Making Loaf Bread In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens, and they can even be used to bake bread. In fact, making bread in an air fryer is incredibly easy and produces a loaf with a crusty exterior and a soft, warm interior. The process is similar to baking bread in an oven, but with a few adjustments. The size and shape of the loaf will depend on the size of the air fryer, and the dough may need to be shaped differently to fit the air fryer basket. Additionally, the baking time and temperature may need to be adjusted to suit the model of the air fryer. However, the basic steps of making bread remain the same: mix the ingredients, knead the dough, let it rise, shape it, and then bake it.

How to make loaf bread in an air fryer

Making bread in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to bake a loaf of bread. Here is a simple recipe to make a perfect loaf of bread with a golden crust and a soft, warm interior.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast (one packet)
• 1 cup of lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter or ghee
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt

Method:

Step 1:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir to mix the dry ingredients. You can also add in some sugar and melted butter to enhance the flavour.

Step 2:

Pour in the lukewarm water and melted butter. Mix everything together with a spoon or a dough hook until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. You can also use a stand mixer for this step.

Step 3:

Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rest in a warm place for about an hour. This will allow the dough to rise.

Step 4:

After an hour, the dough should have doubled in size. Dust your work surface with some flour and turn the dough out onto it. Gently stretch the dough into a rectangular shape.

Step 5:

Now, shape the dough like an envelope. First, fold the top towards the middle, and then fold the bottom over that.

Step 6:

Turn the dough sideways and fold it into a roll. Use your hands to shape the dough into a ball, also known as a "boule". Dust the dough with flour as needed to prevent it from sticking.

Step 7:

Grease a 7-inch cake pan or a springform pan that fits your air fryer. Place the shaped dough into the pan and cover it loosely. Let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 8:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Score the top of the dough with a knife and brush the sides with melted butter to prevent sticking.

Step 9:

Place the pan into the air fryer and bake the bread for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Then, lower the temperature to 350°F (180°C) and continue to cook for about 25-30 minutes.

Step 10:

Remove the pan from the air fryer and take the bread out. Place the loaf back into the air fryer and cook for another 5-10 minutes to ensure the bottom of the bread is baked evenly.

Step 11:

Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Tap the bottom of the loaf; if it sounds hollow, then your bread is ready!

Tips:

• If you want to use whole wheat flour, check the recipe adjustments, as you may need to increase the amount of water.
• You can also add some garlic and herbs or shredded cheese to the dough for unique flavours.
• To store the bread, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

Enjoy your freshly baked loaf of bread, straight from your air fryer!

Ingredients for loaf bread in an air fryer

Making bread in an air fryer is an easy and quick way to get a perfect loaf of bread with a soft interior and a golden crust. Here are the ingredients you will need:

Ingredients:

• Flour — You can use all-purpose flour or bread flour. If you opt for bread flour, the crust will be a bit thicker, and you will need to increase the amount of water by 2 teaspoons per cup of flour.
• Yeast — You can use instant yeast, active dry yeast, or rapid-rise yeast. Instant yeast will help the dough rise faster. If you use active dry yeast, the dough will take longer to rise, and the technique is slightly different.
• Liquid — You will need some form of liquid to activate the yeast and bring the dough together. Most recipes call for warm water, but you can also use milk.
• Fat — Adding some form of fat, such as butter, oil, or ghee, will enhance the flavour of the bread.
• Salt — While optional, salt is highly recommended as it adds flavour to the bread.
• Sweetener — Some recipes call for a small amount of sugar or another sweetener to enhance the flavour and feed the yeast.

You can also add various ingredients to your dough to change up the flavours, such as garlic, herbs, or shredded cheese.

Step-by-step guide to making loaf bread in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Flour
• Yeast
• Salt
• Water
• Sugar
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Egg (whisked with a tablespoon of water)

Method

• Add the yeast to a bowl of warm water and leave for 3-5 minutes to bloom. You will know it is ready when the mixture starts to bubble.
• Add the flour, sugar, salt, butter, and milk to the yeast mixture.
• Gently fold the ingredients together until well combined and slightly flaky.
• Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth.
• Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a springform pan lined with parchment paper or greased with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil.
• Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and leave in a warm place for 1-2 hours until the dough has doubled in size.
• Remove the cover and lightly brush the top of the loaf with an egg wash.
• Place the pan in the air fryer basket and air fry at 320°F for 8-10 minutes until the bread is golden brown.
• Remove the bread from the pan and transfer to a cooling rack.
• Allow the bread to cool completely before storing in an airtight container to preserve freshness.

Tips:

• Using a circle of parchment paper to line the springform pan makes for easy removal.
• If you are not using a pan, be sure to line your basket with air fryer parchment paper, as the dough will sink through the holes in the basket without it.
• Tap the bottom of the bread – if it sounds hollow, then it is cooked all the way through. Alternatively, use a digital thermometer to check if the internal temperature is about 200°F.
• The best way to store bread is to slice it and freeze it. You can then toast slices straight from frozen as and when you need them.

Tips and tricks for making loaf bread in an air fryer

• You can make all sorts of different breads in an air fryer. The results are a lovely, crusty exterior and a soft, warm interior.
• It is important to use the right type and amount of yeast. Using instant yeast will speed up the process, but active dry yeast can also be used. Check the expiration date on your yeast and make sure it is still good to use.
• The water you use needs to be warm, not hot, so it doesn't affect the yeast.
• You can use all-purpose flour or bread flour. If you use bread flour, you will need to increase the amount of water by 2 teaspoons per cup of flour.
• You can add in some extra ingredients to change up the flavors, such as garlic, herbs, or shredded cheese.
• If you are using a loaf pan, you may need to half the amount of dough you are making, as the air fryer cooks differently than a traditional oven.
• You can toast bread in an air fryer, but keep an eye on it as it won't take long.
• Fresh bread will last for about 3 days if stored correctly. The best way to store it is in a cotton or plastic bag.
• If you want to freeze the dough, you can, but the bread will be a bit denser.
• The best way to know if your bread is done is to tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, then it is done. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature.
• If the bottom of the bread is still doughy, turn the loaf over and cook for a few more minutes.
• You can line the basket of your air fryer with parchment paper for easy removal and to prevent the dough from sinking through the holes.

Storing and serving loaf bread made in an air fryer

Firstly, it is important to let the bread cool down completely before storing it. This is to prevent moisture from building up inside the bread, which can cause mould or sogginess.

Once the bread has cooled, it is best to store it in an airtight container, such as a bread box, to preserve its freshness. You can also wrap the loaf in a bread bag or reusable food wrap. If you want the bread to last longer, you can store it in the refrigerator, but be aware that this will make the bread default to a colder temperature.

If you want to store the bread for a very long time, you can freeze it. It is important to make sure the bread is completely cool before freezing, otherwise, it may become soggy when you thaw it. You can wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminium foil or freezer paper, and it should last for up to six months in the freezer.

When serving the bread, you can use it in the same ways you would use any other loaf of bread. This includes toasting slices, making sandwiches, or simply eating it with butter and jam.

Frequently asked questions