Homemade Bread in Air Fryer

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Homemade Bread in the Air Fryer! This method saves time and gives you a soft, fluffy loaf with a perfectly golden crust. Whether you’re new to bread-making or just want a quicker option, this recipe is ideal for making a fresh loaf right at home using your air fryer.

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Homemade Bread in the Air Fryer

Makes 1 loaf

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Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for greasing)
• 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for brushing on top)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)

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Equipment:

• Air fryer
• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl (for activating yeast)
• Spoon or dough hook
• Parchment paper (optional for easy removal)
• Pastry brush (for brushing milk, optional)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir gently until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. The yeast should foam and bubble, indicating it’s active. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be expired, and you should try a new packet.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the olive oil.
3. Stir with a spoon until the mixture starts to come together, then use your hands to knead the dough. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you have a dough hook on a stand mixer, you can use that to knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes on low speed.
   • If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of water, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

1. Once the dough is smooth, coat the inside of your mixing bowl with a light drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Place the dough inside the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
3. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This rise time can vary depending on the temperature in your kitchen.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

1. After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
2. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Depending on your air fryer basket size, you may need to shape it to fit—usually around 7-8 inches long for a typical air fryer.
   • If you like, you can add garlic powder or other herbs to the dough for extra flavor.

Step 5: Prepare for Air Frying

1. Line the base of your air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly grease it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Place your shaped dough inside the air fryer basket, ensuring it’s not touching the sides to allow space for it to rise and expand as it cooks.
   • If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to bake the bread in batches.

Step 6: Air Fry the Bread

1. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Air fry the dough for about 18-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The time may vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer.
   • Tip: If your bread is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 5-7 minutes to prevent over-browning.

Step 7: Optional – Milk Brush for a Shiny Finish

1. If you’d like a shiny finish on your bread, you can brush the top with a small amount of milk just before it finishes baking. This step is optional but adds a beautiful sheen to the crust.

Step 8: Cool the Bread

1. Once the bread is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a cooling rack to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the bread set and keeps the interior soft.

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Notes:

1. Yeast and Water Temperature:

• The water temperature is very important when activating the yeast. It should be warm to the touch but not hot, around 110°F (43°C). Hot water can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.

2. Flour:

• You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may result in a denser loaf. You might need to adjust the water-to-flour ratio slightly depending on the type of flour.

3. Air Fryer Variations:

• Different air fryer models may cook at different speeds, so keep an eye on your bread towards the end of the cooking time. Check for golden brown color and hollow sound when tapping the bottom to know when it’s done.

4. Adding Flavor:

• For a savory twist, you can incorporate ingredients such as cheese, herbs (like rosemary or thyme), or sun-dried tomatoes into the dough before shaping it into a loaf.

5. Storage:

• Store your homemade bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices or the whole loaf. To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

6. Gluten-Free Option:

• If you’re making gluten-free bread, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture will be a little different, but you’ll still enjoy a great loaf. You might also need to add a bit more water for a workable dough.

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Conclusion:

Making Homemade Bread in the Air Fryer is a fast and easy way to enjoy fresh, warm bread without using your oven. The air fryer circulates heat around the dough, producing a crispy golden crust while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a delicious loaf of bread in no time. Try it out, and enjoy the irresistible aroma and taste of homemade bread with minimal effort!