There’s nothing better than soft, warm bread fresh from the kitchen. Now, you don’t need an oven to enjoy it. With air fryer bread, you can make golden, fluffy rolls in less time. It’s quick, easy, and great for busy days. If you’ve ever wanted to bake your own bread but didn’t know where to start, this simple recipe is perfect for you.
Why We Love This Air Fryer Bread Recipe
There are so many reasons you’ll fall in love with this recipe. First, it’s incredibly simple. Even if you’ve never baked a loaf in your life, this recipe walks you through it with no guesswork. No fancy equipment needed—just your hands and your air fryer.
Secondly, it’s fast. Traditional bread baking can take hours. Here, from mixing to serving, you’re done in about 35 minutes. That’s faster than most delivery services.
Also, the flavor is rich. Using whole milk and two types of oil gives the bread a soft crumb and subtle flavor. You’ll taste the difference in every bite.
Another bonus? Flexibility. You can shape the dough into large rolls, mini buns, or pull-apart pieces. Feeling creative? Add some herbs or seeds to the top before baking. It’s a base recipe that lets you make it your own.
And finally—cost. Making your own rolls saves serious money. A few pantry staples turn into a bakery-worthy batch for a fraction of the store price. Once you try it, there’s no turning back.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Bread
Plain flour – Plain flour is the main ingredient that gives your air fryer bread structure. Do not replace it with self-raising flour, as the yeast in this recipe controls the rise. Using other types of flour may change the texture and affect how well the bread bakes in the air fryer.
Butter – Butter adds richness and moisture to your air fryer bread. It helps create that soft and tender inside. Stick with real butter for the best flavor and texture. Margarine or low-fat spreads are not recommended because they contain more water and less fat.
Whole milk – Whole milk gives your air fryer bread a creamy flavor and soft crumb. Avoid using water or low-fat milk as they won’t give the same results. Warming the milk slightly also helps activate the yeast properly.
Olive oil – This adds a light richness and helps make the dough easier to knead. Olive oil also supports a softer texture in your air fryer bread. You can use other mild oils, but strong-flavored ones may change the taste.
Coconut oil – Coconut oil works with the olive oil and butter to make the bread rich and soft. Use refined coconut oil for a neutral taste. If you don’t have coconut oil, you can use more olive oil, but the final bread may be slightly less fluffy.
Yeast – Yeast is what makes your air fryer bread rise. Use instant or active dry yeast, but make sure it’s fresh and not expired. If the yeast doesn’t bubble after mixing with the warm milk, it may be inactive and won’t give the bread a good rise.
How to Make Air Fryer Bread
Let’s break down each step so you can confidently create these soft and delicious rolls right at home.
Step 1: Mix the dough
Start by rubbing the butter into the flour. Use your fingertips to blend the two until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs. This step helps the butter distribute evenly, giving your rolls a tender crumb.
Step 2: Warm the wet ingredients
In a small saucepan, combine the milk, olive oil, and coconut oil. Gently heat the mixture until it becomes lukewarm—think warm to the touch but not hot. You don’t want to overheat it, or you might affect the yeast.
Step 3: Activate the yeast
Add the yeast into the bowl with the flour and butter. Pour in the warm liquid mixture. Mix everything together using your hands until a dough forms. It may feel a little sticky at first—that’s totally normal.
Step 4: Knead the dough
Place the dough onto a clean surface and knead it for about 5 minutes. Use the heel of your hands to stretch and fold the dough. This builds the gluten structure and gives your bread the right texture. After kneading, the dough should feel soft, smooth, and elastic.
Step 5: First rise in the air fryer
Now it’s time to proof the dough. Place it into your air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 60°C (140°F) and the timer for 10 minutes. This short proof helps the dough rise just enough to become light and airy during baking.
Step 6: Shape the rolls
Once proofed, divide the dough into nine equal portions. Shape them into rolls using your hands. If you’re making pull-apart bread, place them close together in a baking pan so they touch. If you’re going for classic rolls, leave a bit of space between each one.
Step 7: Second proof (optional)
Let the shaped rolls rest for about 5–10 minutes while your air fryer preheats. This gives the dough a little extra rise before baking.
