Air-Fried Zucchini Bread: A Quick, Easy Treat

Making zucchini bread in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and tasty way to bake without heating up your kitchen. The bread comes out fluffy, with a slightly crispy outside, and is moist and tender. It's a great breakfast or dessert option and is perfect for summer. You can also add your own twist to the recipe by including chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.

Choosing the right pan

• Size: The most important consideration is ensuring the pan fits into your air fryer. Measure the dimensions of your air fryer basket before selecting a pan. You may need to opt for mini loaf pans or a mini bundt pan to fit inside your air fryer. If you plan to bake multiple loaves at once, ensure that your air fryer can accommodate two mini pans side by side.
• Material: Opt for a pan made of a material that conducts heat well, such as metal. Avoid glass or ceramic pans, as they may not produce the best results.
• Non-stick coating: Look for a pan with a non-stick coating or a pan that you can generously grease to prevent sticking. This will ensure your zucchini bread releases easily from the pan and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Disposable options: If you're looking for easy cleanup, consider using disposable mini loaf pans. These are great for gifting zucchini bread during the holidays or for quick and convenient baking.
• Shape: While traditional zucchini bread is baked in a loaf pan, some bakers have found that mini loaf pans or even a mini bundt pan work better in an air fryer. The shape and size of the pan can impact how evenly your bread bakes, so it's worth experimenting with different options.
• Preparation: Before using your chosen pan, prepare it according to the recipe instructions. This may include greasing the pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, lining it with parchment paper, or spraying it with a non-stick coating. Ensure your pan is prepared correctly to prevent sticking and ensure easy release of your zucchini bread.

Remember, the key to successful zucchini bread in an air fryer is ensuring your pan fits properly and that it is prepared correctly. By choosing the right pan and following the recipe instructions, you'll be well on your way to delicious, perfectly baked zucchini bread.

Preparing the zucchini

Firstly, wash the zucchini thoroughly under cool water. There is no need to peel the zucchini, but ensure it is cleaned well. You can use a vegetable brush to gently scrub the surface if desired.

Next, grate the zucchini. You can use a box grater or a food processor with a shredding disc for this step. If using a box grater, simply run the zucchini over the largest holes to create shreds. If using a food processor, cut the zucchini into large chunks first, then process until shredded.

Once grated, spread the zucchini shreds onto a layer of paper towels. This step is crucial to removing excess moisture, which can affect the texture of your zucchini bread. Leave the zucchini to drain for around 20 minutes.

After draining, gently squeeze the paper towels into a roll to absorb even more moisture from the zucchini. This step ensures that your zucchini bread will be moist but fluffy, and it bakes evenly.

Now your zucchini is ready to be used in your bread batter. Gently fold the zucchini into your batter, taking care not to overmix.

You can also measure and shred your zucchini in advance, storing it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake. This can be a convenient option if you are short on time when preparing the rest of the ingredients.

Mixing the batter

To make the batter for zucchini bread in an air fryer, you'll need to mix together a variety of wet and dry ingredients. The exact quantities and ingredients may vary depending on the recipe you are following, but here is a general guide on how to mix the batter:

First, prepare your dry ingredients. In a small bowl, combine and mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and any other spices or flavourings you wish to add. You can also add in chocolate chips or nuts at this stage if you prefer a chunkier bread. Mix together until everything is well combined.

In a separate, larger bowl, combine the wet ingredients. This includes eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are smooth and well incorporated. You can also add melted butter to this mixture if your recipe calls for it.

Now it's time to combine the wet and dry mixtures. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the larger bowl of wet ingredients, mixing as you go, until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.

Finally, gently fold in the star ingredient – the zucchini! The zucchini should be grated or shredded, and it's important to ensure that it is well-drained and dry before adding it to the batter. You can also add in any nuts or dried fruit at this stage if you haven't already added them.

Your zucchini bread batter is now ready to be poured into your prepared baking pan and placed in the air fryer!

Baking the bread

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

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Baking Pan

Before you start baking, ensure your air fryer is switched on and preheated to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to 310-320 degrees Fahrenheit.

Next, prepare your baking pan. You can use a springform pan or any pan that fits into your air fryer. Spray the pan generously with non-stick cooking spray, or grease it with butter or shortening. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Pour the Batter into the Pan

Once your air fryer is preheated and your pan is prepared, it's time to pour the zucchini bread batter into the pan. Divide the batter evenly if you're making multiple mini loaves.

Step 3: Bake the Bread

Place the pan into the air fryer basket and set the timer. The baking time will vary depending on the size of your loaf, but most recipes recommend baking for around 30-35 minutes for a single loaf or 20-25 minutes for mini loaves.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

After the initial baking time, check to see if your zucchini bread is done by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If the toothpick comes out clean, your bread is ready. If not, put it back into the air fryer and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking regularly to avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Cool the Bread

Once your zucchini bread is baked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool. Leave the bread in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack or plate to cool completely.

Tips for Success:

• Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Don't overfill your pans; leave some space for the bread to rise.
• If making multiple loaves, bake them in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid opening the air fryer frequently during baking, as this can affect the temperature and cooking time.
• Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for the best texture and taste.

Your zucchini bread is now ready to serve! Enjoy it as is, or spread with butter, cream cheese, or yogurt. You can also top it with a frosting of your choice for an extra indulgent treat.

Storing and reheating the bread

Storing and reheating zucchini bread is simple. To store zucchini bread, wait for it to cool to room temperature, then wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to four days at room temperature or longer if refrigerated. You can also freeze zucchini bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a zip-top freezer bag. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to four months.

To reheat zucchini bread from room temperature, you can use a microwave or an oven. For the microwave, heat the bread for about a minute at medium power. For the oven, heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3-5 minutes. If you are reheating from frozen, allow the bread to thaw at room temperature first, and then reheat.

Frequently asked questions