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

Making bread in an air fryer is an easy, economical, and quick way to bake a loaf. With only four staple ingredients, you can make a simple, soft, and fluffy loaf of bread with a golden crust. The air fryer is also a cheaper alternative to using an oven. The process is simple: mix the ingredients, knead the dough, let it rise, and then bake in the air fryer. The result is a delicious, fresh loaf of bread.

Air fryer bread ingredients

Air fryer bread is easy to make and requires only a few basic ingredients. Here is a detailed list of the ingredients you will need to make delicious, fluffy air fryer bread with a golden crust:

• Flour – You can use all-purpose flour or bread flour for this recipe. If you prefer, you can also use whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that your bread will have a denser texture. The amount of flour you need will depend on the size of your loaf, but typically, you will need around 2 to 3 cups of flour.
• Yeast – This is an essential ingredient in bread-making as it helps the dough rise and gives the bread a light and airy texture. You can use instant yeast or active dry yeast. Rapid rise yeast is also a good option if you want your bread to rise quickly. The amount of yeast you need will vary depending on the type of yeast and the size of your loaf, but typically, you will need around 1 to 2 teaspoons.
• Liquid – Water is the most common liquid used in bread-making, and it is crucial for activating the yeast and forming the dough. You can also use milk or a combination of water and milk. Make sure the liquid is warm, not hot, as this is the ideal temperature for activating the yeast. You will need around 1 cup of liquid.
• Salt – Salt is important for enhancing the flavour of the bread and balancing the sweetness of the yeast. It also strengthens the gluten in the dough, affecting the texture of the bread. You can adjust the amount of salt to your taste, but typically, you will need around 1 to 2 teaspoons.
• Fat – Adding fat to your bread, such as butter, ghee, or oil, will give it a softer texture and improve its flavour. You can use melted butter or clarified butter (ghee) for this recipe. You will need around 2 tablespoons of fat.
• Sweetener – A small amount of sugar or another sweetener can be added to the dough to balance the flavours and feed the yeast. You can use granulated sugar, honey, or another sweetener of your choice. The amount of sweetener used is typically small, around 1 to 2 tablespoons.
• Eggs – Although not always necessary, eggs can be used to add richness and structure to your bread. They also contribute to a golden crust. If using eggs, you will need one or two, depending on the size of your loaf.
• Add-ins – You can customise your air fryer bread by adding various herbs, spices, or other ingredients. For example, you might add rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to your dough for extra flavour. You can also sprinkle toppings on your bread before baking, such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or dried herbs.

Remember to adjust the measurements based on the size of the loaf you want to make. Additionally, always read through the recipe you are following for specific instructions and variations.

Air fryer bread recipe

Ingredients:

All you need is four basic ingredients: flour, yeast, salt, and water. You can also add sugar and a little melted butter to enhance the flavor.

Method:

Step 1: Combine the butter, yeast, sugar, salt, and water in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour. Once all the flour is added, knead on medium speed for 8 minutes.

Step 2: Transfer the dough to a prepared pan, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 3: Place the pan with the dough in an air fryer set to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook until the bread is dark brown and the internal temperature reaches 200 degrees Fahrenheit, about 20 minutes.

Step 4: Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Tips:

• When measuring flour, use a dry measuring cup and level off any excess. Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.
• If you want to make a whole grain bread, substitute the flour with whole wheat flour.
• To check if your bread is cooked on the inside, tap on the bottom. If it sounds hollow, it should be done.
• For a softer crust, brush the bread with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the air fryer.
• The best way to store bread is to slice it and freeze it. You can then toast slices straight from the freezer as needed.

Enjoy your freshly baked air fryer bread!

Air fryer bread proofing

To proof bread dough in an air fryer, first, lightly oil the inside of the air fryer basket or line it with parchment paper. Then, place the dough in the basket, ensuring it is well-covered with plastic wrap or foil, or a clean kitchen towel. Set the air fryer to proofing mode at the desired temperature, usually around 90°F, and let the dough rise for 30 minutes to an hour, or until it has doubled in size.

If your air fryer does not have a proofing function, you can still create a warm environment for the dough to rise. Place a cup of very hot water inside the air fryer along with the covered dough. Close the door to maintain the warmth, and the steam from the water will help the dough rise.

Once the dough has risen, you can cook it in the air fryer to transform it into a soft loaf with a crisp exterior.

Air fryer bread baking

Ingredients:

• Flour (all-purpose or bread flour)
• Yeast (active dry yeast or instant yeast)
• Salt
• Water (room temperature or lukewarm)
• Optional: sugar, butter, milk, eggs

Method:

• Combine the dry ingredients (flour, yeast, salt) in a mixing bowl. You can also add sugar to enhance the flavor.
• Add water and melted butter (if using) to the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
• Let the dough rise in a covered bowl on the counter or in an unheated oven for 2-3 hours, until it doubles in size.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F.
• Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a springform pan or cake pan lined with parchment paper. You can also grease the pan with butter or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
• Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the dough rise again until it doubles in size.
• Brush the top of the dough with an egg wash (optional) to help achieve a golden crust.
• Place the pan in the air fryer and bake at 320-400°F for 15-20 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
• Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a rack for a few minutes before slicing.

Tips:

• If using active dry yeast, the dough may take longer to rise (15-30 minutes more) compared to instant yeast.
• To check if your bread is baked through, tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it's done. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be around 190-200°F.
• To prevent moisture and mold, let the bread cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
• Air fryer bread can be stored at room temperature for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Air fryer bread storage

Air fryer bread should be cooled completely before storing to prevent moisture in the bread, which can cause mould or sogginess. It should be stored in an airtight container to preserve its freshness. It can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator to extend its freshness for a few more days. For longer storage, it can be wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, allow the bread to thaw at room temperature while still wrapped to retain moisture. For reheating, slices or small loaves can be placed in the air fryer set to 300°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and with a slightly crisp crust.

Frequently asked questions