Step 8: Egg wash (optional)
Brush the tops of your rolls with an egg wash if you want a shiny, golden crust. This step is optional, but it adds that lovely bakery finish.
Step 9: Bake the bread
Set your air fryer to 180°C (360°F) and cook the rolls for 15 minutes. Depending on the size of your rolls and the shape of your air fryer basket, you may need to bake in batches.
Step 10: Cool and serve
After baking, remove the rolls carefully and let them cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm with butter or as a base for sandwiches.
How to Serve Air Fryer Bread
Fresh out of the fryer, your rolls are ready for anything. Here are a few ways you can enjoy them:
- Serve them warm with a slab of butter and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Use them as dinner rolls for soups, salads, or casseroles.
- Slice them in half for sandwiches or sliders.
- Pair them with breakfast eggs or spreads like honey or jam.
- Use leftover rolls for croutons or breadcrumbs—nothing goes to waste.
These rolls are so soft inside and golden outside that you might just skip store-bought bread forever. The best part? You get to enjoy them fresh without leaving your home.
Expert Tips: Air Fryer Bread
Getting the perfect air fryer bread every time is all about the little things. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overheating the milk and oils: If the mixture is too hot, it can kill the yeast. Always aim for lukewarm.
- Skipping the kneading step: This helps develop structure. Don’t rush it.
- Overcrowding the air fryer: Give each roll room to bake evenly if you’re not making pull-apart bread.
How to Store Air Fryer Bread
- At room temperature: Place in a sealed container or zip bag and keep them in a cool, dry spot. They’ll stay soft for up to 2 days.
- In the fridge: Store for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Wrap each roll in plastic or foil and freeze. They’ll last for up to 3 months. Reheat directly in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for a few minutes.
You can make big batches ahead and freeze them for quick meals later. Just another reason to love this recipe.
Variations of Air Fryer Bread
Once you’ve mastered the basic version, it’s fun to experiment. Here are some easy ways to switch it up:
- Herb and garlic rolls: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough. Mix in minced garlic for extra flavor.
- Cheesy rolls: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top before baking or knead some into the dough.
- Sweet rolls: Mix in a bit of honey or brown sugar, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking.
- Seed-topped rolls: Before air frying, press sesame, sunflower, or chia seeds into the tops.
- Mini buns: Divide dough into smaller portions for bite-sized sliders or kid-friendly snacks.
These variations keep things exciting and allow you to tailor the recipe to your taste or seasonal cravings.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Bread
Can you bake bread in an air fryer?
Yes, you absolutely can! Air fryers act like mini convection ovens, circulating hot air to cook evenly. They’re great for baking rolls, buns, and even loaves.
Why didn’t my bread rise in the air fryer?
Most likely, your liquid was too hot or the yeast was old. Make sure the milk and oils are just warm—not hot—and always check the expiration on your yeast.
Can I use self-rising flour instead of plain flour?
Plain flour is preferred because you control the rise with yeast. Self-rising flour contains leaveners that may not behave the same way in this recipe.
How do I know when the bread is done?
The rolls should be golden on top and sound slightly hollow when tapped. You can also insert a toothpick—it should come out clean.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just bake in batches, and freeze what you don’t eat right away. Doubling is great for meal prep or big family dinners.
Air Fryer Bread
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Saucepan
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups plain flour do not substitute with self-rising flour
- 2 tablespoons butter use real butter for best results
- 3/4 cup whole milk lukewarm
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or other mild oil
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil use refined for neutral flavor
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast make sure it’s fresh
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, helps activate yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings
- 1 egg for egg wash, optional
- herbs or seeds for topping, optional
Instructions
- Rub butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- In a small saucepan, warm the milk, olive oil, and coconut oil until lukewarm—not hot.
- Add the yeast to the flour and butter mixture. Pour in the warm liquids. Mix by hand to form a dough.
- Knead the dough on a clean surface for about 5 minutes until soft and elastic.
- Place dough into the air fryer basket. Proof at 60°C (140°F) for 10 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 9 equal portions and shape into rolls. Place them in a greased pan or directly in the basket.
- Let the rolls rest for another 5–10 minutes while the air fryer preheats.
- Brush tops with egg wash if desired for a golden finish.
- Air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm.