Air Fryer Irish Soda Bread is a classic yeast-free bread that’s quick, easy, and delicious! Made with simple pantry ingredients and baked in the air fryer, this bread has a dense texture similar to a biscuit. It’s perfect for serving with soups, stews, or just with butter and jam. Plus, it’s a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or enjoy homemade bread anytime.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
6 tbsp butter (slightly softened)
½ cup golden raisins
½ cup dried cranberries
1 egg (beaten)
1 ¾ cup buttermilk

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Using a pastry blender or your hands, work the butter into the flour mixture until coarse. Stir in the raisins and dried cranberries.
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add the beaten egg and buttermilk, mixing well with a wooden spoon until the dough becomes stiff but slightly sticky.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and divide it in half. Shape each portion into a round loaf.
Place each dough round into a lightly greased 7-inch cake pan. Use a sharp knife to score an “X” on the top of each loaf.
Preheat the air fryer to 320°F. Place one cake pan in the air fryer basket and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Remove the loaves from the cake pans and let them cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrients

Calories: 360 kcal
Carbohydrates: 72g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 27mg
Sodium: 779mg
Potassium: 242mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 15g
Vitamin A: 135 IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 94mg
Iron: 4mg

This easy air fryer bread is a quick way to enjoy fresh, homemade Irish soda bread without the hassle of yeast!

How to Make the Perfect Air Fryer Irish Soda Bread

Making Irish soda bread in the air fryer is incredibly straightforward. The recipe uses basic pantry ingredients like flour, sugar, baking soda, and buttermilk, which are all you need to create the bread’s signature dense, flavorful texture. For a touch of sweetness and color, golden raisins and dried cranberries are added, though these are optional. The butter gives the dough a slight richness, while the buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to create a rise in the dough, resulting in a slightly airy, yet dense, loaf.

Once the dough comes together, it’s shaped into round loaves and placed into lightly greased cake pans, which fit perfectly in the air fryer basket. A sharp knife is used to score an “X” on the top of the loaf before baking. This scoring isn’t just decorative—it helps the bread bake evenly by allowing steam to escape, creating a tender, moist crumb inside.

Baking at a moderate temperature of 320°F for 20 to 25 minutes results in a perfectly cooked loaf. After baking, the bread is allowed to cool slightly before slicing, ensuring the best texture when cut. The result is a rustic, homemade bread that has a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a texture that’s slightly firmer than traditional bread.

Why Choose an Air Fryer for Soda Bread?

Using an air fryer to bake soda bread offers several benefits over the conventional oven method. One of the most obvious advantages is speed. Traditional Irish soda bread can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour in the oven, but the air fryer reduces this time to just 20 to 25 minutes, allowing you to have fresh bread in less than half the time. This is particularly helpful if you’re in a rush to get a meal on the table or if you just don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.

Another benefit of using the air fryer is the consistent and even heat distribution. The air fryer ensures that the bread cooks evenly on all sides, giving you that perfectly crisp crust while keeping the inside moist and tender. The air fryer also helps retain the bread’s natural moisture, preventing it from drying out as it might in a conventional oven.

Additionally, baking soda bread in the air fryer eliminates the need to preheat the oven, saving you both time and energy. This makes the air fryer an efficient option for quick baking, especially when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen or wait for the oven to come to temperature.

Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Irish Soda Bread

While Irish soda bread is delicious on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. The slightly sweet flavor of the bread works well with savory soups and stews, such as classic Irish beef stew, potato leek soup, or a hearty vegetable soup. The bread can be served on the side to sop up the flavorful broth, making for a satisfying and comforting meal.

If you’re looking for a lighter option, serve your soda bread with some creamy butter and jam. The subtle sweetness of the dried fruits in the bread makes it an excellent choice for pairing with fruit preserves or even honey. You could also serve it alongside a charcuterie board, using slices of the bread to carry different cheeses and meats, making it a versatile addition to any gathering.

For a more decadent treat, consider topping the bread with whipped cream or a drizzle of lemon glaze, making it feel like a more indulgent dessert. The slightly tangy and rich flavor of the bread pairs perfectly with the sweetness of a glaze or cream.

Health Benefits of Air Fryer Irish Soda Bread

While Irish soda bread is typically not considered a health food, making it in the air fryer offers some advantages that make it a bit lighter than traditional bread. For starters, the use of buttermilk in the dough provides a tangy flavor and moisture without the need for excessive butter or oil. By using light butter, the recipe reduces the fat content, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

Additionally, the absence of yeast in soda bread makes it easier for some people to digest, particularly those who may be sensitive to yeast-based products. This makes it a great option for individuals who are looking for a quick, easy bread recipe without the complexities of traditional yeast-based bread.

With just a handful of simple ingredients and a relatively low amount of sugar, Air Fryer Irish Soda Bread is a good choice for anyone looking to enjoy a homemade loaf of bread that’s both satisfying and moderately healthy.

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Irish Soda Bread

One of the great things about Air Fryer Irish Soda Bread is that it stays fresh for several days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or for enjoying throughout the week. After it has cooled completely, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you don’t think you’ll finish the bread within that time, you can freeze it for later use. Simply slice the bread and wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or foil, then store them in a freezer-safe bag.

To reheat the bread, simply toast it in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore its crispy crust, or warm individual slices in the microwave if you prefer a softer texture. The bread retains its delicious flavor and texture, making it perfect for a quick snack or to accompany your next meal.

Conclusion: A Quick and Tasty Homemade Bread

Air Fryer Irish Soda Bread is a simple, delicious, and efficient way to enjoy freshly baked bread without the need for yeast or an oven. With its crispy crust, tender crumb, and delightful hint of sweetness from the raisins and cranberries, this bread is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty stew, spreading it with butter and jam, or enjoying it on its own, Air Fryer Irish Soda Bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

The air fryer not only speeds up the baking process but also creates a beautifully crisp crust, making it the ideal tool for quickly preparing homemade bread. With its minimal ingredients, easy preparation, and incredible flavor, this bread is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy fresh, homemade bread in less time. Plus, it’s a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or add a homemade touch to any meal. Try this recipe today and enjoy the warm, comforting taste of freshly baked soda bread in a fraction of the time!

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