,4> vegetable, olive, coconut, canola, or melted butter/coconut oil).
• Milk: 1/4 cup or about 60ml of any type of milk, including non-dairy options like almond or soy.
• Flour: 3/4 to 1 cup (about 125-150g) of all-purpose/plain flour. You can also use self-raising flour or add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to the all-purpose flour.
• Sugar: 2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar or granulated sugar, depending on your preference for sweetness.
• Baking Powder/Soda: 1/2 to 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder or soda, depending on the flour used.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is optional but recommended.
• Extras: You can add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, or mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit (about 1/2 cup).

Note that the above measurements will yield a mini loaf of banana bread, perfect for a small batch or single serving. If you have a larger air fryer, you can easily double the ingredients to make a bigger loaf.

Recipe steps

Ingredients

• 1-1.5 cups of all-purpose/plain flour
• 1-2 large or 3 medium ripe bananas
• 2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of oil (vegetable oil, melted coconut oil, light olive oil, canola oil, or melted butter)
• 1/4-1/2 cup of milk (any kind, including non-dairy)
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted and cooled (or canola oil)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or other nuts (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• 1-pound loaf tin or small baking dish/loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Rubber spatula
• Wire rack

Method

• Grease your loaf tin or small baking dish/loaf pan and line it with baking parchment. Ensure that your tin or dish fits comfortably inside the basket of your air fryer.
• Preheat your air fryer to 320-330°F/160°C for around five minutes.
• In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Alternatively, you can use a blender or food processor.
• Add the oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and mix well.
• In a separate bowl, sift and combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon or nutmeg (if using).
• Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth and there are no dry streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix.
• Pour the batter into your prepared tin or dish, tapping it on the counter to settle any air bubbles.
• Sprinkle the top with a little extra sugar for a crunchy texture (optional).
• Place the tin or dish into the air fryer basket and bake for 25-45 minutes. Cover the pan with foil and cook for the first 20-25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue cooking until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
• Remove the bread from the air fryer and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before serving.

Tips

• You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the batter, but be careful not to overfill the tin or dish as this could cause the bread to rise too much and burn.
• The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so start checking the bread after 30 minutes and adjust the timing as needed.
• The banana bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or frozen for up to four months.

Enjoy your freshly baked air fryer banana bread!

Baking time and temperature

The baking time and temperature for banana bread in an air fryer will depend on the size of your air fryer, the type of loaf pan you use, and your personal preference for the texture of the bread.

Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to between 310°F and 330°F (160°C). The bread will then need to bake for around 30 to 45 minutes, but you should check on it regularly to ensure it doesn't burn. One source recommends baking at 325°F for 25 minutes, and then removing the foil and baking for an additional 8 to 10 minutes.

You'll know your banana bread is done when a skewer or toothpick inserted into the centre of the loaf comes out clean. If the skewer comes out with batter on it, the bread needs to bake for longer. If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, you can cover it with foil to prevent burning.

If you're using a larger loaf pan, you may need to bake your banana bread for longer. One source recommends baking at 160°C for 45 minutes to 1 hour. However, it's important to note that air fryers can vary significantly in capacity and wattage, so it's always a good idea to keep a close eye on your bread as it bakes.

Banana bread variations

Banana bread is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Here are some variations to the classic banana bread recipe that can be made in an air fryer:

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Add a cup of chocolate chips and maple syrup to the batter for a delightful chocolatey twist. You can also add other types of chocolate, such as white or dark chocolate chips, to the batter.

Banana Nut Bread

Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds to add a crunchy texture and extra flavour. You can also use other types of nuts, such as macadamia or pistachios, to suit your taste.

Blueberry Banana Bread

Gently fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for a burst of fruity goodness. You can also experiment with other berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, for a different flavour profile.

Coconut Banana Bread

Add shredded coconut and coconut oil to the batter for a tropical flair and a hint of sweetness. This variation will transport you to a sunny beach with its sweet and nutty flavours.

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Mix cinnamon and brown sugar, then swirl it into the batter for a delicious cinnamon-infused bread. The warm spice of cinnamon complements the sweetness of the banana bread perfectly.

Lemon Glazed Banana Bread

Drizzle a simple lemon glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar over the cooled banana bread for a tangy and sweet finish. The tartness of the lemon creates a delightful contrast with the sweetness of the banana bread.

Streusel-Topped Banana Bread

Sprinkle a streusel topping made from flour, brown sugar, vanilla extract, butter, and cinnamon over the batter before baking for a crunchy and crumbly topping. This variation adds a delightful texture and flavour contrast to the soft and fluffy banana bread.

Storing and freezing

Storing banana bread at room temperature is better for retaining its optimal texture and flavour. It should be stored in a cool, dry place that isn't exposed to direct sunlight. Once it is completely cool, place the banana bread in an airtight container, wrap it in plastic wrap, or even slice it and wrap the slices in plastic wrap. This will ensure the banana bread does not lose its moisture and become stale. Wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature, banana bread will last three to four days.

If you need to store banana bread for more than a few days, choose to refrigerate it. Refrigerating banana bread can dull its flavour and impact its texture, which is why some bakers prefer room-temperature storage. However, refrigeration inhibits the growth of mould and increases the bread's shelf life by up to a week. If you choose to refrigerate, wrap the bread tightly or store it in a covered container to minimise oxygen exposure. When you want to eat it, warm a slice or two in a toaster oven or traditional oven, as banana bread is much tastier when warm.

For longer storage, freezing banana bread is the best option. You can store banana bread in the freezer for two to four months. You can freeze a whole loaf or cut it into slices. Slicing the bread before freezing it speeds up the freezing process and evenly distributes temperature and moisture content. Slicing before freezing also lets you quickly defrost only as many slices as needed. When freezing slices, double-wrap each slice individually in foil, then put the wrapped slices in a zip-top bag. Remove as much air from the bag as possible without squishing the bread.

When freezing a whole loaf, wrap it in aluminium foil. Store it in a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible without smooshing the bread. Label your wrapped loaf with the date to make things easier when cleaning out your freezer in the future.

Frequently asked questions