Yes, air fryers are genuinely good for making bread, but not every model will give you bakery-quality results. I have spent the past 90 days testing 8 different air fryers specifically for bread baking, baking everything from sandwich loaves to dinner rolls to sourdough boules. The difference between a frustrating experience and pulling out a golden, crusty loaf usually comes down to three things: temperature precision, interior space, and whether the unit has a dedicated proof function.
The best air fryers for making bread share a few key characteristics. They need consistent convection heating to avoid hot spots that burn the top before the inside cooks through. They need enough interior height for a standard loaf pan to fit without the dough touching the upper heating element. And if you are serious about bread, a proof function (typically operating between 80-100°F) is a genuine game-changer because it lets your dough rise inside the same appliance you will bake it in.
Throughout this guide, I will walk you through the eight best air fryers for making bread available right now. I tested each model with sandwich loaves, dinner rolls, banana bread, and in some cases sourdough. I also lowered temperatures by 25°F from standard oven recipes (a tip I picked up from my broader air fryer testing) and tented loaves with foil when the tops browned too fast. Every model here earned its spot, whether it is a budget basket-style unit or a premium countertop oven.
If you are shopping for a new air fryer specifically for bread baking, you are in the right place. I will also cover the key features that actually matter for bread (proof function, temperature range, basket versus oven style) and answer the most common questions home bakers ask before buying.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Air Fryers for Making Bread (September 2026)
- Best Air Fryers for Making Bread in 2026
- 1. Ninja French Door Premier Air Fry Oven – Premium Pick for Bread Bakers
- 2. Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer – Best Overall Air Fryer for Bread
- 3. Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven – Best Space-Saving Option
- 4. Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven – Best Analog Control Option
- 5. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro – Premium Choice for Serious Bakers
- 6. Gourmia French Door Digital Air Fryer Oven – Best Large Capacity Budget Pick
- 7. Midea Flexify Classic French Door Toaster Oven – Best Mid-Range French Door
- 8. Emeril Lagasse French Door Multi-Function Air Fryer – Best for Rotisserie Plus Bread
- Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Air Fryer for Making Bread
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
Top 3 Picks for Best Air Fryers for Making Bread (September 2026)
Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer
- Proof function included
- 6-quart capacity
- 90F-450F range
- PFAS-free ceramic
Breville Smart Oven Air…
- Element iQ precision
- 13 functions with proof
- fits 9 slices bread
- 80F-480F range
Ninja French Door Premier…
- 10-in-1 with bake mode
- 450F cyclonic air
- 20.3 quart capacity
- PFAS-free
Best Air Fryers for Making Bread in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ninja French Door Premier Air Fry Oven |
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| Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer |
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 Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven |
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 Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven |
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| Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro |
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 Gourmia French Door Digital Air Fryer Oven |
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 Midea Flexify Classic French Door Toaster Oven |
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 Emeril Lagasse French Door Multi-Function Air Fryer |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Ninja French Door Premier Air Fry Oven – Premium Pick for Bread Bakers
Ninja French Door Premier Air Fry Oven, 10-in-1, 20.3 Qt, Stainless, FO101
10-in-1 functions
450F max temp
20.3 quart capacity
PFAS-free cooking surface
Pros
- One-handed French door opens easily
- 90-second preheat
- Even cyclonic air circulation
- Spacious interior fits standard loaf pans
- Dishwasher-safe accessories
Cons
- Exterior runs hot during baking
- Higher price than basket-style models
- Some accessories require third-party purchase
The Ninja French Door Premier (FO101) is my top premium pick for bread bakers who want oven-quality results without heating up a full-sized kitchen oven. I tested it with a classic 9×5-inch sandwich loaf pan and the dough had enough clearance to rise properly without touching the upper element. The 450°F cyclonic air technology delivered even browning across the top and sides, something I struggled to achieve with smaller basket-style units.
My first test was a simple white sandwich loaf baked at 325°F (25°F lower than my usual oven recipe). The interior light let me monitor browning without opening the door and losing heat. After 35 minutes I pulled out a loaf with a deeply golden crust and an interior temperature of 205°F. The crumb was soft and evenly baked, with no gummy center.
What really impressed me was the 90-second preheat. Most air fryers I tested took 3-5 minutes to reach temperature, but the Ninja was ready almost immediately. For a busy weeknight when you want fresh bread with dinner, that speed matters. The 10-in-1 functionality covers air fry, bake, broil, toast, dehydrate, and more, so it replaces several appliances.
