Air Fryer Bread Recipes with Dough: Fresh, Golden Loaves in Minutes

Air Fryer Bread Recipes with Dough: Fresh, Golden Loaves in Minutes

Making fresh bread at home no longer requires a hot oven or hours of waiting. Thanks to the air fryer, home bakers can enjoy warm, golden, crusty bread with less hassle and more speed. While many air fryer bread recipes rely on batter or quick bread mixes, this guide focuses on three air fryer bread recipes made with real dough—from pillowy dinner rolls to rustic crusty loaves. These recipes yield satisfying texture, authentic flavor, and plenty of room for delicious variations.

Why Use Dough in the Air Fryer?

Using dough in the air fryer gives you the traditional chew and structure of yeast-based or kneaded breads, but in a fraction of the baking time. The circulating hot air cooks the bread quickly, forming a crisp crust while keeping the inside soft and moist. These recipes are ideal for smaller households or anyone wanting to skip the oven on hot days.

1. Air Fryer Dinner Rolls

Light, fluffy, and golden brown, these air fryer dinner rolls are perfect for family meals, holiday spreads, or slathering with butter fresh from the fryer.

Ingredients:

2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)

2 tbsp granulated sugar

2 tbsp melted butter

1 large egg

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

¾ tsp salt

Optional: melted butter for brushing

Instructions:

Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Mix the dough: Add melted butter and egg. Gradually stir in flour and salt. Knead until the dough is smooth—about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a mixer.

First rise: Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 60–90 minutes until doubled.

Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough. Divide into 8–10 equal pieces, shape into balls, and place in a parchment-lined air fryer basket, spaced apart.

Second rise: Let rolls rise again for 20–30 minutes.

Air fry: Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Air fry rolls for 10–12 minutes, checking for golden tops.

Finish: Brush with melted butter immediately after baking for a soft, shiny crust.

Variations:

Add ¼ cup shredded cheese for cheesy dinner rolls.

Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top before air frying.

Sweeten slightly more and add cinnamon for a breakfast version.

2. Crusty Air Fryer Artisan Bread

This rustic artisan-style loaf offers a crisp crust and soft, chewy interior—ideal for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or pairing with soup.

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp active dry yeast

1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)

1 tsp olive oil (for brushing)

Instructions:

Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and yeast. Stir in warm water until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead gently: Use your hands or a dough hook to knead for about 5 minutes until a soft dough forms.

First rise: Cover and let rise for 1½–2 hours until doubled.

Shape the dough: Lightly flour a surface and shape the dough into a round boule. Place on parchment paper.

Second rise: Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.

Air fry: Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully transfer the loaf on parchment to the basket. Air fry for 20–25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Cool: Let rest at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Tips:

Mist the dough lightly with water or place a small foil cup of water in the air fryer to help develop a crust.

Add chopped rosemary, garlic, or olives for flavor.

For a sourdough-style version, substitute ¼ cup of starter and reduce the flour slightly.

3. Air Fryer Garlic Butter Naan

Soft, pillowy naan with golden edges and garlic butter makes this recipe perfect for scooping up curry or enjoying as a wrap.

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp sugar

½ tsp salt

½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp instant yeast

⅓ cup plain yogurt

½ cup warm water

1 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive)

For garlic butter:

2 tbsp melted butter

1 garlic clove, minced

Optional: chopped parsley or cilantro

Instructions:

Make the dough: In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and yeast. Add yogurt, oil, and warm water. Mix and knead until soft and smooth.

Rest: Cover and let rest for 60–90 minutes.

Shape: Divide dough into 4–6 pieces. Roll each into a flat oval or teardrop shape, about ¼ inch thick.

Preheat air fryer: Set to 370°F (188°C).

Cook: Place one or two naan breads in the air fryer. Cook for 5–6 minutes, flipping once halfway through. They should puff and turn golden brown.

Garlic butter: Mix melted butter with minced garlic. Brush naan as soon as they come out of the air fryer.

Serve warm.

Add-ins:

Sprinkle with nigella seeds or sesame seeds before air frying.

Swap garlic for chili oil or za’atar for a spicier version.

Air Fryer Bread Dough Tips

Check dough temperature: Too hot or too cold liquid can kill yeast or slow rising. Aim for 105–110°F (warm but not hot).

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Dough expands during cooking, so allow enough space.

Use parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes it easier to lift dough in and out.

Adjust for your model: Air fryer wattages vary—monitor the bread closely the first time.

Brush after baking: Butter or olive oil brushed on warm bread adds flavor and softness.

These three air fryer bread recipes show that using real dough doesn’t mean more work—it just means better texture, flavor, and satisfaction. From soft dinner rolls and rustic artisan loaves to fluffy garlic naan, your air fryer can handle it all. Once you’ve mastered the basics, try experimenting with herbs, cheeses, and fillings for your own signature bread. With a little dough and your trusty air fryer, homemade bread can become a regular part of your routine—no oven required.

Helpful Reading 

Homegrown Cabbage Smoothies and Juices for Gut Healing 

https://www.amazon.com/Homegrown-Cabbage-Smoothies-Juices-Health-ebook/dp/B0F6474KCT/

Organic Pest Control for 3 Sisters Gardening 

https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Control-Gardening-Homegrown-Vegetables-ebook/dp/B0F5ZCDY4S/

Salmon for the Active Soul 

https://www.amazon.com/Salmon-Active-Soul-Protein-Packed-Enthusiasts-ebook/dp/B0F5DWJZ66/

The Low Carb Homegrown Cabbage Cookbook: Keto and Diabetic -Friendly Recipes 

https://www.amazon.com/Low-Carb-Homegrown-Cabbage-Cookbook-Diabetic-ebook/dp/B0F63ZF9BT