Warm, freshly baked bread in just 25 minutes? Yes, it’s possible with this game-changing air fryer bread recipe! This quick and light homemade bread delivers perfectly golden crusts and fluffy interiors while keeping the calories low at just 41 per slice.
Whether you’re a busy parent or a novice baker, this foolproof method will revolutionize your bread-making routine. The best part? You’ll skip the long proofing times and still achieve that irresistible fresh-from-the-oven aroma that fills your kitchen.
Ingredients Section
- Water & Milk: ½ cup each, warmed to activate yeast properly
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted for enriched texture
- Granulated Sugar: 1 tablespoon to feed the yeast
- Instant Yeast: 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) for optimal rising
- Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon for enhancing flavor
- Egg: 1 beaten with splash of water for golden crust
- All-Purpose Flour: 2.5 cups, measured precisely
Instructions Section
- Mixing Base: Combine warm water, milk, melted butter, sugar, and yeast in stand mixer bowl. Whisk until well incorporated.
- Creating Dough: Add flour and salt. Using dough hook, mix on low speed until it forms a ball (about 1 minute).
- Kneading Process: Increase to medium-low speed, knead 3-5 minutes until soft and tacky. Add extra flour if needed.
- Shaping: Oil hands lightly, form dough into smooth ball. Place in greased 6-inch round pan.
- First Rise: Let dough rest in warm spot until doubled (approximately 1.5 hours).
- Preparation for Baking: Brush top with egg wash, place in air fryer basket.
- Initial Baking: Air fry at 340°F for 15 minutes until top becomes golden brown.
- Final Baking: Remove from pan, return bread to air fryer for 12-15 minutes until bottom browns and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Finishing: Allow to cool completely before slicing.
Baking Success Tips
Making bread in an air fryer is easier than you might think! For the best results, make sure your milk and water are warm (not hot) – this helps activate the yeast properly. When kneading, the dough should feel tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add flour just one tablespoon at a time. The hollow sound test is a foolproof way to check if your bread is done – simply tap the bottom of the loaf gently with your knuckles.
Storage & Freshness
Your homemade air fryer bread will stay fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature. For longer storage, slice the completely cooled bread and freeze it for up to 3 months. Pop frozen slices directly in the toaster whenever you need them!
Simple Variations
Love experimenting? Try these easy tweaks:
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey instead of sugar for a subtle sweetness
- Mix in 2 teaspoons of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme
- Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top before baking
- Use whole wheat flour for up to half of the all-purpose flour
Serving Ideas
This bread is amazing when served warm with a pat of butter! It makes wonderful sandwich bread, perfect toast, and tasty garlic bread. Try it alongside soups or stews, or use it to make French toast for breakfast. The slightly crispy crust and soft interior make it perfect for nearly any meal.
Making Homemade bread in the air fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- 6-inch round pan
- Stand Mixer
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast 2¼ teaspoons
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 egg beaten with a splash of water
- 2.5 cups all purpose flour
Instructions
- Add the water, milk, butter, granulated sugar, and instant yeast to the bowl of a stand mixer and whisk to combine.
- Next, add the flour and salt to the bowl. Use the dough hook attachment to mix the dough on low speed (Kitchenaid #2) until it forms a ball– about 1 minute.
- Increase the speed to medium-low (Kitchenaid #4) and knead the dough until it is soft and tacky– about 3-5 minutes. If the dough sticks to the bowl at any point while kneading, just sprinkle in another tablespoon of flour.
- Lightly oil your hands and remove the dough from the hook and bowl. Shape the dough into a smooth ball. Lightly grease a 6″ round pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray. Place the dough in the pan and then set it in a warm place to rise until doubled in size– about 1.5 hours.
- Brush the top of the bread with the egg wash and place the pan in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 340ºF/171ºC for 15 minutes, or until the top of the bread is golden brown.
- Then carefully run a knife around the edge of the pan and remove the bread. Place the bread back into the air fryer and cook for another 12-15 minutes, or until the bottom is lightly browned and the bread sounds hollow when you knock on it.
- Allow the bread to cool completely. Then slice and enjoy.
