Air-Fried Pumpkin Bread: Is It Possible?

Pumpkin bread is a staple during the fall season, and for good reason—it's packed with warm spices and has a comforting taste. But what if you don't want to turn on your oven? Can you make pumpkin bread in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer pumpkin bread is a fun and easy way to bake this classic treat. Not only is it quick and convenient, but it also gives the bread a deliciously crispy-chewy crust. In this introduction, we will explore the process of making pumpkin bread in an air fryer, the benefits of using an air fryer, and some tips and tricks to ensure your bread turns out perfectly. So get ready to enjoy a warm, moist, and perfectly spiced pumpkin bread without the hassle of traditional baking!

Ingredients and measurements

The ingredients and their measurements for making pumpkin bread in an air fryer are as follows:

• 1 can of pumpkin puree, 15 oz (not pie filling)
• 2 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice
• 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk
• 1 cup of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
• Vegetable oil or olive oil spray
• Salt to taste

You can also add dried cranberries, nuts, or mini chocolate chips if desired. Additionally, if you want to make a glaze for your pumpkin bread, you will need:

• 1 cup of confectioner's sugar or powdered sugar
• Milk, as needed

Variations and Substitutions

Some variations and substitutions for the ingredients include:

• Using whole wheat pastry flour or gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Substituting pumpkin pie spice with ground cinnamon and ground cloves, or making your own pumpkin pie spice by blending ground ginger, nutmeg, and ground cloves.
• Using any neutral cooking oil such as vegetable oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or another flavourless oil.
• Substituting a quarter of the granulated sugar with brown sugar, as suggested by Baby Savers.
• Using fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned pumpkin, as suggested by Tasty Oven.
• Adding in 1/2 to 3/4 cup of pecans or mini chocolate chips before baking, as suggested by Baby Savers.
• Using a gluten-free flour substitute to make the recipe gluten-free, as suggested by Baby Savers.

Tips for Baking in an Air Fryer

• Use a mini loaf pan set, as the centre of the bread may not cook properly in a larger pan.
• Spray the pan generously with cooking spray or dust it with flour.
• Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense texture.
• Preheat the air fryer to 330 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so adjust accordingly.
• To prevent the bread from being undercooked in the middle, use mini loaf pans and keep an eye on the bread after 20-25 minutes of cooking.
• For a crispy-chewy crust, bake the bread in the air fryer instead of a traditional oven.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature for pumpkin bread in an air fryer is 330 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will vary depending on the wattage and the number of loaves being cooked at once. The bread should be cooked for 35-45 minutes, but it is recommended to check the bread at 20-25 minutes to ensure the top is not burning. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the middle of the loaf comes out clean. If the toothpick comes out wet, add 5 minutes to the cooking time and check again.

How to store pumpkin bread

Storing your pumpkin bread correctly will ensure it stays fresh and moist for as long as possible. Here is a guide on how to store your pumpkin bread:

Storing at Room Temperature

Firstly, allow your pumpkin bread to cool down completely. Then, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, ensuring it is covered tightly. You can also use an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Stored this way, your pumpkin bread will last for 2-3 days at room temperature.

Refrigerator Storage

If you want to keep your pumpkin bread for longer, you can store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for about a week. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, or place it in an airtight container or resealable bag.

Freezer Storage

For longer-term storage, you can freeze your pumpkin bread. Wrap the bread in plastic wrap, then add an extra layer of foil. Place the wrapped bread in a zip-top freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Stored this way, your pumpkin bread will stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months.

To thaw frozen pumpkin bread, simply leave it wrapped and place it on the counter to defrost. This will take a few hours, or you can leave it overnight if you want it ready for the morning.

Air fryer vs. oven

Air fryers and ovens are both used for cooking and baking, but they have distinct features and are better suited for different types of dishes. Here is a detailed comparison of the two:

Functionality and Settings: Air fryers use intense heat and a fan to rapidly circulate hot air, removing moisture from the exterior of food and creating a crispy finish. In contrast, ovens use still air and heat from top and bottom heating elements, making them ideal for retaining moisture in dishes like cakes and for baking items that need to rise, such as yeasted bread. Some air fryers offer a bake setting, which is similar to convection baking and circulates heated air throughout the cavity. The bake setting in air fryers typically uses lower temperatures than the air fry setting.

Temperature and Timing: Air fryers generally cook at higher temperatures and for shorter periods than conventional ovens. When adapting an oven recipe for an air fryer, it is recommended to reduce the temperature by 25°F and the cooking time by 20%. For example, if a recipe calls for baking at 375°F for 10 minutes in an oven, the air fryer setting would be 350°F for 8 minutes.

Size and Capacity: Air fryers are typically smaller than ovens, making them ideal for baking smaller portions or reheating leftovers without heating up the entire kitchen. Ovens are better suited for baking large quantities, such as dozens of cupcakes, where a standard oven's larger capacity is advantageous.

Versatility: Air fryers are versatile and can cook a wide range of dishes, from crispy fried foods to baked goods. They are particularly good for recipes that benefit from a crispy exterior, such as fries, chicken wings, and cookies. Ovens, on the other hand, are essential for baking delicate cakes, soufflés, and yeasted breads, which require even cooking and a gentle, controlled heat environment.

Efficiency: Air fryers are known for their quick cooking times and energy efficiency. They cook most foods faster than traditional ovens due to rapid air circulation and can use up to 50% less energy. Ovens, especially when heating up a large capacity, can take longer and use more energy.

Crispiness and Moisture: Air fryers excel at creating a crispy exterior on foods while retaining a juicy or soft interior. This makes them ideal for dishes like fried chicken, roasted vegetables, and cookies. Ovens are better suited for recipes that require moisture retention, such as cakes, or for dishes that need a delicate, fluffy texture, like soufflés.

In summary, both air fryers and ovens have their unique advantages and are suitable for different types of dishes. Air fryers are great for quick, crispy results and smaller portions, while ovens remain essential for baking delicate pastries, cakes, and breads that require controlled heat and moisture retention.

Air fryer preparation

Before you begin, ensure your air fryer is clean and ready for your mini loaf pans. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to 330 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. However, this may not be necessary, depending on your model, so check your air fryer instructions.

Next, prepare your mini loaf pans by spraying them with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray. You can also dust the pans with flour. It is important not to use foil, as this will prevent the air from circulating properly.

Now, you can start preparing your batter. In one bowl, mix together your wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, eggs, and vegetable oil. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or pumpkin pie spice.

Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to form a batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your bread. If you want to add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries, gently fold them into the batter now.

Pour the batter into your prepared mini loaf pans, dividing it evenly between the pans. Place as many pans as will fit into your air fryer basket and close the basket.

Bake your pumpkin bread in the air fryer for 35-45 minutes, depending on the wattage of your air fryer. To check if it's done, insert a toothpick into the center of a loaf. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. If not, add 5 more minutes and check again.

Once your bread is baked, remove the loaves from the air fryer and place them on a cooling rack. Allow them to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your freshly baked air fryer pumpkin bread!

Frequently asked questions