Quick and easy, light and fluffy, this Air-Fryer Bread is sure to become a staple at your house!
I often describe my cooking life as Before AF and After AF, and if you have an air fryer, you know exactly what I mean. I confess that for a long time, I resisted getting an air fryer. I just felt that the appliances I had—oven, slow cooker, Instant Pot (yes, I have both), toaster oven—were already taking up a lot of space on my counter. But then a friend who had been singing the air fryer’s praises decided to combat my stubbornness by buying me one. And the next thing I knew, I was in the After AF phase of my cooking life, where I will remain forever.
And now I even make bread in it! You won’t believe how simple this air-fryer bread is to make. I love traditional bread baking but don’t always have the time it requires. And as I know you know, nothing compares to homemade bread (what else can fill your kitchen with that irresistible aroma?).
I make air-fryer bread all the time now, usually once or twice a week. The dough comes together in no time. Then it takes two to three hours to double in size. I love shaping it into a round loaf on a lightly-floured surface—no kneading required! There is only half an hour of baking time—20 minutes on one side and then 10 on the other—and voilà: a homemade loaf of delicious bread with a golden crust and a light fluffy interior. Truly exquisite.
Tips For The Perfect Air-Fryer Bread
Our recipe for air-fryer bread is simple and straightforward, for sure, but there are still a few secret tips that will ensure the perfect outcome!
First, remember to use warm and not hot water. The yeast needs warmth to activate, but too much heat will kill it. Next, when you cover the bowl with plastic wrap for the two to three-hour rise, it’s a good idea to brush some olive oil on the part of the plastic wrap that will make contact with the dough once it rises. This will prevent it from sticking.
Now, onto the air frying. It’s a very good idea to invest in air-fryer parchment paper; it’s the perfect size for your basket, and it comes with holes that improve the air flow and prevent burning. And speaking of burning, never put parchment paper into the air fryer and turn it on without anything else in there. The paper is so light that the air fryer fan can pull it up to the heating element, and you could have a fiery situation on your hands! Finally, don’t forget the all-important turning of the loaf after the first 20 minutes. You want crispy crunch on the top and bottom!
FAQs & Tips
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Cooled air-fryer bread can last for 2-3 days at room temperature in an airtight container, or up to a week in the refrigerator. You can also freeze this bread tightly wrapped in plastic for up to 6 months.
I Often See The Word “Boule” In Bread Recipes. What Is That?
I’m glad you asked because even though that word doesn’t appear in our recipe, we are making a boule! Boule is the French word for “ball,” and it means bread in a round shape.
How Can I Be Sure That The Bread Is Done?
It may seem overly simple, but tapping the top and the bottom of the loaf is the best way to know that your bread is done. You’ll hear a hollow sound that tells you it’s ready to go!
Serving Suggestions
I am not ashamed to admit that I can eat an entire loaf of this bread by myself, especially when I slather each piece with Whipped Butter. But when my family comes home and smells homemade bread yet not a slice is to be found, I realize that there is more than one good reason not to devour an entire loaf of bread on my own! So I make sure I have enough to serve with dinner, particularly with this hearty Classic Minestrone and some Marinated Mozzarella or Whipped Ricotta to spread on slices.
It’s homemade bread, so it is a perfect accompaniment to pretty much any entrée. But it transforms old favorites like Grilled Cheese into something beyond compare. And wait until you toast up some thick slices and then use them to compose a sandwich made of Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs covered in Tomato Sauce. Air-fryer bread will also elevate any recipe that calls for our favorite carb, like Spinach, Sausage, And Tomato Strata and Bread Pudding. And don’t forget to use it to make homemade croutons for this Kansas Chopped Salad With Peppercorn Ranch.
Air-Fryer Bread
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water plus more as needed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Gradually add warm water and olive oil; stir until a shaggy dough forms. If it seems dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let the dough rest at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, and shape into a round loaf. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the dough in the appliance basket lined with air fryer parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully turn the loaf over and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until it is golden brown and hollow when you tap on it.
- Remove the bread from the air fryer and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
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