There’s something quietly satisfying about pulling a warm loaf of bread from the air fryer. No flour dust everywhere, no endless kneading, just the simple magic of dough transforming into a crusty, golden loaf. This no knead bread in air fryer recipe feels like a small victory on a busy day, a way to slow down without slowing too much.
One afternoon, I was halfway through a hectic workday when the craving for fresh bread hit me. I didn’t have the energy or patience for my usual oven routine. So I gave this air fryer method a shot. The dough was sticky and a bit messy—definitely not the neatest thing I’ve handled—but that’s part of its charm. After letting it rest, the smell coming from the air fryer was like a warm invitation. When I finally sliced into it, the crust crackled under my knife, revealing a soft, airy inside that was perfect for spreading butter. It wasn’t perfect, maybe a little uneven in shape, but honestly, that made it feel homemade, real.
- Crispy crust meets impossibly soft interior without any fuss.
- No kneading means it’s accessible even if you’re pressed for time or energy.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated techniques or fancy equipment.
- The air fryer speeds things up a bit, but you still get that comforting, slow-rise flavor.
- It requires some waiting for the dough to rise, so it’s not instant, but the hands-on time is minimal.
If you’re worried about using your air fryer for bread, don’t be. It’s straightforward and doesn’t require special tools. Just a little patience and a bit of flour on your hands. Plus, the house smells incredible, which is a bonus.
Print
No Knead Bread in Air Fryer
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
Description
A simple and easy no knead bread recipe made quickly in an air fryer. This bread has a crispy crust and soft interior, perfect for a quick homemade loaf without the need for a traditional oven.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir to mix evenly.
Add the warm water to the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be sticky and rough.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest at room temperature for 4 hours, or until it has doubled in size and is bubbly on the surface.
After the dough has risen, lightly flour a clean surface and gently turn the dough out onto it. Fold the dough over itself a few times to shape it into a rough ball. Do not knead.
Place the dough ball seam side down on a piece of parchment paper. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
Carefully transfer the dough on the parchment paper into the air fryer basket.
Cook the bread in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the bread from the air fryer and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I usually use a basic air fryer basket—nothing fancy—and the bread fits comfortably on parchment paper, which makes cleanup a breeze. I like to serve this with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, or just plain with butter melting on top. You could experiment with adding herbs or garlic to the dough, but I haven’t tested those tweaks thoroughly yet—might be a fun weekend project. Also, shaping the dough by folding instead of kneading feels a bit awkward at first, but it’s worth it for that soft crumb. If you don’t have an air fryer, a Dutch oven in the oven works similarly, though it takes a bit longer.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour? You can try, but the texture might be denser and the rise slower. You might need to adjust the water amount a bit too.
What if my dough doesn’t rise enough? Room temperature matters a lot. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough somewhere warmer or extend the rising time.
Can I freeze the bread? Yes, it freezes well when wrapped tightly. Just thaw at room temperature before slicing.
Ready to enjoy fresh bread without the usual hassle? Give this no knead bread in air fryer a try and see how a little patience and an air fryer can change your homemade bread game.