Homemade Bread in Air Fryer Recipe

Introduction:

Making homemade bread in an air fryer is surprisingly easy and results in a warm, soft loaf with a crispy crust. The air fryer is perfect for smaller batches, and the cooking time is much quicker than a conventional oven. Here’s a simple recipe for homemade bread that you can prepare in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 packet (or 2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing the bread)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir well and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to go.

Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a spoon until the dough comes together.

Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as needed.

Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. If you’re short on time, you can let it rise in the air fryer at 100°F (38°C) for 20–30 minutes.

2. Shape the Dough:

Punch down the dough: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air.

Shape the loaf: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round or oval loaf, depending on the size of your air fryer basket.

Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and preheat for about 3-5 minutes.

3. Air Fry the Bread:

Grease the basket: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil or line it with parchment paper (ensure the paper doesn’t touch the heating element).

Place the dough in the basket: Gently transfer the shaped dough into the air fryer basket. If you’re making a smaller loaf, you may want to divide the dough into smaller portions so they fit comfortably.

Bake the bread: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check after 15 minutes to ensure the bread is baking evenly. The bread is done when the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Optional: Brush with milk: For a shinier crust, brush the loaf with a bit of milk or butter halfway through the baking process.

4. Cool and Serve:

Cool the bread: Remove the bread from the air fryer and let it cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Serve and enjoy: Slice and serve your freshly baked homemade bread. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as an accompaniment to soups and salads.

Tips for Success:

• Flour variations: You can experiment with different flours, such as whole wheat, for a slightly denser bread.
• Adding flavor: Mix in herbs, garlic powder, or cheese to the dough for extra flavor. You can also sprinkle the top of the loaf with sesame seeds or poppy seeds before baking.
• Baking time: Air fryer models can vary in temperature, so check the bread 5 minutes before the recommended time to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
• Air fryer size: If your air fryer is small, consider shaping smaller loaves or buns to ensure even cooking.

Benefits of Baking Bread in an Air Fryer:

• Faster than a traditional oven: The air fryer circulates hot air around the dough, cooking it faster than a conventional oven.
• Crispy crust: The air fryer produces a golden, crisp crust without drying out the inside of the bread.
• Energy-efficient: It uses less energy compared to preheating a full-sized oven, making it a more eco-friendly option.
• No need for special equipment: You don’t need a bread machine or other special appliances to make homemade bread.

Conclusion:

Baking bread in an air fryer is a fantastic, time-saving method to enjoy fresh, homemade bread with minimal effort. This simple recipe yields a soft, fluffy loaf with a perfectly crisp crust. It’s perfect for beginners and anyone looking to quickly make bread without the long hours of rising and baking in an oven. So, next time you crave freshly baked bread, give your air fryer a try and enjoy a delicious, warm loaf in under an hour!

Nutritional Information (per slice, assuming 10 slices):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Lovers of Homemade Bread:

For those who love the warmth and comfort of freshly baked bread, the air fryer method is a game-changer. Whether you’re new to bread-making or an experienced baker, this recipe offers a simple way to indulge in homemade bread without needing a lot of time or special equipment. Ideal for anyone craving a fresh loaf, it’s an easy way to bake with convenience and flavor.