Air Fryer Bread Baking: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can bake bread in an air fryer! It's easy, economical, and a great way to fill your house with the wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread. The thought of baking bread in an air fryer might not seem right, but this method produces a perfect loaf of bread, every single time. The only tricky thing about air fryer bread is that the bottom tends to be a bit doughy while the top looks perfectly baked. This can be fixed by flipping the bread over or cooking it directly in the air fryer basket for a few minutes.

Air fryer bread recipes

Yes, you can! Baking bread in an air fryer is easy, and you can save on your energy bills too.

Ingredients:

• Flour
• Yeast
• Salt
• Water
• Sugar
• Butter (optional)

Method:

• Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl.
• Add water and (if using) butter to the dry ingredients and mix until you have a sticky dough.
• Cover the bowl and leave the dough to rise for 1-3 hours.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 20 minutes with a baking pan inside.
• Shape the dough into a ball and place it on a piece of parchment paper.
• Drop the dough, with the parchment paper, into the preheated pan in the air fryer.
• Cover the pan with foil and place it back in the air fryer.
• Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tips:

• If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, turn down the temperature by 10 degrees.
• If the bottom of the bread is doughy, flip the loaf over and bake for another 5-10 minutes.
• To check if the bread is cooked, tap the bottom – if it sounds hollow, it's done. Alternatively, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature is about 200°F.

Variations:

• For whole grain bread, use whole wheat flour instead of white bread flour.
• Add garlic and herbs or shredded cheese to the dough for extra flavor.
• For a simple no-knead bread, omit the step of kneading the dough and shaping it into a ball. Simply score the top of the dough with a knife before placing it in the air fryer.

Storage:

The best way to store bread is to slice it and freeze it. You can then toast slices straight from the freezer as you need them. Alternatively, the bread can be placed in a bread bag or wrapped in a linen towel and stored at room temperature for up to three days.

Air fryer bread pros and cons

Air fryers are a popular appliance for those who want to cook healthier and faster, saving time and money. Here are some pros and cons of using an air fryer to bake bread:

Pros:

• Air fryers are easy to use and require little to no kneading of the dough.
• They are faster than traditional ovens, reducing cooking time by up to 20 minutes.
• Air fryers are more energy-efficient than ovens, helping to lower energy bills.
• They produce bread with a golden, crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior.
• Air fryers are easy to clean, with most parts being dishwasher-safe.
• They require minimal oil, reducing fat intake by up to 80% compared to traditional frying.
• Air fryers are versatile and can be used for a variety of dishes, including bread, cakes, vegetables, and meat.

Cons:

• Air fryers can be expensive, especially high-end models.
• They are bulky and require sufficient counter space.
• Air fryers may not be suitable for larger households as they have limited capacity.
• Some breads may take longer to bake in an air fryer compared to a conventional oven.
• The powerful fans in air fryers can cause wet-battered foods and cheese to get onto the heating element, potentially leading to overheating.
• Air fryers can be noisy, with some models reaching up to 65dB.

Air fryer bread tips and tricks

Baking bread in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious loaf with a golden crust and soft crumb. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect air fryer bread:

Choosing the Right Air Fryer and Pan

• Air fryers can vary in wattage, size, and temperature, so adjust the time and temperature according to your air fryer model.
• Use a deep cake tin or springform pan that fits easily into your air fryer. A 6-8 inch pan is typically recommended, but the size may vary depending on your air fryer's dimensions.
• If you don't use a pan, be sure to line your air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent the dough from sinking through the holes.

Preparing the Dough

• The basic ingredients for air fryer bread are flour, yeast, salt, and water. You can also add sugar, butter, milk, and eggs to enhance the flavour and texture.
• Always check the expiration date on your yeast and make sure it is active by dissolving sugar in warm water and sprinkling the yeast on top. It is ready when it becomes foamy.
• You can use instant yeast or active dry yeast. Instant yeast will help the dough rise faster, while active dry yeast may require additional proofing time.
• When mixing the dough, use a wooden spoon or a plastic spatula. Avoid adding more flour than specified in the recipe, as this can result in denser bread.
• If desired, you can knead the dough for 5-7 minutes to develop the gluten, which gives the bread a chewier texture. However, some recipes for air fryer bread do not require kneading.
• Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for a light and airy texture.

Baking the Bread

• Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually between 320-400°F (160-200°C). Some air fryers may not require preheating, so check your model's instructions.
• Brush the top of the dough with an egg wash (a mixture of whisked egg and water) or melted butter to help achieve a golden crust.
• Bake the bread for 20-30 minutes, depending on your air fryer's model and settings. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped or when an internal thermometer reads 190-200°F (95°C).
• To ensure even cooking, you may need to flip the bread halfway through baking or place it directly in the air fryer basket for the last few minutes to bake the bottom evenly.

Storing the Bread

• Allow the bread to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause mould or sogginess.
• Store the bread in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or freeze slices and toast them as needed.

By following these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to becoming an air fryer bread master!

Air fryer bread vs. oven-baked bread

Air fryer bread and oven-baked bread differ in terms of ease, speed, taste, texture, and cost.

Air fryer bread is incredibly easy to make, requiring no kneading, and can be made with simple, accessible ingredients such as flour, yeast, salt, and water. The recipe can be further enhanced with the addition of sugar and melted butter. The preparation process is straightforward and involves mixing the ingredients, letting the dough rise, shaping it, and then baking it in the air fryer. The air fryer's small size and lower running cost compared to an oven make it a convenient and cost-effective option.

In terms of taste and texture, air fryer bread has a golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior. The bread is perfect for toast or sandwiches and can be used in various recipes, such as avocado toast, garlic bread, or French toast. The cooking time for air fryer bread is shorter than that of oven-baked bread, making it a quicker option for fresh bread.

On the other hand, oven-baked bread offers a more traditional baking method and can produce a more evenly baked loaf. However, it may require more time and energy to preheat and bake the bread. Oven-baked bread also provides more control over the baking process, allowing for a wider range of bread types and textures.

In conclusion, air fryer bread is a convenient, cost-effective, and quick option for baking bread at home. It produces a delicious loaf with a golden crust and a soft, fluffy texture. Oven-baked bread, on the other hand, offers more control over the baking process and can produce a wider range of bread types but may require more time and energy. Ultimately, both methods have their advantages, and the choice between air fryer bread and oven-baked bread depends on individual preferences, time constraints, and desired bread characteristics.

Air fryer bread storage

Air fryer bread should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for 7-10 days. For longer storage, the bread can be frozen for up to three months.

To freeze the bread, first allow it to cool completely, then wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, followed by aluminium foil. Finally, place the wrapped bread in a freezer bag and store it in the freezer.

When you are ready to eat the frozen bread, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using it.

Frequently asked questions