Why I Love This Recipe
Making Air Fryer Bread is surprisingly simple and quick, offering an easy way to enjoy freshly baked bread without the need for a conventional oven. This recipe creates a loaf that’s soft and fluffy on the inside, with a beautifully golden, crisp crust on the outside. The best part? You can have this delicious bread ready in just about 30 minutes! Perfect for beginners or anyone short on time but craving homemade bread. Whether you’re pairing it with soups, sandwiches, or enjoying it with a spread of butter, this air fryer bread will quickly become a favorite. Plus, it’s easy to customize – try adding herbs, garlic, or cheese for extra flavor.
Air Fryer Bread
Yields: 8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup warm water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg, whisked
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the yeast and warm water. Let it sit for about 3 to 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy and active.
2. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Once the yeast is ready, add the flour, sugar, milk, butter, and salt to the bowl. Gently fold everything together until well combined. The dough should have a slightly flaky texture at this stage.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten, making the bread soft and airy.
4. Shape and Rest:
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it into the air fryer basket. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
5. Brush with Egg Wash:
- Once the dough has risen, brush the top of the loaf with the egg wash to give it a golden, glossy finish when baked.
6. Air Fry:
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the dough into the basket and air fry for 8 to 10 minutes until the top is golden brown. If your air fryer runs cooler, you may need to add 1-2 extra minutes for the bread to fully cook and get golden.
7. Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the bread from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy it warm for the best flavor and texture!
Tips & Tricks
- Yeast Activation: Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast. Hot water can kill the yeast, preventing the bread from rising.
- Dough Resting: For a fluffier loaf, make sure to allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size. The air fryer does the hard work, but the dough needs this time to expand and create air pockets.
- Egg Wash: The egg wash is key to getting that golden, glossy finish. Don’t skip this step if you want a professional-looking loaf!
- Add-ins: For extra flavor, try mixing in garlic, rosemary, or cheese into the dough before resting. You can also sprinkle some herbs or seeds on top after brushing with the egg wash.
- Air Fryer Variations: Cooking times can vary between air fryer models. Keep an eye on your bread as it cooks, and add an extra 1-2 minutes if necessary to achieve that perfect golden top.
Notes
- Flour Alternatives: For a gluten-free version, you can try almond flour or gluten-free flour blends, though the texture may vary slightly.
- Resting Time: If you’re in a hurry, you can reduce the resting time slightly, but for the best results, let the dough rise until it’s doubled in size to get a fluffy texture.
- Shape: You can experiment with different loaf shapes. This recipe can be made into round, oval, or even mini loaves depending on your air fryer basket size.
FAQs
1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes! Active dry yeast works just as well in this recipe. Just make sure to activate it in warm water before using it in the dough.
2. What if I don’t have a 9-inch air fryer basket?
No problem! You can shape the dough into a round or oval shape, just ensure it fits comfortably in your air fryer basket without touching the sides. If it’s a smaller basket, you may need to make a smaller loaf.
3. Can I freeze this bread?
Yes! If you have leftovers or want to make a double batch, you can freeze the bread after it’s cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply air fry it for a few minutes to restore its golden crust.
4. Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
While this recipe is designed for the air fryer, you can bake it in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the top is golden and the bread is cooked through.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature.
- Freezing: To store the bread longer, freeze it after it’s cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore its freshness.
This Air Fryer Bread is a game-changer for anyone who loves freshly baked bread but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a warm, homemade loaf ready in no time. Whether you’re serving it with soup, sandwiches, or as a snack, this bread will definitely impress
