Air Fryer Milk Bread is a soft, fluffy bread made with milk instead of water, giving it a wonderfully tender texture and slightly sweet flavour. This quick and convenient recipe uses the air fryer to achieve a golden crust and soft interior without heating up your oven. Perfect for sandwiches or as a delicious side to any meal, air fryer milk bread is a must-try for bread lovers looking for an easy homemade option.

Tip #1

Temperature Control: Ensure your milk and egg are at room temperature to help activate the yeast more effectively.

Tip #2

Avoid Overcrowding: Do not overcrowd the air fryer. Bake in batches if necessary to allow adequate air circulation for even cooking.

Tip #3

Post-Bake Shine: Brushing with butter or condensed milk right after baking not only adds a delightful shine but also softens the crust, enhancing the bread's overall texture.

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Air Fryer Milk Bread

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

Milk Bread:

1 egg
3 tbsp (60g) condensed milk
1 tsp (3g) yeast
1/2 cup + 1 tbsp (140ml) milk
2 cups (300g) bread flour/wheat flour/all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp (3g) Salt
2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter

Egg wash:

1 egg yolk
2 tbsp milk

Toppings:

Unsalted butter or condensed milk for brushing

Preparation

In a large bowl, combine the egg, condensed milk, yeast, and milk. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Add the flour and salt to the mixture. Stir with a spatula to form a rough dough.
Incorporate the butter into the dough. Use an electric mixer with a dough hook attachment or knead by hand on a floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic. Perform the windowpane test to check if the dough is properly developed: Take a small piece of dough and stretch it between your fingers; it should form a thin, translucent membrane without tearing.
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it nearly doubles in size.
Gently deflate the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 8 equal pieces and shape each into a smooth ball. Arrange the balls in a circular baking pan lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rest for another hour.
Prepare the egg wash by whisking together the egg yolk and milk. Brush the tops of the dough balls evenly. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the baking pan in the air fryer and bake for 20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
Immediately after baking, brush the tops of the bread with unsalted butter or drizzle with condensed milk for a glossy finish.