- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Proofing Time: 45 minutes (15 min first rise + 30 min second rise)
- Air Frying Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Recipe Yield: 1 small round loaf (approx. 8 slices)
- Recipe Intensity / Skill Level: Easy (beginner-friendly yeast loaf; simple kneading and basket proofing)
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Air Fryer: Any standard basket or oven-style air fryer.
- Round Baking Tin or Cake Pan (6 or 7 inch): Fits inside your air fryer basket, or line the basket directly with parchment paper.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining and kneading the dough.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For precise flour and yeast measurements.
- Clean Kitchen Towel: To cover dough while proofing.
Ingredients
- 2 ยผ cups (270 g) all-purpose flour or bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 ยผ tsp / 7 g) instant dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar or honey
- 1 tsp salt
- ยพ cup (180 ml) warm water (around 105ยฐFโ110ยฐF / 40ยฐCโ43ยฐC)
- 1 ยฝ tbsp olive oil or melted butter (plus extra to grease the pan)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Activate Yeast and Mix Dough
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and instant dry yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy on top.
- Add the olive oil, salt, and 1 cup of flour. Stir with a wooden spoon until smooth.
- Gradually add the remaining 1 ยผ cups of flour until a soft dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 2: Knead and First Proof
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Shape into a round ball. Place back into a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rest in a warm spot for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 3: Shape and Second Proof (In the Air Fryer Basket)
- Grease a 6-inch round pan or line your air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper.
- Shape the dough into a tight round loaf and place it inside the pan/basket.
- Warm your air fryer by running it empty at 180ยฐF (80ยฐC) for just 1 minute, then turn it OFF.
- Place the dough inside the warm, closed air fryer to proof for 30 minutes until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Score and Air Fry
- Dust the top of the risen dough lightly with flour. Using a sharp knife or razor, cut a ยผ-inch deep slash or โXโ across the top.
- Air fry at 320ยฐF (160ยฐC) for 20 minutes.
- Cover the top loosely with a piece of aluminum foil if it is browning too quickly, then cook for an additional 5 minutes until the bottom sounds hollow when tapped and the internal temperature reaches 190ยฐFโ200ยฐF (88ยฐCโ93ยฐC).
Step 5: Cool and Slice
- Carefully remove the bread from the air fryer and place on a wire cooling rack.
- Let cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing so the interior structure sets without becoming gummy.
Pro Cooking Tips for Success
- Keep the Heat Low: Air fryers circulate intense convection heat very close to the food. Cooking at 320ยฐF (160ยฐC) ensures the core cooks through fully before the top crust burns.
- Warm Proofing Trick: Using your turned-off, pre-warmed air fryer as a proofing box creates the perfect cozy environment for rapid yeast expansion.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Keep in a bread box or sealed paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Slice the cooled loaf, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Toast slice directly from frozen.
Nutritional Information
(Estimated values based on 1 slice / 8th of loaf)
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Total Fat | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4 g |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Total Sugars | 1.5 g |
| Protein | 4 g |