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

Air fryers are a great way to make fried bread. It's quick, easy, and healthier than traditional deep frying. You can use any type of bread and experiment with different oils and seasonings to find your favourite combination. The air fryer circulates hot air around the bread, ensuring even cooking and a uniform crispy texture. Here are the steps to make fried bread in an air fryer:

- Brush both sides of the bread with oil or melted butter.

- Add seasonings like garlic powder, mixed herbs, or a pinch of salt (optional).

- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) if necessary.

- Place the bread in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

- Cook for about 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes, aiming for a golden brown colour.

- Remove the bread from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute before serving.

Oil the bread

Oiling the bread is a crucial step in making fried bread in an air fryer. It ensures your bread achieves the desired golden brown colour and crispy texture. Here's a detailed guide on how to oil the bread:

Firstly, select an appropriate oil for brushing the bread. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, or even melted butter. If you're making dairy-free fried bread, opt for oil instead of butter.

Next, prepare a small bowl or container with the oil of your choice. If the oil is solid at room temperature, like butter, melt it before proceeding. You can do this by microwaving it for 30 seconds or until fully melted. For oils that are already liquid, warming them slightly can help with even spreading.

Now, it's time to brush the oil onto the bread. Using a pastry brush, coat both sides of each slice of bread evenly with oil. Be generous, but don't soak the bread too much, as you want a consistent coating. You can also add a pinch of salt and black pepper to the oil for extra flavour, if desired.

If you're using butter, simply butter both sides of the bread slices as you would for making regular toast.

Once all the slices are oiled, they're ready to be placed in the air fryer. Remember to follow the rest of the steps for making fried bread in an air fryer, including preheating the air fryer if necessary, cooking the bread at the recommended temperature and time, and flipping the bread halfway through for even cooking. Enjoy your delicious, crispy fried bread!

Air fry the bread

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to air fry the bread! Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Air-Frying the Bread:

Firstly, if your air fryer requires pre-heating, go ahead and set it accordingly. Most air fryers have specific pre-heat settings, so refer to your model's instructions.

Next, prepare your bread slices. For a full English breakfast, cut 2 slices of thick white bread in half diagonally. This shape fits neatly into the air fryer, especially if you have a square basket. You can leave the bread whole if you prefer, or if you're making more than one slice, adjust the quantities as needed.

Now, it's time to add some fat. Measure approximately 3 tablespoons of fat into a small bowl. You can use vegetable oil, butter, or meat drippings like bacon grease. If you're using solid fat, like butter or drippings, melt it in the microwave for 30 seconds or until fully melted. Even if you're using liquid oil, warming it slightly will help it spread more easily.

Brush the fat onto both sides of your bread slices. Use a pastry brush to ensure an even coating, and don't be shy; use up all the fat. This step is essential for achieving that golden, crispy texture.

Once your bread is prepared, carefully place the slices into the air fryer basket. You may need to arrange them in a jigsaw-like pattern to make them fit, and a slight overlap is fine.

Now, set your air fryer to 200°C (around 390°F) and cook the bread for 4 minutes. Then, use tongs to carefully flip each slice, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Air-Frying with Sausages or Bacon:

If you're cooking sausages or bacon alongside your fried bread, there's a slightly different method to try.

First, cook your sausages or bacon for most of their cooking time, removing them from the air fryer about 4 minutes before they're done. Take out the grill rack and place your bread slices directly into the bottom of the basket, allowing them to soak up the delicious fat. Turn the slices over to coat both sides.

Return the grill rack to the air fryer and place the sausages or bacon back on top. Continue cooking for about 4 minutes, or until the meat is cooked to your liking.

Finally, remove the meat and rack. Place the rack back on top of the bread and cook for another 4 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.

And that's it! Your air-fried bread is ready to be enjoyed. This method gives you perfectly golden and tasty fried bread, with minimal mess and oil.

Feel free to experiment with different types of bread, seasonings, and toppings to make it your own. Enjoy!

