Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Bring the Dough Together
Grab a mixing bowl and add the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Stir briefly so everything is evenly combined. Slowly pour in the warm water and olive oil. The water should feel pleasantly warm—not hot—to keep the yeast happy and active. Mix with a spoon or spatula until the dough looks rough and slightly sticky. It won’t be pretty yet, and that’s totally fine.
Step 2: Knead for Structure
Dust your work surface lightly with flour and turn the dough out. Knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and stretchy. If the dough sticks to your hands, sprinkle in a little more flour as needed.Kneading doesn’t need to be perfect. Push the dough away, fold it back, turn it, and repeat. Once it feels soft and elastic, shape it into a neat ball.
Step 3: Short Rest Time
Place the dough back into the bowl and loosely cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. This brief rest allows the yeast to wake up and gives the dough a slight lift—just enough to keep the bread light without waiting hours.
Step 4: Shape the Loaf
Transfer the rested dough back onto your surface and gently form it into a round or oval shape that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Line the basket with parchment paper or lightly oil it to prevent sticking. Set the shaped dough inside, leaving a bit of space for expansion.
Step 5: Air Fry Until Golden
Set your air fryer to 330°F (165°C). Preheat only if your model recommends it. Bake the bread for 15–18 minutes, until the top turns golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Helpful Tip: Air fryers vary. Check around the 12-minute mark. If the top is browning too fast, loosely tent it with foil and continue cooking. Once done, carefully remove the bread and place it on a rack or board.
Step 6: Cool Before Cutting
As tempting as it is, let the loaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This allows the interior to finish setting and prevents a gummy texture. Slice and enjoy a soft, airy crumb with a lightly crisp crust.
Notes
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Customize your loaf with any of these easy tweaks:- Herbed Bread: Mix in ½ teaspoon dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning
- Garlic Version: Add ¼ teaspoon garlic powder or finely minced garlic
- Cheese Bread: Fold in 2 tablespoons shredded cheese before shaping
- Sweet Loaf: Swap olive oil for melted butter, add an extra teaspoon of sugar, and dust with cinnamon sugar before baking
Serving Ideas
This bread pairs well with just about everything:- Warm slices with butter and honey or jam
- Toasted and topped with avocado and flaky salt
- Used for sliders or small sandwiches
- Thick-cut alongside soups or stews
- Dipped into olive oil and balsamic for a simple appetizer
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a larger batch?Yes. You can double the ingredients, but bake in batches or shape smaller loaves to ensure even cooking. How should leftovers be stored?
Keep cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months and reheat in the air fryer. Can active dry yeast be used?
Yes—dissolve it in warm water with sugar and let it foam for 5–10 minutes before mixing. Why didn’t my bread rise?
Old yeast or overly hot water are usually to blame. Make sure the yeast is fresh and the water isn’t hotter than 110°F. Can the dough be made ahead?
Definitely. Prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it rest at room temperature before baking. What about whole wheat flour?
Whole wheat works, but the loaf will be denser. For better texture, use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour. Is preheating required?
Most air fryers don’t need it, but follow your model’s instructions if preheating is recommended.