Air-Fried Bread: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

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 loaf of soft white bread with a golden crust and a light and fluffy interior. The air fryer is also a cheaper alternative to using an oven, and the bread will be ready in no time!

Choosing the right flour

Types of Flour

The most commonly used flour for making air-fried bread is all-purpose flour. It is a versatile flour that can be used in various recipes, including bread, cakes, cookies, and pastries. All-purpose flour has a moderate protein content, typically between 9-12%, which contributes to the formation of gluten, providing structure and elasticity to the dough. This gluten development is crucial for achieving a soft and airy texture in your bread.

Alternatively, you can also use whole wheat flour if you prefer a denser and more nutritious option. Whole wheat flour is made from ground whole wheat grains, including the bran, germ, and endosperm. It has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, usually ranging from 12-14%. The higher protein content results in a denser and chewier bread with a darker colour. If you decide to use whole wheat flour, you may need to adjust the amount of water in your recipe, as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.

Flour Measurement

When measuring flour, it is important to use the correct technique to ensure accuracy. Instead of scooping the flour directly from the bag or container, use a spoon to lightly fill the measuring cup, and then level it off with a knife or a straight edge. This method helps prevent compacting the flour, which can result in dry and tough bread.

Flour Preparation

Before adding flour to your bread dough, it is advisable to aerate it by stirring or whisking it gently. This step ensures that the flour is well-oxygenated and helps create a lighter and fluffier texture in your final product.

Flour and Yeast Ratio

The ratio of flour to yeast is crucial in determining the success of your air-fried bread. Using too much yeast can result in an overpowering yeast flavour and an overly dense texture. On the other hand, using too little yeast can lead to a slow rise and a flat, dense loaf. A general rule of thumb is to use about 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast or 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast per 3 cups of flour. However, it's important to follow the specific measurements provided in your chosen recipe.

Storage

Storing flour properly is essential to ensure its freshness and longevity. It is best to keep flour in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet. Avoid exposing the flour to moisture, as it can cause clumping and affect the bread's texture. Additionally, transferring flour from its original packaging to an airtight container can help extend its shelf life.

Preparing the dough

To make bread in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients: flour, yeast, salt, and water. You can also add sugar and butter to enhance the flavor.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir to mix the dry ingredients. Then, pour in the water and melted butter. Mix everything together with a spoon or a dough hook until there are no dry streaks of flour and you have a sticky, shaggy dough.

If you have time, you can do a couple of "stretch and folds" after the dough has rested for 15 minutes. Grease your hands with a little oil and stretch one corner of the dough from the underside over to the middle. Turn the bowl and repeat this action a few times.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This should take about 1 to 2 hours.

Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. Gently stretch and shape the dough into a rectangular shape. Then, fold the top towards the middle and the bottom over that, as you would fold a letter to fit in an envelope.

Turn the dough sideways and fold it into a roll. Use your hands to shape the dough into a ball, also known as a "boule." Dust the dough and your hands with flour as needed to prevent sticking.

Rising the dough

Firstly, cover the bowl of dough with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. It is essential to let the dough rise in a warm environment, so place it in a warm spot in your kitchen or inside your oven (unheated) to prove. You can also put it in a turned-off microwave to prove. Leave the dough to rise for about an hour until it has doubled in size. This process is known as the "first rise" or "first proof".

After an hour, the dough should have doubled in volume. Now, it's time to shape the dough. Dust your work surface with flour and gently stretch the dough into a rectangular shape. Imagine you are folding a letter into an envelope; fold the top of the rectangle towards the middle, and then fold the bottom over that. Turn the dough sideways and fold it into a roll. Finally, shape the dough into a ball, also known as a "boule", dusting with flour as needed.

Once you have shaped the dough into a ball, it's time for the "second rise" or "second proof". Place the dough ball into a greased cake pan or baking dish that fits into your air fryer. Loosely cover the pan with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes to an hour. This second rise will give the dough its final shape and allow it to develop a lighter texture.

During the second rise, preheat your air fryer to the required temperature, usually around 380-400°F (190-200°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your bread will cook evenly once you put it in the air fryer. After preheating, carefully remove the plastic wrap or towel from the dough, and your dough is now ready for baking.

Shaping the dough

First, lightly dust your hands and work surface with flour. This will prevent the dough from sticking to your hands and the surface as you shape it. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface.

Gently stretch and pat the dough into a rough rectangle shape. Imagine you are going to fold a letter; take the top edge of the rectangle and fold it towards the centre, then take the bottom edge and fold it up to meet the top edge. Now you should have a strip of dough in front of you.

Turn the strip of dough sideways so that the folded edges are on your left and right. Starting from the edge closest to you, gently roll the dough towards the other end, forming a log shape. Use your hands to gently shape the log into more of a ball, tucking any loose ends underneath. This shape is also known as a 'boule'. If the dough is sticky, dust it and your hands with a little more flour.

Place your shaped dough into a greased cake tin or bowl, cover it, and leave it to rise for 30 minutes to an hour. You can also place the dough in the fridge to rise slowly overnight if you are preparing it in advance.

Once the dough has risen, carefully transfer it to your preheated air fryer, following the instructions for your chosen recipe.

Remember, shaping bread dough takes practice, so don't worry if it doesn't look perfect the first time!

Baking the bread

Now that your dough is ready, it's time to bake your bread in the air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes. This step is crucial as it ensures your bread cooks evenly. Place an air fryer-safe baking dish, such as a 6-inch to 8-inch round pan, inside the basket during preheating. The size of the pan will depend on the capacity of your air fryer.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

While the air fryer is preheating, it's time to shape your dough. Lightly flour your hands and sprinkle a bit of flour over the dough. Gently remove the dough from the bowl and shape it into a ball. Place the dough ball on a piece of parchment paper, which will make it easier to transfer later. Cover the dough with a dry, clean kitchen towel and let it rest until the air fryer is preheated.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully remove the pan. Now, lift the dough along with the parchment paper and place it into the pan. If you're not using parchment paper, you can lightly grease the pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

At this stage, you can also score the top of the dough with a sharp knife. This step is optional but can make your bread look prettier and prevent it from cracking as it bakes.

Step 4: Cover with Foil and Bake

Carefully cover the pan with aluminium foil, ensuring the edges are tightly sealed. This step is important as it helps trap the steam inside, creating a hot and steamy environment for the bread to rise and cook evenly. Place the covered pan back into the air fryer basket and close the lid.

Bake the bread for about 20 minutes. The exact timing may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Uncover and Continue Baking

After the initial 20 minutes, open the air fryer basket and carefully remove the foil. This step allows the bread to finish baking and achieve that beautiful golden brown crust. Close the basket and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Your bread is likely done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be about 200°F (over 95°C) when done. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it with foil again to prevent burning.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once your bread is baked to perfection, carefully remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool. Slicing into the bread too soon can affect its texture, so it's best to let it cool completely before slicing and serving.

Congratulations! You've successfully baked bread in your air fryer. Enjoy the delicious aroma and taste of freshly baked bread, and feel free to top it with butter, jam, or any other spread of your choice.

Frequently asked questions