Serve the air-fried bread

Now that your bread is air-fried to perfection, it's time to serve it! Here are some tips and suggestions to make the most of your delicious creation:

Serving Suggestions:

• Air-fried bread is best served hot and fresh out of the air fryer. Cold fried bread tends to lose its appeal.
• If you have any leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for a day or two. Make sure to wrap them well to prevent the bread from absorbing fridge odours.
• For longer storage, consider freezing your air-fried bread. Wrap the slices individually and store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, simply pop the bread back into the air fryer until it's piping hot. This should take around 3 minutes for fresh bread and 5 minutes for frozen.

Serving Ideas:

• For a classic English breakfast: Serve your air-fried bread alongside bacon, sausages, eggs, and beans. It's a hearty and satisfying way to start your day.
• Avocado Toast: Smash some avocado on top of your air-fried bread, add a squeeze of lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. For an extra kick, sprinkle some chilli flakes.
• Sweet Treats: For a sweet twist, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the warm bread, or spread some Nutella, jam, or honey. You can also top it with sliced fruits, a dollop of yogurt, or a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Savoury Delights: Melt some cheese over the bread and add ham or bacon for a savoury snack. You can also serve it on the side with a fresh green salad, providing a crispy contrast to the freshness of the salad.
• Dips and Spreads: Cut your air-fried bread into strips or cubes and use them as dippers for hummus, salsa, guacamole, or any other dip of your choice.
• Soup Companion: Air-fried bread goes well with soups and stews. Dip it into the broth for a tasty and satisfying bite.
• Breakfast Buddies: Top your air-fried bread with poached or scrambled eggs, or spread some peanut butter and add sliced bananas for a filling breakfast.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings and pairings! The possibilities are endless with air-fried bread.

Experiment with flavours

Now, this is where things get really fun. You can experiment with so many different flavours when making fried bread in an air fryer.

If you're feeling adventurous, try adding herbs, cheese, or other flavourings to your dough. Go wild with different seeds, herbs, or even cheese in the dough for endless flavour combinations. You can also get creative with seasonings—try garlic powder, mixed herbs, or a pinch of salt. If you're feeling spicy, add some chilli flakes or sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top for a sweet version.

If you're making garlic bread, spread a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and grated cheese on the bread slices before air frying. For an herb-infused bread, brush the slices with olive oil and sprinkle with a mixture of dried herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme. If you like your food hot, add sliced jalapenos or chilli flakes to the bread before air frying for a spicy kick. For a sweet treat, brush the bread with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, air frying until golden brown and crispy.

There are so many ways to experiment and get creative with your air fryer fried bread, so don't hold back!

Clean up

Clean-up is a breeze with air fryers, as most have non-stick baskets. Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean up after making fried bread in your air fryer:

Firstly, unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool down completely. This is an important safety precaution, as you don't want to risk burning yourself. Once it's cooled off, remove the basket and any other detachable parts, such as the grill rack or crisper plate. If there are any food remnants or crumbs in the air fryer, use a soft-bristled brush or a damp cloth to gently wipe them away. You can also use a mild detergent if needed, but be sure to rinse it thoroughly afterward.

Next, you'll want to focus on the basket and other removable components. Fill your sink with warm water and add a mild detergent to create a soapy solution. Submerge the basket and other parts in the water and let them soak for a while to loosen any stubborn grease or residue. Use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe them down, rinsing them afterward under running water to ensure no soap residue remains. For any particularly stubborn areas, you can use a gentle scrubbing brush, but be careful not to scratch the non-stick coating.

Once everything is clean and soap-free, dry the components thoroughly with a soft cloth or paper towel. Make sure they are completely dry before reassembling the air fryer. If desired, you can also use a food-safe disinfectant spray on the exterior of the air fryer to keep it clean and germ-free.

Finally, to maintain the longevity of your air fryer, it's important to store it properly. Ensure the air fryer is completely dry, then cover it with a lightweight cloth or store it in a clean, dry place. Keep it away from moisture and direct sunlight, as these can damage the appliance over time.

Frequently asked questions