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

Pumpkin bread is a delicious autumn staple, but using an air fryer can take it to the next level. Air fryer pumpkin bread is incredibly easy to make, cooks evenly, and results in a crispy-chewy crust. This guide will walk you through the process, from the ingredients you'll need to step-by-step instructions, so you can enjoy a warm, moist, and perfectly spiced pumpkin bread without the hassle of traditional baking.

Choosing the right type of pumpkin

When it comes to choosing the right type of pumpkin for your air fryer pumpkin bread, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to use canned pumpkin or pumpkin puree, as opposed to pumpkin pie filling, which is already sweetened and seasoned. If you are set on using fresh pumpkin, look for smaller pumpkins labelled as cooking, pie, or sugar pumpkins, which typically weigh between 4 and 8 pounds. These pumpkins will have a richer flavour compared to larger, non-sugar pumpkins, which tend to be too large for an air fryer and have watery, stringy flesh.

If you are using fresh pumpkin, you will need to prepare and cook it before adding it to your bread mixture. Start by washing the pumpkin and piercing it all over with a sharp knife. Then, microwave the pumpkin for about 10 minutes to reduce the oven-baking time. Cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp, and place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes, or until the pumpkin flesh is easily pierced with a fork. Finally, scoop out the soft flesh and puree it in a food processor or blender.

One 5-pound pumpkin should yield about 4 cups of puree, which can be frozen and used at a later date. However, if you are short on time, you can always substitute fresh pumpkin with store-bought pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin, which will still result in delicious pumpkin bread.

Preparing the ingredients

Gather Your Ingredients:

Firstly, you'll need to gather all the necessary ingredients, which typically include:

• Pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
• Vegetable oil or another neutral cooking oil
• Eggs
• Sugar (white granulated or powdered)
• Flour (all-purpose, banana, or gluten-free flour)
• Baking soda or baking powder
• Salt
• Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, ground cloves, etc.)
• Optional add-ins: dried cranberries, nuts, mini chocolate chips, etc.

Prepare Your Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Separate your ingredients into two groups: wet and dry. The wet ingredients typically include the pumpkin puree, eggs, and oil, while the dry ingredients include the flour, sugar, baking soda/powder, salt, and spices. You may also choose to add spices to your wet ingredients for extra flavour.

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the wet ingredients and mix them well until they are fully blended. You can use a whisk or a wooden spoon for this step.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate, larger bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. Use a clean, dry whisk to ensure that everything is evenly mixed. It is important to mix the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding the wet ingredients.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Create a well in the centre of your dry ingredients and slowly pour the wet ingredients into it. Use a wooden spoon to gently stir the mixtures together until everything is moistened. It's okay to have some small lumps in the batter.

Add Optional Mix-Ins:

If you want to add dried cranberries, nuts, mini chocolate chips, or other mix-ins, this is the time to do so. Gently fold them into the batter until they are evenly distributed.

Prepare Your Air Fryer and Loaf Pans:

Preheat your air fryer to 330 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. You will also need to prepare your mini loaf pans by spraying them generously with non-stick cooking spray or brushing them with oil. You can also dust the pans with flour to prevent sticking.

Now that your ingredients are ready, you can move on to the next steps of baking your delicious air fryer pumpkin bread!

Mixing the batter

To make the batter for your pumpkin bread, you'll need to mix together your wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them.

First, grab a medium-sized bowl and mix together your wet ingredients: pumpkin, eggs, and vegetable oil. Whisk these together until they're well blended.

Next, grab a larger mixing bowl and combine your dry ingredients: sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Use a clean, dry whisk to mix these together. Make sure your bowl is big enough to hold all your ingredients.

Now, make a deep well in the centre of your dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredients into it. Use a wooden spoon to combine the two mixtures. Keep mixing until all large lumps are incorporated—small lumps are okay. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this will result in dense pumpkin bread.

If you want to add any extras to your pumpkin bread, now is the time to do so. You could try adding 1/2 a cup of dried cranberries, nuts, or mini chocolate chips. Fold these into the batter gently.

Your batter is now ready to be divided between your mini loaf pans and put into the air fryer!

Baking in the air fryer

To bake in an air fryer, simply preheat the appliance to the desired temperature. You can then place your baking dish or pan inside, ensuring it fits properly with enough space for air to circulate. For best results, it's recommended to use mini loaf pans or silicone muffin cups for even cooking.

When preparing the batter, it's important to mix the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them. This ensures a smooth and lump-free batter. Additionally, avoid over-mixing the batter to prevent a dense texture.

During baking, keep an eye on your bread, as it can easily burn. If the top starts to darken, cover it with aluminium foil to slow down the cooking process.

Once your bread is baked, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool on a rack. This helps prevent overcooking and ensures a moist texture.

Air fryers are versatile and can be used for a variety of baked goods, from sweet breads and muffins to cakes and pies. They are a convenient option when you want to bake a small batch or avoid using a traditional oven, especially during the hot summer months.

Storing and serving

Once your pumpkin bread is baked, remove the loaves and set them on a cooling rack. Allow them to cool down before slicing. If you want to serve the bread warm, you can let it cool to room temperature and then reheat it before serving.

If you have any leftover bread, you can store it at room temperature for 2-3 days. Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. Alternatively, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

If you want to freeze your pumpkin bread, wrap the mini loaves in plastic wrap and then place them in a ziplock freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible without squishing the bread. The bread can be frozen for up to three months. To defrost, simply leave the bread at room temperature or pop it in the microwave.

When serving, you can dress up your pumpkin bread with a simple glaze or frosting. You can also serve it with butter, cream cheese frosting, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Frequently asked questions