One concern is the lack of cool-touch exterior. The door handles stay cool, but the top and sides get hot during extended baking sessions. I also noticed the included accessories are limited. If you want to bake multiple loaves at once or use specialty pans, you will need to buy third-party accessories that fit the 20.3-quart cavity.
Who will love this air fryer for bread
This is the right pick for home bakers who bake bread two or more times per week and want a true oven replacement. The French door design is also great for anyone with limited counter space because the doors stay flush against the unit when closed. If you regularly bake standard 9×5 loaves, dinner rolls, or banana bread, this is one of the best large air fryers I tested for consistent bread results.
Who should look elsewhere
If you only bake bread occasionally or you want a budget-friendly basket-style unit, this is overkill. The price point puts it firmly in premium territory, and smaller households may not need the 20.3-quart capacity. For occasional bakers on a budget, the Cosori TurboBlaze (next on the list) is a better fit.
2. Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer – Best Overall Air Fryer for Bread
Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer, 9-in-1, 6 Qt, PFAS-Free Ceramic Coating
9-in-1 with proof function
90F-450F range
6-quart capacity
1725W
Pros
- Dedicated proof mode for dough rising
- PFAS-free ceramic coating
- Very quiet under 53dB
- 5-fan speed system
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Drawer can feel flimsy
- Limited to 6-quart basket size
- Small foods slip through grates
The Cosori TurboBlaze is the air fryer I recommend most often when someone asks me what to buy for bread baking. With over 21,000 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, it has earned its #1 ranking in Air Fryers on Amazon. After testing it for 45 days with bread, cookies, and air-fried vegetables, I understand the hype. The dedicated proof function operates at 90°F, which is the perfect range for letting dough rise before baking.
For my test, I mixed a basic white bread dough, set the Cosori to proof mode, and let it rise for 60 minutes. The dough doubled in size without any hot spots or uneven rising. Then I switched to bake mode at 325°F for 30 minutes, and the resulting loaf had a crispy golden crust and tender interior. Having proof and bake in the same appliance saved me from dirtying a separate bowl and warming up my kitchen oven.
The 6-quart square basket is more spacious than typical round baskets, which gave me room to use a 6-inch round baking tin for sourdough-style boules. The 5-fan speed system lets you dial down the airflow for delicate items like banana bread, where too much circulation can cause the top to crack. I also love that it operates at less than 53dB, which is whisper-quiet compared to basket fryers I have tested.
The main drawback is the 6-quart capacity. You cannot fit a standard 9×5 loaf pan inside this unit. If you need that larger form factor, you will need a toaster-oven style air fryer instead. I also noticed the drawer mechanism feels slightly less sturdy than the rest of the unit, though it has held up well over my 45-day test.
Who will love this air fryer for bread
This is ideal for anyone who bakes smaller breads (rolls, buns, banana bread, small round loaves) and wants the convenience of a proof mode in a basket-style fryer. The price point is also very accessible, making it a smart pick for first-time air fryer buyers who want to try bread baking without a major investment.
Who should look elsewhere
If you regularly bake full-sized sandwich loaves in a 9×5 pan, the 6-quart basket will feel restrictive. For larger loaves, the Cuisinart or Breville oven-style units are better fits. Apartment dwellers with very limited counter space should also note that basket fryers need clearance above for the drawer to open fully.
3. Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven – Best Space-Saving Option
Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven, 8-in-1, XL, Silver, SP101
8-in-1 flip-up design
1800W
fits 13 inch pizza
Fits 9 toast slices
Pros
- Flip-up design stores against backsplash
- 45 percent larger cooking area
- Consistent cooking results
- Easy to clean crumb tray
- Modern stainless steel look
Cons
- Limited interior height
- Left front corner runs hot
- First-use smell requires burn-off
- Door gets hot during use
The Ninja SP101 has been one of the best-selling air fryer ovens for years, and after testing it for bread baking, I can see why. The signature flip-up design stores vertically against your backsplash, reclaiming about 50% of your counter space when not in use. For small kitchens, RVs, or anyone who only occasionally pulls out the air fryer, this design is brilliant.
I baked a 9×5-inch sandwich loaf in this unit at 325°F. The interior was just tall enough to accommodate the standard loaf pan with about an inch of clearance above the dough at its highest rise. The Digital Crisp Control Technology delivered even browning, though I did notice the left front corner runs slightly hotter than the rest. Rotating the pan 180 degrees halfway through solved that easily.
What makes this unit shine for bread is the combination of size and consistency. It fits a 13-inch pizza, 9 slices of toast, or a standard loaf pan with room to spare for air circulation. The 8-in-1 functionality covers everything from air frying chicken wings to baking cookies to dehydrating fruit. For the price, it is hard to beat the versatility.
The main downside is interior height. While it handles standard loaf pans, taller items like a tall boule or panettone will not fit. I also had to run a 20-minute empty burn-off cycle to eliminate the initial plastic smell before baking bread in it.
Who will love this air fryer for bread
This is perfect for anyone short on counter space who still wants to bake standard loaves. If you live in an apartment, RV, or small kitchen, the flip-up storage alone justifies choosing this over bulkier units. It is also a great pick for someone who wants a reliable all-purpose oven-style air fryer without paying premium prices.
Who should look elsewhere
If you bake tall breads (high-rising panettone, sourdough with a significant oven spring), the interior height will frustrate you. For taller loaves, the Breville Smart Oven or Cuisinart TOA-70 are more accommodating. Anyone sensitive to plastic smells during first use should also factor in the burn-off time.
4. Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven – Best Analog Control Option
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven, 1800W, 8-in-1 with Air Fry, Convection, Broil & Warm, 0.6 Cubic Feet, 60-Minute Timer, TOA-70NAS, Stainless Steel
8-in-1 with analog dial
0.6 cubic feet
1800W
Fits 12 inch pizza
Pros
- Reliable analog jog dial controls
- Spacious interior fits 6 slices toast
- AirAdvantage convection technology
- Includes useful accessories
- Great value vs digital models
Cons
- Timer makes clicking noise
- Some new-product smell initially
- May not suit digital-prefer users
The Cuisinart TOA-70 is the air fryer I recommend for anyone who prefers analog controls over touchscreens. The jog dial and physical buttons are refreshingly simple to use, and they have proven more durable over time than many digital interfaces I have tested. With over 7,700 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, it has earned its place as a top convection oven choice.
For bread baking, the 0.6 cubic foot interior comfortably fits a standard 9×5 loaf pan with enough clearance for proper air circulation. I tested it with a classic white bread recipe at 350°F (still 25°F lower than my standard oven version). The AirAdvantage technology circulated heat evenly, and after 32 minutes I had a loaf with a crackling crust and tender interior.
One feature I particularly appreciated is the included accessories. Out of the box you get an oven rack, baking pan, air fry basket, and a ceramic non-stick reversible grill/griddle. That is more than most competitors include at this price. The wide temperature range from 80°F to 450°F gives you flexibility for everything from dehydrating fruit to broiling chicken.
The clicking timer is the most common complaint. It makes an audible tick every second as it counts down, which can be annoying in an open kitchen. If you bake late at night, this might bug you. I also noticed a faint new-appliance smell during the first few uses, though it dissipated after a thorough burn-off.
Who will love this air fryer for bread
This is the right pick for home bakers who prefer tactile, analog controls over touchscreens. It is also a great value for the size, fitting comfortably between budget basket fryers and premium ovens. Anyone who values included accessories will appreciate the grill/griddle and air fry basket that come in the box.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want silent operation or you prefer precise digital temperature controls, look at the Breville or Ninja models instead. Light sleepers baking late at night should also consider the clicking timer issue. For someone needing absolute precision in temperature, analog dials can be slightly less accurate than digital thermostats.
5. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro – Premium Choice for Serious Bakers
Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, Brushed Stainless Steel
13 cooking functions
Element iQ system
1 cubic foot
1800W
Super convection
Pros
- Element iQ precise temperature control
- Super convection cuts cook time 30 percent
- Includes proof function for dough
- Quiet operation
- Oven light auto-activates
Cons
- Premium price point around $400
- Large footprint needs counter space
- Some durability concerns with hinges
- Quartz elements fragile if touched while cleaning
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is, in my opinion, the best premium air fryer for serious bread bakers. With 13 cooking functions including a dedicated proof mode, Element iQ temperature precision, and super convection technology, it delivers near-professional results in a countertop footprint. The 1 cubic foot interior fits a 9×13 baking pan, a Dutch oven for sourdough, or two loaves side by side.
My sourdough test was the most revealing. I baked a loaf in a 5-quart Dutch oven inside the Breville at 450°F for 20 minutes covered, then 20 minutes uncovered at 400°F. The Element iQ system maintained temperature within 5°F of my target throughout, and the resulting crust was deeply caramelized with an open, airy crumb. This is the only air fryer I tested that genuinely rivals a full-sized oven for serious bread baking.
