Air Fryer Bread: Quick Heating Times Explained

Air fryers are a great alternative to conventional ovens for baking bread. They are cheaper to run, easy to use, and can produce a perfect loaf of bread with a golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior. The high heat and circulating air of an air fryer revitalise bread, making it crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

There are several methods for making bread in an air fryer, with slight variations in temperature and timing, but the basic process is the same. First, a dough is made from a combination of flour, yeast, salt, sugar, butter, and water. This is then shaped into a ball and left to rise. The dough is then placed in the air fryer and cooked for around 20-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and has an internal temperature of around 200°F.

Reheating bread in an air fryer is also a great way to revive dried-out slices or warm up a sandwich. Bread can be placed in the air fryer and set to a low temperature of around 300°F for about three minutes.

How to heat frozen bread in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens as they are cheaper to run, take up less space, and are quicker to heat up.

First, cut your frozen bread into pieces that will fit in your air fryer. There is no need to defrost the bread first. Place the frozen bread into the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space for air to circulate around the bread. Do not add any oil. Set the air fryer to between 300-380°F and cook for 5-12 minutes, depending on the type of bread and your air fryer model. Check the bread regularly to ensure it does not burn.

Tips

• If your air fryer starts to smoke, this is likely due to excess butter in the bread. Simply add a little water to the bottom of the air fryer basket and it should be fine.
• If you are cooking multiple batches, the second batch will cook faster as the air fryer will already be hot. Reduce the heat and keep an eye on the bread to ensure it doesn't burn.
• If you are cooking cheesy bread, keep a close eye on it towards the end to ensure the cheese doesn't burn.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Other Types of Bread

You can also heat frozen garlic bread, pita bread, and dinner rolls in an air fryer.

How to heat leftover bread in an air fryer

Heating leftover bread in an air fryer is a great way to revive slices of bread that have gone stale or dried out. It's also important for food safety purposes, as bacteria can grow on room-temperature bread much faster than when it's refrigerated or heated.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to around 300°F (150°C). This is a low temperature that will help ensure your bread doesn't burn.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Place your slices of leftover bread directly into the air fryer basket. You can also wrap the bread in aluminum foil before placing it in the air fryer for added moisture and crispiness. If you're reheating frozen bread, place it in the air fryer basket and follow the same steps.

Step 3: Heat the Bread

Heat the bread in the air fryer for about 3 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on it regularly to ensure it doesn't burn. You may need to adjust the time depending on the type and amount of bread you're reheating.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Once the bread is heated through, it's ready to enjoy! Your leftover bread will be warm, soft, and just like freshly made.

Tips:

• If you're reheating a sandwich or a roll, you can spritz the bread with a bit of water before placing it in the air fryer for softer results.
• Avoid using a high temperature when reheating bread, as it can make the bread hard. Stick to around 300°F (150°C) to avoid overcooking.
• If you're reheating frozen bread, you can defrost it quickly in the air fryer and then use it for grilled cheese sandwiches or other recipes.

How to heat bread rolls in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Flour
• Yeast
• Salt
• Sugar
• Warm water
• Oil

Method

• Combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar together. Then add the warm water and oil, stirring well until combined. The dough will be very sticky.
• Let the dough rise for 1 hour, then turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
• To shape the roll, place the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pull the edges of the dough up and to the middle, creating a round loaf. Turn the loaf upside down so the smooth side is on top.
• Cut 2 to 3 slices on the top of the dough. Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper that will easily fit into a 6” to 8” round pan.
• Place the parchment paper with the dough into the pan and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 10 minutes.
• Place the pan with the bread dough in the air fryer. Add a few pieces of ice to the outside of the round pan, but inside the air fryer basket.
• Place the air fryer basket back into the air fryer and bake at 400°F until golden brown for about 20 to 25 minutes.
• Flip the bread over and continue frying for an additional 5 minutes.

Tips

• The dough should be allowed to rest for at least an hour to allow it to rise well.
• The key to getting your bread dough to rise is to use a good quality, fresh leavening agent.
• To get a nice crispy texture on the outside of the bread, place some ice cubes around the outside of the bread pan. The steam will help form a nice chewy, crispy crust.
• You can store leftover bread rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

How to heat pita bread in an air fryer

If you want to heat pita bread in an air fryer, you should set the fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the pita bread inside for 2-3 minutes, flipping once halfway through. This method will result in a crisp exterior and a warm, fluffy interior.

If you are using frozen pita bread, make sure to thaw it before placing it in the fryer.

You can also use this method to reheat premade pitas or give store-bought pitas a freshly-made taste.

Alternative Methods

If you don't have an air fryer, you can also heat pita bread in a conventional oven. Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the pita wedges on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 10 minutes, stirring the pita wedges around and rotating the baking sheet halfway through. The pitas are done when they are golden brown and crispy.

Another alternative is to use the microwave. To reheat your pita, wrap it in a damp paper towel and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 20-30 seconds, depending on your microwave.

How to heat naan bread in an air fryer

Pre-Cooked Naan Bread

If you are using pre-cooked naan bread, you can heat it in your air fryer in as little as 4 minutes. Start by preheating your air fryer to 180°C or 360°F, which usually takes around 3 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, break the naan bread into pieces that will fit in the air fryer. Place the pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap too much. Cook for 3-4 minutes and serve.

Homemade Naan Bread

If you are using homemade naan bread, the process is slightly different. First, mix sugar and yeast with hot milk and set it aside for about 30 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and yogurt. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the bowl with the eggs and yogurt and stir. Next, mix together flour, baking powder, salt, and onion seeds (if using). Add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until you have a smooth dough. You may need to add a little extra flour to achieve a dough that is manageable but not too sticky.

Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, then form it into a large ball. Place the dough in a bowl, cover, and let it rise for a few hours or overnight. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and knead for another few minutes. Separate the dough into 8-10 smaller, equal-sized pieces and form them into neat balls. Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C/400°F and spray the basket with a little oil. Roll out one of the dough balls into a circular or oblong shape that will fit in your air fryer. Place the naan in the air fryer and cook for 3 minutes. Flip the naan over and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Brush with melted butter or ghee and serve warm.

Note that air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking times, so it's important to monitor your naan bread closely to avoid overcooking.

Frequently asked questions