Air Fryer Bread
Easy, Homemade Bread Baked Right in Your Air Fryer!
Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Skill Level: ★★☆☆☆ (Beginner-Friendly)
- Yield: 1 small loaf (about 6–8 slices)
- Appliance: Air Fryer (4-quart or larger)
Introduction
Yes, you can bake fresh, fluffy, golden-crusted bread — in an air fryer! This small-batch Air Fryer Bread recipe is perfect for beginners, apartment dwellers, or anyone who doesn’t want to heat up the entire kitchen.
It’s soft on the inside, has a light crust on the outside, and requires no oven, no fancy stand mixer, and minimal ingredients. You’ll just need basic pantry staples: flour, yeast, water, oil, and a pinch of patience for rising time.
Whether you enjoy it with butter, toast it for breakfast, or use it as sandwich bread, this easy air fryer bread is a game-changer!
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (120ml) warm water (about 105–110°F / 40–43°C)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (or honey)
- 1 tsp instant yeast (or 1¼ tsp active dry yeast)
- ½ tsp salt
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 tsp dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano (for herb bread)
- ¼ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or parmesan)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chia seeds or sunflower seeds
Equipment
- Air fryer (basket or oven-style, at least 4-quart size)
- Small loaf pan or 6-inch round cake pan (that fits in your air fryer)
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Dough
Time: 5 minutes
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes if using active dry yeast (skip this resting step if using instant yeast).
- Add in olive oil, flour, and salt.
- Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6–8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in more flour 1 tbsp at a time. If it’s dry, add a splash of warm water.
2. Let the Dough Rise
Time: 1 hour
- Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside.
- Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap.
- Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Pro Tip: If your kitchen is cool, place the dough in the (turned-off) air fryer basket with the drawer slightly open.
3. Shape the Dough
Time: 5 minutes
- Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf.
- Place it in a greased loaf pan or cake tin that fits inside your air fryer.
- Cover and let it rest for another 10–15 minutes while you preheat the air fryer.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
Time: 3 minutes
- Set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes.
5. Air Fry the Bread
Time: 15–20 minutes
- Place the loaf pan into the air fryer basket carefully.
- Cook at 320°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- If unsure, insert a food thermometer — the internal temperature should be 190–200°F (88–93°C).
Check the loaf at the 15-minute mark. If it’s browning too quickly, cover the top loosely with foil and continue cooking.
6. Cool and Slice
Time: 15–20 minutes
- Remove the bread from the air fryer and pan. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm with butter, use for sandwiches, or toast for breakfast!
Flavor Variations
| Flavor | How to Make It |
|---|---|
| Herb Bread | Add 1 tsp rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the dough |
| Garlic Bread | Mix in 1 clove minced garlic + brush crust with garlic butter |
| Cheese Bread | Fold in ¼ cup shredded cheese before shaping |
| Sweet Bread | Add 1 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon or dried fruit |
Storage & Freezing
- At Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temp or reheat in the air fryer.
Nutritional Info (Per slice, 6 slices total)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Total Fat | 3g |
| Carbs | 26g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
Values may vary depending on add-ins and exact serving size.
Tips for Success
- Don’t over-knead: 6–8 minutes is usually plenty for this small dough.
- Use instant yeast for faster prep, or let active dry yeast bloom properly.
- Check your air fryer size and shape beforehand to ensure your pan fits.
- Brush with melted butter or olive oil after baking for a glossy finish and extra flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make rolls instead of a loaf?
Absolutely! Divide the dough into 4–6 equal pieces, roll them into balls, and air fry for 10–12 minutes.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need to bake in batches unless your air fryer is large enough to accommodate more dough.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum. The texture may differ but it works!
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Final Thoughts
Making bread in the air fryer is quicker and easier than you might expect — and perfect for small kitchens, hot days, or anyone who loves quick homemade bread. This small loaf is perfect for daily use, and you can customize it with your favorite flavors and textures.
So skip the oven, grab your air fryer, and treat yourself to a warm, golden loaf of homemade bread — with half the effort and all the flavor