Air Fryer Bread: Timing And Temperature Guide

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens for baking bread. They are cheaper to run, and the bread comes out light, fluffy, and golden. The cooking time depends on the type of bread and the air fryer model, but it typically takes around 8 to 10 minutes at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for a simple loaf of bread. For toast, it takes about 3 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to make air fryer toast

Making toast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve the perfect level of crispiness for your breakfast or snack. It's also a great way to save on kitchen space by removing the need for a toaster. Here's a step-by-step guide to making air fryer toast:

Ingredients:

Your favourite kind of sliced bread

Method:

• Set your air fryer to 400°F to preheat the appliance.
• Choose the slices of bread you wish to use.
• Place the slice(s) of bread in the air fryer basket.
• Allow the bread to cook for around 3 minutes. The time may vary depending on the thickness of the bread and your preferred level of crispiness. As a guide, 3 minutes should give you crisp toast that is still soft and tender.
• Remove the toast from the air fryer and add your preferred toppings.

Serving Suggestions:

Air fryer toast is a versatile dish that can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion. Here are some topping ideas:

• Butter or jam
• Homemade healthy Nutella
• Peanut butter or other nut butter
• Scrambled eggs with green onions
• Grilled cheese

You can also use your air fryer toast as a base for sandwiches or simply enjoy it plain with a cup of coffee.

Tips:

• If you're making multiple slices, you may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time.
• Keep an eye on your toast to ensure it doesn't burn.
• Allow your air fryer toast to cool slightly before adding toppings to avoid melting or sogginess.

Enjoy your perfectly toasted bread!

Air fryer bread recipe and ingredients

Ingredients

• Flour
• Yeast (instant, active dry, or rapid rise)
• Salt
• Water (lukewarm or room temperature)
• Sugar (optional)
• Butter (softened or melted)
• Milk (optional)

Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Add yeast and water to a bowl and let it sit for 3-5 minutes until it bubbles. Then, add in the flour, sugar, milk, butter, and salt. Mix until well combined. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or your hands to knead the dough.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it sit on the counter or in an unheated oven for 2-3 hours until the dough doubles in size.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Sprinkle flour over the dough and gently remove it from the bowl. Shape it into a ball and place it on a piece of parchment paper. Cover it with a kitchen towel until the pan is preheated.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Place an air fryer-safe baking dish, such as a springform pan or cake pan, into the air fryer basket and preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Score the top of the dough with a knife and brush the sides with melted butter. Carefully transfer the dough, with the parchment paper, into the preheated pan. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and place it back into the air fryer basket. Bake the bread for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until golden brown. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped.

Tips

• If using active dry yeast instead of instant yeast, the dough may take longer to rise.
• It is important to use lukewarm or room temperature water, as water that is too hot will not activate the yeast.
• If you don't have a springform pan or cake pan, you can place the dough directly into the air fryer basket, but be sure to line it with parchment paper or a small baking sheet to prevent the dough from sticking or sinking through the holes.
• To store the bread, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature or a few days longer in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

How to shape the bread roll

Now that you know how long to put bread in an air fryer, it's time to learn how to shape the perfect bread roll. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Divide the Dough:

Start by dividing your dough into equal portions. The number of portions will depend on how many rolls you want to make and the size you prefer.

Cover and Shape:

Keep the pieces of dough covered while you shape each one. To shape a basic roll, tuck the edges of the dough piece under to create a smooth top. Press down gently and rotate the dough in your hands to form a uniform ball.

Create a Smooth Surface:

For a smooth, even surface, gently press down on the dough ball and rotate it in your hands. Repeat this motion until you achieve a round, smooth shape.

Place on a Baking Tray or Pan:

Once you have shaped all your dough pieces into rolls, place them on a baking tray or pan. If you're making cloverleaf rolls, fan-shaped rolls, or using a muffin tin, place the shaped dough into the tin and let it rise before baking.

Proofing and Baking:

Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let them proof in a warm place. This step is crucial for the rolls to rise before baking. Preheat your air fryer, and once the dough has doubled in size, it's time to bake!

Baking Tips:

When baking your rolls, consider the following:

• For softer "pull-apart" rolls, place them closer together on the baking tray.
• For crustier rolls that can be filled, space them apart to allow for more even baking.
• You can brush the tops of the rolls with butter or an egg wash before baking to achieve a golden-brown colour.
• Adjust the temperature and timing based on your air fryer model.

Now you're all set to shape and bake delicious bread rolls in your air fryer!

How to store air fryer bread

Air fryer bread should be allowed to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture in the bread, which can cause mould or sogginess. It should be stored in an airtight container to help preserve its freshness.

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

If you are storing air fryer bread at room temperature, make sure you cover it in cling wrap to preserve its freshness and to keep it from drying out.

How to tell if the bread is cooked

There are a few ways to tell if your bread is cooked. Firstly, you can tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it's cooked. If it doesn't sound hollow, it may need a few more minutes in the air fryer. The bottom of the bread should not feel doughy.

You can also use an instant-read digital thermometer to check the internal temperature. The bread is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 190°F to 200°F (over 95°C).

Frequently asked questions