Air-Fried Bread: Baking Time And Perfect Crispy Results

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens, especially in the summer when you don't want to heat up your entire house. You can bake bread in an air fryer in a fraction of the time it would take in an oven, and with minimal preparation. The bread will emerge with a golden, crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior.

How to make air fryer bread dough

Making air fryer bread dough is a relatively simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make it:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The basic ingredients you will need are flour, yeast, salt, and water. You can also add sugar, butter or oil, and milk to enhance the flavour and texture of your bread.

Next, add your yeast to a bowl of warm water and let it sit for around 3-5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is called "proofing" or "blooming" your yeast, and it ensures that your yeast is active and will cause your dough to rise.

Once your yeast is ready, add in the rest of your ingredients. You can mix these together with a spoon or a dough hook until they form a sticky dough. If using butter, it is best to melt it beforehand.

Now, you can choose to let your dough rest for around 15 minutes. During this time, you can do a couple of "stretch and folds" to develop the gluten in the dough. To do this, grease your hands with oil and stretch one corner of the dough from the underside over to the middle. Turn the bowl and repeat this action a few times.

After your dough has rested, it is time to shape it. Tip your dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently stretch it into a rectangular shape. Then, fold the dough onto itself, as if you were folding a letter to fit into an envelope. Turn the dough sideways and fold it into a roll. Finally, shape the dough into a ball, or "boule", dusting with flour as needed.

Place your shaped dough into a greased pan or bowl. You can use a cake pan, springform pan, or a simple bowl, depending on what you have available. Grease your vessel with butter, oil, or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Cover your dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes to an hour. You can place it in your oven or microwave (turned off, of course!) to create a warm environment for the dough to rise.

Once your dough has doubled in size, it is ready to be baked! You can brush the top with an egg wash or butter to help it brown, or score the top with a knife to make it look pretty and prevent cracking.

Place your dough in the air fryer and follow the cooking instructions provided by your chosen recipe. The cooking time will vary depending on the model of your air fryer, but on average, it should take around 8-10 minutes at 320°F (160°C) for the bread to cook through.

And that's it! You now have a delicious, freshly baked loaf of air fryer bread. Enjoy the wonderful aroma and taste of homemade bread!

Air fryer bread baking times and temperatures

Air fryer bread is best baked at temperatures between 320–400°F (160–200°C). The length of time depends on the type of bread you are baking and the size of your air fryer, but it typically takes anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.

Air Fryer White Bread

To make a simple loaf of white bread in your air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Flour
• Yeast
• Warm water
• Salt
• Sugar
• Butter
• Milk

You may also need parchment paper and a springform pan or cake tin that fits in your air fryer.

First, mix your dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add the water and butter or oil, and mix until you have a sticky dough. Cover the bowl and leave to rise for 2–3 hours, until the dough has doubled in size.

Next, shape the dough into a ball and place it in your pan. Cover and leave to rise for another 30 minutes to an hour.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Then, place the pan in the air fryer and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the bread is golden brown.

Finally, remove the bread from the pan and place it back in the air fryer for 5–10 minutes, to ensure the bottom of the bread cooks evenly.

Air Fryer No-Knead Bread

To make a no-knead loaf of bread in your air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Flour
• Instant yeast
• Salt
• Water

You will also need a baking dish that fits inside your air fryer

How to get a nice crispy texture on the outside of the bread

To get a nice crispy texture on the outside of the bread, you can try a few different methods. Firstly, ensure you are using the right amount of yeast and letting the dough rise properly. This will give a better texture to the bread and help with the crispiness. You can also brush the top of the loaf with an egg wash to help the bread turn golden brown and give it a crispy texture.

Additionally, you can try adding a few ice cubes around the bread pan while it's baking. The steam from the melting ice will help create a nice, chewy, crispy crust. Finally, make sure you are preheating your air fryer and allowing the bread to bake thoroughly. The bread should sound hollow when tapped, and the internal temperature should be between 190-200°F.

How to store leftover air fryer bread

Air fryer bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If you're storing it at room temperature, cover the bread with cling wrap to preserve its freshness and prevent it from drying out.

To store leftover garlic bread, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

It is important to allow the bread to cool completely before storing it to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold or sogginess.

Additionally, the best way to store bread is to slice it and then freeze it. This way, you can toast slices straight from frozen as needed.

How to tell when your air fryer bread is done

There are a few ways to tell when your air fryer bread is done. Firstly, you can tap the bottom of the bread and if it sounds hollow, then it is cooked all the way through. Alternatively, use an instant-read digital thermometer to check if the internal temperature at the core is about 200°F (over 95°C). If the bread still feels doughy, continue to air fry for a few more minutes.

You can also try gently touching the middle of the bread with your finger. If it springs back, then it is done and will be nice and fluffy. If it stays down when touched, then it needs a few more minutes.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary in wattage, size, and performance, so you may need to adjust the time and temperature to suit your air fryer model.

Frequently asked questions