Bread in the Air Fryer
You can bake a proper small loaf in an air fryer, and it needs no tin or special equipment. This simple white dough takes about 15 minutes of work, rises on the worktop and bakes in around 22 minutes with a thin, golden crust and a soft crumb. The same dough also makes bread rolls, and the same basket also toasts slices and warms garlic bread.
- Temperature
- 180°C
- Total time
- 2:07hr
- Prep
- 15min
- Servings
- 6
- Per serving
- 190kcal
Why the air fryer works for bread
Bread in air fryer baskets is a good way to bake a single small loaf without heating the oven. The hot air circulates round the dough and builds a thin, crisp crust quickly, while the compact space holds steam in for a good rise at the start. A 300 g flour loaf is baked in around 22 minutes, and a batch of rolls in about 12.
Air fryer bread has limits. The loaf must be smaller than the basket, because the dough grows and the top browns much faster than the base. A tight round shape on baking paper works best. If you want to bake bread in air fryer baskets regularly, a round loaf gives the most reliable result, and a tray of rolls is the easier way to start.
How to make bread in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Mix the dough Stir the flour, yeast, salt and sugar in a large bowl. Add the water and oil and mix to a rough, sticky dough.
- Knead Tip the dough on to a lightly floured surface and knead for , until smooth and elastic. It should spring back slowly when you press it with a finger.
- First rise Put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp tea towel and leave for in a warm place, until it has doubled in size.
- Shape and prove Knock out the air, fold the dough into a tight ball and place it on a piece of baking paper. Cover and leave for another . Make sure the ball is smaller than the basket, as it grows while baking. Slash the top with a sharp knife just before baking.
- Bake Preheat the air fryer to 180 °C for . Lift the loaf in on its paper and bake for . If the top is browning too quickly after , cover it loosely with foil.
- Check and cool The loaf is baked when it sounds hollow when tapped underneath and measures about 93 °C in the middle. Cool it on a wire rack for before slicing, or the crumb will be gummy.
Cooking times and temperatures
| Bread | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Small white loaf, 300 g flourFoil if browning fast | 180 °C | 20–22 min |
| Bread rolls (6)Bake in two batches if needed | 180 °C | 10–12 min |
| Toast slicesSingle layer | 180 °C | 2–3 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size of the food and the power of your air fryer. See also cooking times and temperatures for all dishes.
You may also like: Baking paper and foil in an air fryer
Tips
- Keep the water lukewarm. Water that is too hot kills the yeast, and cold water slows the rise. It should feel just warm on your wrist.
- Leave room to grow. The ball should fill about half the basket before baking. Anything larger will press against the top and burn.
- Wait before slicing. Bread continues to set as it cools, so give it at least 20 minutes on a rack.
Serving
Slice the loaf thickly for sandwiches, or serve it warm with butter and soup for a simple lunch. The rolls are ideal for burgers or a breakfast with eggs. Day-old slices can be turned into toast in 2–3 minutes. Homemade air fryer bread tastes best on the day it is baked. Sliced bread also makes a cheese toastie, and a sliced loaf turns into garlic bread with butter and garlic. A warm loaf is also good for dipping into baked camembert.
Storing and reheating
Keep the cooled loaf in a bread bin or a paper bag for up to 2 days, or slice and freeze it for up to 3 months. To refresh a stale loaf, sprinkle it with a little water and heat it in the air fryer at 160 °C for 4–5 minutes. Frozen slices go straight into the basket for 3–4 minutes at 180 °C.
Variations
- Seeded loaf: Add 2 tbsp mixed seeds to the dough and press a few more on to the top before baking.
- Garlic bread: Spread a halved baguette with garlic butter and cook at 180 °C for 4–5 minutes (not dairy-free).
- Cheese rolls: Divide the dough into six balls, top each with grated cheddar and bake at 180 °C for 10–12 minutes (not vegan or dairy-free).
Troubleshooting
- The loaf is pale on top
- The top is far from the heat in a deep basket. Dust it with flour before slashing, and bake the last 3 minutes with the loaf upside down if it is still pale.
- The loaf is dense and heavy
- It was either under-kneaded or not left to rise enough. Knead until it springs back and prove it until it has clearly doubled, which can take longer in a cool kitchen.
- The crust is dark but the middle is doughy
- The heat was too high for the size. Lower to 170 °C, cover the top with foil and add 5 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Can you bake bread in an air fryer?
Yes. A small loaf of up to 300 g flour or six rolls bake well in a basket air fryer. The loaf is smaller than a tin loaf, but the crust and crumb are good.
How long does it take to bake bread in an air fryer?
A 300 g flour loaf takes 20–22 minutes at 180 °C, and small rolls take 10–12 minutes. Add 3 minutes if the loaf feels soft or does not sound hollow.
Do you need baking paper to bake bread in an air fryer?
It helps. Shape the dough on a piece of baking paper cut to fit the basket, then lift it in, which stops sticking and avoids deflating the loaf. Leave gaps round the edges so the air can still flow.
Can you toast bread in an air fryer?
Yes. Lay slices in a single layer and cook at 180 °C for 2–3 minutes, turning once. They brown fast, so check early.
Can you make bread without yeast in an air fryer?
Yes, with self-raising flour and yoghurt for a quick soda-style bread. Use 250 g self-raising flour, 250 g Greek yoghurt and 1 tsp salt and bake at 170 °C for 20–25 minutes.
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