Air-Fryer Bread: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens for baking bread. They are more efficient, cheaper to run, and can produce a perfect loaf of bread with a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, warm interior. The process is similar to baking bread in an oven, but with a few key differences. First, you'll need to prepare your dough, letting it rise and shaping it. Then, preheat your air fryer to a high temperature, usually around 200°C, and place the dough inside. After a few minutes, lower the temperature to around 180°C and continue baking until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped, indicating it is fully baked.

Air Fryer Bread Characteristics and Values Table

Ingredients and tools

To cook bread in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Flour
• Yeast
• Salt
• Water

You can also add sugar and butter to enhance the flavour. For a medium-sized loaf, you will need 360g of flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1 cup (240ml) of warm water. If you are using active dry yeast, you will need 1 packet or 2.5 teaspoons.

In terms of tools, you will need:

• A mixing bowl
• A spatula or wooden spoon
• Greaseproof paper
• A damp tea towel or an upturned mixing bowl
• A sharp knife
• A 6-by-3-inch or 7-inch cake pan or a deep cake tin that fits easily into your air fryer
• A wire rack
• (Optional) A food thermometer or skewer

Shaping the dough

Once the dough has risen, use a sharp knife to score the top of the dough. This will make your bread look prettier and prevent it from cracking. You can slice the top of the dough in a cross or with two or three lines, but be careful not to cut too deep—less than 1 cm deep is ideal.

If you are using a cake pan, you can place the shaped dough in a greased pan and loosely cover it to let it rise for about 30 minutes. If you are cooking the bread directly in the air fryer basket, you can do the second rise in the basket on top of greaseproof paper.

After the dough has risen for the second time, you will need to carefully transfer it to the air fryer. Be gentle and slide the dough into the basket to prevent mishaping it.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the bread-making process. Here is a detailed guide to ensure you get it right:

Firstly, it is important to ensure your air fryer is clean and dry before preheating. Any residual food or moisture can impact the performance of the appliance and the quality of your bread. Once you are satisfied that your air fryer is ready, close the lid to contain the heat effectively during the preheating process.

Next, you will need to preheat your air fryer to the correct temperature. The ideal temperature for preheating your air fryer for bread is 400°F (200°C). This temperature will ensure your bread cooks evenly and efficiently. Set your air fryer to this temperature and allow it to preheat for at least five minutes. This timing is important to ensure the appliance reaches the desired temperature and maintains a consistent heat for cooking.

While the air fryer preheats, you can prepare your dough by scoring the top with a knife. This step is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, as it prevents the bread from cracking. You can also brush the sides of the dough with a small amount of melted butter to prevent sticking.

Once the preheating cycle is complete, your air fryer is ready for baking. Open the lid and carefully place your prepared dough inside, ensuring it is centred and secure. Close the lid again, and your bread will begin cooking.

Remember, preheating your air fryer is a critical step in achieving the perfect loaf of bread. By following these steps, you will ensure your appliance is ready for the cooking process, and your bread will benefit from consistent and even heat distribution.

Baking the bread

Baking bread in an air fryer is an efficient way to achieve a freshly baked loaf. The process is similar to baking bread in an oven, but with a few key differences. Firstly, gather your ingredients: flour, yeast, salt, and water are essential, but you can also add sugar and butter for enhanced flavour.

Begin by combining your ingredients in a mixing bowl. You can do this by hand with a wooden spoon or plastic spatula, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Once your dough is combined, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. This can be done by hand or with a kitchen machine. The kneading process is important, as it activates the gluten in the flour, giving the bread its structure. After kneading, let the dough rest in a warm area for up to 30 minutes to allow the yeast to work and help the bread rise properly.

Next, shape your dough into a ball and place it on greaseproof paper. Cover with a damp tea towel or an upturned mixing bowl, or let the dough rise directly in the air fryer basket. Leave the dough to rise for 30 minutes to an hour, until it has doubled in size. Once risen, use a sharp knife to score the top of the dough, then brush the sides with melted butter to prevent sticking.

Now, you are ready to bake your bread in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for five minutes. Place the dough in the air fryer, either in a greased pan or directly in the basket, and cook for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Then, lower the heat to 350°F (180°C) and continue to bake for 25-30 minutes. The bread is ready when the crust is golden brown and the underside sounds hollow when tapped. If the bottom is still doughy, place the loaf back in the air fryer for 5-10 minutes to bake evenly. Finally, remove the bread from the air fryer and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Storing the bread

If you want to store the bread for longer, freezing is a great option. Slice the bread and freeze it. You can then toast slices straight from frozen as and when you need them. Bread can be frozen for up to six to eight months.

If you want to defrost frozen bread, the air fryer is a quick and efficient method. Set the air fryer to a temperature of around 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes. Place the frozen bread slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Set the timer for two to five minutes, depending on the thickness of the bread. Keep an eye on the bread and flip the slices halfway through to ensure even defrosting. Once defrosted, you can toast it, make sandwiches, or use it for any other recipe.

Frequently asked questions