Making Bread In An Air Fryer: How Long Does It Take?

Making bread in an air fryer is an easy, quick, and economical way to bake a loaf. The process is similar to baking bread in an oven, but with the added benefits of speed and a crusty exterior. The air fryer's compact size and reduced running costs compared to an oven make it an appealing alternative for home bakers.

The basic ingredients for air fryer bread are the same as for oven-baked bread: flour, yeast, salt, and water. Some recipes also call for additional ingredients such as sugar, butter, or oil, to enhance the flavour and texture of the bread.

The process of making air fryer bread involves combining the ingredients, letting the dough rise, shaping it, and then baking it in the air fryer. The baking time varies depending on the air fryer model and the desired level of doneness, but it typically takes around 20-30 minutes.

The result is a delicious loaf of bread with a golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior, perfect for toast, sandwiches, or any other culinary creation.

How to make air fryer bread

Ingredients:

• Flour
• Yeast
• Salt
• Water
• Sugar
• Butter or oil

Method:

• Mix the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar together. Then add the warm water and butter/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 in the pan 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 at 400° 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° until golden brown for about 20 to 25 minutes. Flip the bread over and continue frying for an additional 5 minutes.

Tips:

• You can use instant or active yeast. Instant yeast will help the dough rise a little faster.
• If you don't have a pan, you can put the dough directly into the air fryer basket, but make sure you line it with parchment paper first.
• The bread is ready when the underside sounds hollow when you tap it. If the bottom is still doughy, but the top is ready, turn the bread over to cook the underside.
• Fresh bread will last for about 3 days if stored correctly. The best way to store fresh bread is in a cotton or plastic bag.

Air fryer bread ingredients

As with all bread recipes, you will need four basic ingredients: flour, yeast, salt, and water. However, you can add other ingredients to enhance the flavor, such as sugar, butter or ghee, and eggs. Here is a detailed list of ingredients you will need to make air fryer bread:

• Flour – You can use all-purpose flour or bread flour for this recipe. If you want to use whole wheat flour, you may need to adjust the amount of water in the recipe.
• Yeast – You can use instant yeast or active dry yeast. Instant yeast will help the dough rise faster and does not need to be activated first. If you use active dry yeast, the dough will take longer to rise, and you may need to adjust the recipe slightly.
• Salt – Salt is essential to giving your bread flavor. You can adjust the amount to your taste, but it is recommended to use at least a small amount.
• Water – It is important to use room temperature or lukewarm water when making bread. If the water is too hot, it will not activate the yeast properly.
• Sugar – Sugar is not necessary but can be added to enhance the flavor and help with browning.
• Butter or Ghee – Melted butter or ghee can be added to the dough to enhance the flavor and moisture of the bread.
• Egg – An egg can be whisked with a small amount of water to create an egg wash, which is brushed on top of the bread before baking to help it turn golden brown.

In addition to these ingredients, you will also need a deep cake tin or springform pan that fits easily into your air fryer, as well as parchment paper or nonstick cooking spray to line the pan.

Air fryer bread recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 tsp instant yeast
• 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for the pan
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup warm water

Optional:

• 1 egg, whisked with a tablespoon of water for the egg wash
• Ice cubes

Steps:

• Combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar together. Then add the warm water and oil/butter, 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 in the pan 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 at 400° 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° until golden brown for about 20 to 25 minutes.
• Flip the bread over and continue frying for an additional 5 minutes.
• Brush the top of the loaf with an egg wash. Place the pan back in the air fryer basket and air fry at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes, until the bread is golden brown.
• Remove from pan and transfer to a cooling rack. Once cooled, cover or store in an airtight container.

Tips:

• If you want a golden crust, brush the top of the loaf with an egg wash before placing it in the air fryer.
• 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 chewy, crispy crust.
• The bread is ready when the underside sounds hollow when you tap it. If the bottom is still doughy, but the top is ready, turn the bread over to cook the underside.
• Fresh bread will last for about 3 days if stored correctly. The best way to store fresh bread is in a cotton or plastic bag.

Air fryer bread cooking time

Air fryer bread is a quick and easy way to make a delicious loaf of bread with a soft interior and a golden crust. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of air fryer you have and the size of the loaf you are making. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect air fryer bread.

Ingredients

You will need the following basic ingredients to make air fryer bread:

• Flour (all-purpose or bread flour)
• Yeast (active dry yeast or instant yeast)
• Salt
• Water (warm or room temperature)
• Oil or butter (optional)
• Sugar (optional)

Mixing the Dough

Combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar (if using) in a large mixing bowl. Then, add the warm water and oil (if using) and mix until well combined. The dough will be sticky. You can mix the dough by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.

First Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This should take around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the temperature.

Shaping the Dough

Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a ball. You can also stretch and fold the dough a few times to develop the gluten and improve the texture of the bread. Then, place the dough in a greased pan or bowl and let it rise for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of your loaf.

Second Rise

If your air fryer basket has a removable tray, remove it to give the bread more space to rise. You can also try the second rise directly in the air fryer basket by placing the dough on a piece of grease-proof paper. Cover the dough and let it rise until it has doubled in size again. This should take around 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Scoring the Dough

Using a sharp knife, make a few shallow slices on the top of the dough. This can be in the shape of a cross or a few lines. This step is optional but it will give your bread a professional look.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes. The preheating time may vary depending on your air fryer model.

Baking the Bread

Place the pan with the bread dough in the air fryer. You can add a few pieces of ice to the outside of the pan to create steam and help the bread form a crispy crust. Bake the bread at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Then, lower the temperature to 350°F (180°C) and bake for an additional 10-25 minutes. The total baking time should be around 30-40 minutes.

Checking for Doneness

To check if your bread is done, tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, then the bread is ready. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be around 200°F (95°C). If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it with foil to prevent burning.

Cooling and Storing the Bread

Remove the bread from the air fryer and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. The bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or a plastic bag for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Air fryer bread storage

Air fryer bread should be allowed to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture in the bread, which can cause mould or sogginess. The best way to store bread is to slice it and then freeze it. You can then toast slices straight from frozen as and when you need them.

Alternatively, you can store air fryer bread in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for up to three days. If storing at room temperature, make sure you cover the bread in cling wrap to preserve its freshness and to keep it from drying out.

You can also wrap the bread and store it in the refrigerator to help it last longer.

Frequently asked questions