Air-Fryer Monkey Bread: Is It Possible?

Monkey bread is a classic American dish that is usually served as a dessert but can also be eaten for breakfast. It is made from a sweet dough filled with raisins and cinnamon. The best thing about monkey bread is that it's easy to make and requires no unique ingredients. But can you make monkey bread in an air fryer?

The answer is yes! While it won't have the same crispy crust as traditional monkey bread baked in an oven, it will still be delicious and have a soft, fluffy texture. Air fryer monkey bread is a delectably sticky and sweet sugar and cinnamon pull-apart bread that's perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Air Fryer Monkey Bread Ingredients

Air fryer monkey bread is a sweet, sticky, and fluffy treat that can be enjoyed as a dessert or a breakfast treat. It is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. The following ingredients are required to make monkey bread in an air fryer.

Dry Ingredients

• Granulated sugar
• Light brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Wet Ingredients

• Butter
• Vanilla extract

Other Ingredients

• Biscuit dough
• Milk
• Instant yeast
• Eggs
• Oil
• Flour

Optional Ingredients

You can also add chopped fruit, nuts, or even chocolate chips to this recipe if you want to mix it up. Pumpkin pie spice is a great substitution for ground cinnamon if you find that you’re out.

Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can of biscuit dough (16.3 oz)
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons of melted butter
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
• 1/4 cup of milk (optional)
• 1 egg (optional)
• 1/3 cup of oil (optional)
• 5 cups of flour (optional)

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Spray oil
• Ramekins or a bundt/cake pan that fits in your air fryer

Method:

• Cut each biscuit into quarters and roll them into balls.
• Mix the white sugar and cinnamon together.
• Coat the dough balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
• Melt the butter and mix it with the brown sugar.
• Pour the butter and brown sugar mixture over the dough balls.
• Place the dough balls into a bundt pan or a round cake pan with a ramekin in the middle.
• Put the pan into the air fryer and cook at 320-350 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 20 minutes.
• Let the monkey bread cool for about 5 minutes before removing it from the pan and serving.

Tips:

• You can add a simple glaze by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1-3 tablespoons of milk. Drizzle this over the monkey bread before serving.
• You can also add nuts, chopped fruit, or chocolate chips to the recipe for a unique twist.
• If you don't have a bundt pan, you can use any oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer basket.
• Monkey bread is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Air Fryer Monkey Bread Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature for Air Fryer Monkey Bread vary depending on the recipe and the desired level of browning. However, on average, the cooking time ranges from 18 to 25 minutes, and the temperature is set between 320°F to 350°F.

For example, one recipe suggests cooking the monkey bread at 320°F for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Another recipe recommends cooking at 350°F for 10 minutes, and then checking the bread. If it is browning too quickly, they advise covering it with tin foil and cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary in temperature, so adjustments may be necessary based on the specific model. It is always good to keep an eye on the monkey bread towards the end of the cooking time to prevent over-browning and ensure it is cooked through.

Additionally, when using a bundt pan or a cake pan, it is crucial to ensure that the pan fits into the air fryer. Some recipes suggest using a 6-inch pan, while others use a 7-inch pan. It is also recommended to use a ramekin in the middle of the pan to create a mock bundt shape if desired.

Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the cooking time and temperature may differ slightly depending on the ingredients used. For instance, one recipe uses frozen bread rolls as a base, which requires defrosting before cutting and cooking. This recipe suggests a cooking time of 7 to 10 minutes at 330°F.

In summary, the cooking time for Air Fryer Monkey Bread typically ranges from 18 to 25 minutes, while the temperature is generally set between 320°F to 350°F. However, adjustments may be necessary based on the specific air fryer model, the ingredients used, and the desired level of browning.

Air Fryer Monkey Bread Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer Monkey Bread is a fun and delicious dish to serve for breakfast, dessert, or even as a snack. It's a sweet and sticky pull-apart bread that's perfect for sharing with family and friends. Here are some tips and suggestions for serving this tasty treat:

Serving Temperature and Storage

Monkey bread is best served warm and fresh out of the air fryer. It's important to note that this bread is meant to be enjoyed freshly baked. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months.

Serving Size and Presentation

Monkey bread is typically served as a pull-apart bread, placed in the centre of a plate or platter for people to tear off pieces. For a more elegant presentation, you can invert the bread onto a serving plate, creating a uniform shape. If you want to get creative, drizzle it with icing, caramel sauce, or chocolate sauce. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Side Dishes and Accompaniments

As a versatile dish, monkey bread can be served on its own or with various side dishes and beverages. For a well-rounded breakfast, pair it with savoury options like bacon, eggs, or a bowl of chili. For dessert, consider serving it with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

Customisation and Variations

The beauty of monkey bread is that you can customise it with different ingredients. Feel free to add nuts such as pecans or walnuts, dried fruit like raisins, or even crumbled bacon between the layers of dough balls for a savoury twist. You can also experiment with different types of refrigerated biscuits to find your preferred flavour and texture.

Nutritional Information

It's important to be mindful of the nutritional content of monkey bread, especially if served as a dessert. A single serving typically contains around 450-700 calories, with a significant amount of carbohydrates, sugar, and fat. Be sure to enjoy this treat in moderation and balance it with healthier options throughout the day.

Air Fryer Monkey Bread Storage

Air Fryer Monkey Bread is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container and enjoy them the next day. If you don't add icing, leftovers can be covered tightly and stored at room temperature for a day or two. If you add icing, it's best to store the bread in the fridge so the milk doesn't sour. To reheat, place the bread in an oven at 250°F for 5-10 minutes.

If you want to store your Air Fryer Monkey Bread for longer, you can freeze it. It's best to freeze the bread after it has been cooked. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it with plastic wrap and foil. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake it in an oven at 250°F/121°C for 5-10 minutes or until heated through and gooey.

If you want to store uncooked Air Fryer Monkey Bread, you can prep the entire recipe in advance and set it in the fridge, covered in plastic wrap, for up to three days. When you're ready to cook it, remove the pan from the refrigerator about 30 minutes beforehand. You may need to adjust the cooking time to account for the cold dough—check the bread about every 6 minutes.

Frequently asked questions