- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough:
- Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Shape it into a loaf or desired bread shape that fits into your air fryer basket.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Bread:
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket or line it with parchment paper.
- Place the shaped dough into the air fryer basket. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- If making a larger loaf, you may need to extend the cooking time and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the air fryer basket and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Tips:
- Flour: You can use bread flour for a chewier texture or whole wheat flour for a heartier bread.
- Toppings: Brush the bread with melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle with herbs or seeds before air frying for added flavor.
- Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Enjoy your freshly baked air fryer bread as a side with soups, sandwiches, or simply with butter and jam for a delightful snack!