Name: air fryer bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C); 2 tablespoons olive oil

Jump to Recipe

If you have been curious about mastering the art of homemade bread with minimal fuss, this delightful air fryer bread recipe is going to become your new best friend. Using simple pantry staples and the magic of an air fryer, you can enjoy a warm, golden loaf with a perfectly tender crumb and crisp crust in under half an hour. The air fryer bread method brings out a deliciously fresh flavor and texture that rivals traditional oven baking, but with much less waiting and clean-up. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen for its ease and incredible results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here is straightforward yet essential, working together to create the perfect balance of taste, texture, and beautiful color in your air fryer bread. Nothing fancy—just quality basics that turn into something extraordinary.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your bread, providing structure and chewiness.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Acts as the leavening agent to give your bread a light, fluffy rise without yeast.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the bread’s sweetness.
1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps browning for that gorgeous crust.
1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C): Activates the baking powder and helps form the soft dough.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and a subtle richness to the crumb.

How to Make air fryer bread

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Begin by whisking together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Making sure these elements are fully blended ensures even flavor and rise throughout your loaf, so don’t rush this step.

Step 2: Form the Dough

Next, pour in the warm water and olive oil to the dry mix. Stir with a spoon until the ingredients come together as a sticky but manageable dough. This step is fun because you can feel the dough start to form into something more tangible and bread-like.

Step 3: Knead for Perfection

Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about five minutes until smooth and elastic. This kneading develops the gluten, which helps your air fryer bread have that perfect soft yet chewy texture.

Step 4: Shape Your Loaf

With the dough ready, shape it into a loaf form. If you have a bread pan, grease and place the dough inside for neat edges. If not, no worries—lay the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined air fryer basket to avoid sticking.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 3–5 minutes. This step is key to jumpstarting the baking process and ensuring a crisp crust.

Step 6: Air Fry the Bread

Place your loaf in the air fryer basket and cook at 320°F (160°C) for 20–25 minutes. The bread will develop a beautiful golden brown color, and the toothpick test will confirm it’s perfectly baked inside.

Step 7: Cool Before Slicing

Once baked, carefully remove the loaf from the air fryer and set it on a wire rack to cool. This resting period lets the bread settle so when you slice it, you get clean, beautiful cuts instead of crumbly edges.

Step 8: Optional Flavor Boosts

If you want to elevate your air fryer bread even further, consider folding in herbs, cheese, or seeds before baking. These additions add layers of flavor and texture that make each bite an exciting experience.

How to Serve air fryer bread

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprinkled on top after baking bring a fragrant finish, while a brush of garlic butter right after cooling gives a rich and savory touch. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt truly wakes up the flavors.

Side Dishes

This versatile air fryer bread pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, and hearty salads. Its crisp crust and tender inside make it perfect for dipping or accompanying a cheesy spread or charcuterie board.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your loaf for mini sandwiches with fresh veggies and spreads or toast individual slices for personalized bruschetta toppings. You can also hollow out part of the loaf to turn it into an edible bread bowl for creamy dips or chili.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your air fryer bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Avoid refrigeration as it tends to dry the bread out prematurely.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy it later, slice the cooled loaf and freeze the slices in a resealable bag. This way, you can take out just what you need and toast or warm it whenever a bread craving hits.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for a few minutes to revive that fresh-baked crispiness. Alternatively, use a toaster oven or pan for a quick refresh while preserving the soft crumb inside.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can, but whole wheat flour will make the bread denser and heavier. Consider mixing half whole wheat with half all-purpose for a lighter texture while still adding wholesome flavor.

Is yeast necessary for this air fryer bread?

No, this recipe uses baking powder as the leavening agent, making it quicker and easier than yeast bread without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Can I add toppings to the bread before cooking?

Absolutely! Seeds, herbs, or even a sprinkle of cheese before air frying add extra flavor and crunch, turning a simple loaf into a gourmet treat.

What if my air fryer is smaller or larger than average?

You might need to adjust the dough size or baking time slightly. For smaller baskets, consider making mini loaves or bake in batches. Keep an eye on the bread towards the end of cooking to avoid burning.

How do I know when the bread is fully cooked?

Use the toothpick test: insert it in the center of the loaf, and if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your air fryer bread is done and ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Trying your hand at air fryer bread is such a rewarding experience, especially with how effortlessly it turns out so delicious. This recipe proves that you don’t need complex techniques or endless ingredients to bake fresh, warm bread at home. I hope this inspires you to get creative and make this lovely loaf part of your everyday meals and special gatherings alike. Trust me, once you’ve had your first warm slice from the air fryer, you’ll be hooked!

air fryer bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and quick recipe for homemade bread baked in an air fryer. This bread is soft inside with a golden crust, perfect for sandwiches or as a side for any meal. Ideal for those looking for an easy, no-yeast bread option using common pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar

Wet Ingredients

1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk until thoroughly blended to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm water and olive oil to the dry mix. Stir with a spoon until a dough forms. It will be slightly sticky but manageable.
Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic, which helps develop the gluten for better structure.
Shape the Loaf: Form the dough into a loaf. If you have a bread pan suitable for your air fryer, place the dough inside it. Otherwise, shape the dough and place it directly in the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Cook the Bread: Place the loaf in the air fryer basket and bake at 320°F (160°C) for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. The crust should be golden brown.
Cool the Bread: Carefully remove the bread from the air fryer and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.
Optional Enhancements: For added flavor, consider mixing in herbs, cheese, or seeds into the dough before baking.

Notes

Use warm water to activate baking powder properly and help the dough come together.
If the dough is too sticky to handle, sprinkle a little more flour while kneading but avoid adding too much to keep the bread soft.
Do not skip cooling the bread before slicing as it finishes the cooking process and prevents squashing the crumb.
You can experiment with adding rosemary, thyme, sesame seeds, or grated cheese for variety.
This recipe does not require yeast, making it quicker and simpler than traditional bread recipes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American