Emilie Meyer
Air fryers are a great way to cook fried bread – it's quick, easy, and healthier than traditional frying methods. You can use any type of bread, from cheap white sliced bread to gluten-free bread, and sourdough to whole wheat. The key is to brush both sides of the bread with oil or butter, add seasonings, and then cook in the air fryer for around 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown. You can serve air-fried bread with a full English breakfast, or as a side for dinner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread type | Cheap white sliced bread, medium or thick sliced; gluten-free, whole grain, sourdough, rye, whole wheat |
| Oil | Olive oil, butter, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, or melted butter |
| Seasoning | Salt, black pepper, cinnamon, sugar, garlic salt, cheese, chilli flakes |
| Temperature | 200C |
| Timing | 4-5 minutes, flip, then another 4-5 minutes |
| Colour | Golden brown |
| Texture | Crispy |
| Clean-up | Easy |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking methods
Air-fried bread is a quick, easy, and delicious breakfast option. It is a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried bread and produces the same delightful crispiness and golden-brown colour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook fried bread in an air fryer:
Preparation:
Firstly, decide on the type of bread you want to use. You can use cheap white sliced bread, with medium or thick slices. Thick slices are better as thin slices do not have enough body to soak up the fat and get crispy. You can also use gluten-free bread, whole grain bread, sourdough, rye, or whole wheat.
Brushing the Bread:
Brush each slice of bread lightly with olive oil, melted butter, or any other oil of your choice, such as rapeseed or sunflower oil. Make sure to cover both sides of the bread. You can also season the bread with a pinch of salt and black pepper, or other seasonings like cheese, chilli flakes, or cinnamon for a sweet version.
Cooking the Bread:
Place the bread in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius and cook for about 4-5 minutes. Then, use silicone tongs to flip the bread over and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of golden brown.
Serving:
Remove the bread from the air fryer using silicone tongs and let it cool for a minute before serving. Serve it hot with your favourite breakfast items or alongside dinners like chilli con carne or chicken soup.
You can also cook the bread simultaneously with other breakfast items like sausages or bacon, allowing the fat from the meat to drip onto the bread and give it extra flavour. Alternatively, cook the bread on its own using meat drippings or oil/butter, spreading it onto both sides of the bread before placing it in the air fryer.
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Bread types
There are a plethora of bread types that can be cooked in an air fryer to make fried bread. Fried bread is best served hot and crispy, so the type of bread you choose should be able to withstand the heat and have a suitable texture.
White bread is a common choice for fried bread due to its mild flavour and light colour. Medium or thick slices are recommended as thin slices may not have enough body to soak up the fat and get crispy, while extra-thick slices may not cook evenly.
Wholewheat or wholemeal bread is a nutritious option, made from flour that uses the entire grain. It has a deeper, nutty flavour and a denser, chewier texture than white bread. This type of bread may also be a good choice for fried bread, especially if you prefer a heartier texture and a slightly healthier option.
Sourdough bread is another option, known for its long fermentation process using natural yeasts, resulting in a tangy flavour, crisp exterior, and fluffy interior. Sourdough contains less gluten than other breads, which contributes to its unique texture and taste.
Gluten-free bread can also be used to make fried bread in an air fryer. However, keep in mind that gluten-free bread slices may be smaller, so you might need to adjust the cooking time or use new slices.
Other types of bread you can experiment with include rye bread, multigrain bread, and even fancier breads like Parisian Pave or pretzels. Just keep in mind that the cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted depending on the type of bread you choose.
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Oil types
Air frying is a healthy cooking technique that uses less oil than almost any other method. When frying bread in an air fryer, you can use meat drippings or oil/butter. The oil keeps the bread from sticking to the basket or racks in your fryer. It also helps the bread retain moisture and build up a crispy crust.
There are several types of oil that can be used in an air fryer. Avocado oil is a good option as it has a high smoke point, a neutral flavour, and is rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Olive oil is another popular choice, but it should be noted that refined olive oil, also known as light or extra light olive oil, has a higher smoke point than extra virgin olive oil. Therefore, it is recommended to use a refined olive oil in an air fryer. Additionally, when cooking at temperatures of 375 degrees Fahrenheit or below, olive oil is a suitable option.
Other oils that can be used in an air fryer include rapeseed oil and sunflower oil. It is important to choose an oil with a smoke point higher than the temperature you are cooking at. To facilitate even oil distribution, you can use a refillable oil sprayer or mister, or simply brush the oil onto the bread with a pastry brush.
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Seasonings
You can sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper over the bread before placing it in the air fryer. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try adding a sprinkle of cheese, some chilli flakes, or even a dash of cinnamon for a sweet version. Cinnamon and sugar are a classic combination for a sweet treat, reminiscent of fried dough or "elephant ears" at a fairground.
If you're looking for a savoury option, you can brush the bread with olive oil and garlic salt. You can also try using different types of bread, such as sourdough, rye, or whole wheat, to add variety to your air-fried bread creations.
For a more indulgent option, you can brush the bread with melted butter before adding your chosen seasonings. This will add a rich, buttery flavour to your fried bread. You can also experiment with different oils, such as rapeseed or sunflower oil, to impart a subtle flavour to the bread.
When it comes to seasoning, the possibilities are endless. You can even try combining multiple seasonings to create unique flavour profiles. For example, you could try a combination of garlic salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of cheese for a savoury, spicy kick.
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Serving suggestions
Air-fried bread is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
Breakfast
Air-fried bread is a perfect addition to your breakfast plate. It can be served alongside a full English breakfast, including bacon, sausages, and eggs. The fat from the cooking meat can be used to baste the bread, adding extra flavour. Alternatively, you can simply brush the bread with olive oil, butter, or another oil of your choice, and cook it in the air fryer. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Dinner
Air-fried bread is not just for breakfast; it can also be served as a side dish with dinner. For a savoury option, brush the bread with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt before air frying. This combination goes well with dishes like ground beef chilli con carne or chicken soup.
Sweet Treat
For a sweet treat, brush the air-fried bread with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. This variation can be served as a dessert or even as a breakfast treat, bringing a touch of sweetness to your morning meal.
Gluten-Free Option
Air-fried bread can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. This option allows those with gluten intolerances or allergies to enjoy the dish without sacrificing taste or texture.
Different Bread Types
Feel free to experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough, rye, whole wheat, or even gluten-free options. Each type of bread will impart its unique flavour and texture to the final dish.
No matter how you serve it, air-fried bread is a quick, easy, and delicious addition to any meal. Get creative and find your favourite combinations!
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Frequently asked questions
Brush both sides of a slice of bread with olive oil, butter, rapeseed oil, or sunflower oil. You can also add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Place the bread in the air fryer basket and cook at 200°C for 4-5 minutes. Flip the bread over after 2-3 minutes.
It takes 4-5 minutes to cook fried bread in an air fryer.
Cheap white sliced bread is recommended. Medium-sliced is good, but thick-sliced is better. Thin slices do not have enough body to soak up the fat and get crispy, while extra-thick slices will not get crispy in the middle and will require too much fat. You can also use gluten-free bread, whole grain bread, or low-carb bread.
You can serve fried bread with a full English breakfast, including bacon and sausages. You can also serve it with dinner, such as ground beef chilli con carne or chicken soup.