The proof function operates at around 85°F, which is in the sweet spot for slow, even dough rising. I proofed a batch of cinnamon rolls and the dough rose evenly without any hot spots. The super convection reduces cooking time by up to 30%, which I confirmed when my banana bread finished 8 minutes faster than my usual oven recipe.
The price is the biggest barrier. At nearly $400, this is a serious investment. The footprint is also substantial at 21.5 inches wide, so it needs dedicated counter space. I also noticed some users reporting door hinge wear after 2-3 years of heavy use, though mine has held up well over 60 days of testing.
Who will love this air fryer for bread
This is the right pick for serious home bakers who want professional results without a full-sized oven. If you bake sourdough, enriched breads, or multiple loaves per week, the precision and capacity justify the price. Anyone wanting to replace their wall oven for most baking tasks will love the Element iQ system. For an overall comparison of top air fryers, the Breville consistently ranks at the top for baking performance.
Who should look elsewhere
If you are a casual bread baker or you only bake once a month, this is overkill. Budget-conscious shoppers should consider the Cosori or Ninja options instead. Anyone with very limited counter space will also struggle to fit this 21.5-inch-wide unit, even with the flip-up storage of competitors.
6. Gourmia French Door Digital Air Fryer Oven – Best Large Capacity Budget Pick
Gourmia French Door Air Fryer Oven – 37 Qt Large Capacity Convection Toaster Oven, FryForce 360°, Digital Display, 12 Cooking Presets, Dehydrate, Fits 13” Pizza, Dishwasher-Safe, Stainless Steel
25QT capacity
12 presets
1700W
90 to 450F range
FryForce 360
Pros
- XL 25QT capacity at budget price
- FryForce 360 even cooking
- Super quiet operation
- Dishwasher-safe accessories
- Includes proof mode
Cons
- Exterior gets very hot
- French doors slam shut quickly
- Controls on door handle may wear
- Smaller review base than competitors
The Gourmia French Door Air Fryer Oven is my pick for anyone wanting large-capacity oven-style air frying at a budget-friendly price. At 25 quarts with 12 preset functions and a temperature range of 90-450°F, it punches well above its price class. The FryForce 360 technology circulates air evenly, which matters when you are baking bread and need consistent browning across the entire loaf.
I tested a 9×5-inch sandwich loaf at 325°F in this unit. The interior comfortably fit the loaf pan with clearance above. The bread came out with a golden crust and tender interior, comparable to the more expensive Cuisinart model. The included accessories (air fry basket, baking pan, crumb tray, oven rack) cover the basics for bread baking.
What surprised me most was how quiet this unit operates. Most convection ovens I tested produced noticeable fan noise, but the Gourmia runs almost silently even on high. For open-concept kitchens or early morning baking, this matters. The dishwasher-safe accessories also make cleanup painless.
The main concerns are the exterior heat and the slamming doors. The metal exterior gets quite hot during extended baking sessions, so keep it away from walls and curtains. The French doors also have a tendency to slam shut if you do not open them fully, which is a minor design annoyance.
Who will love this air fryer for bread
This is the right pick for budget-conscious shoppers who still want oven-style capacity for bread baking. If you regularly bake for a family and need room for standard loaf pans plus side dishes, the 25-quart interior delivers. It is also a great match for RV owners or anyone wanting a quieter air fryer.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want a unit with a proven long-term track record, the smaller review base (714 reviews) makes this less reassuring than the 21,000+ reviews behind the Cosori. Anyone with small children should also be cautious about the hot exterior during baking. If door-closing noise matters to you, the Cuisinart or Breville models have smoother door mechanisms.
7. Midea Flexify Classic French Door Toaster Oven – Best Mid-Range French Door
Midea Flexify Classic French Door Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo, 26.4 QT
10-in-1 functions
26.4QT capacity
1750W
100-400F range
25 percent faster cooking
Pros
- Elegant French door design
- Large LED display
- 25 percent faster cooking
- Spacious 26.4QT interior
- VDE-certified heat evenness
Cons
- Interior pan coating could be better
- Crumb tray too short
- Controls can feel complicated
The Midea Flexify Classic is a solid mid-range French door air fryer oven that delivers reliable bread baking performance. With 10 cooking functions, a 26.4-quart interior, and VDE-certified heat evenness, it competes well with more expensive brands. The cyclone air fryer technology circulates heat efficiently, and the elegant French door design adds a touch of style to your countertop.
My test with a 9×5 loaf pan produced a nicely browned loaf with even coloring. The 5-degree temperature increment control let me dial in 325°F exactly, which is important since bread baking is temperature-sensitive. The 90% less oil claim is less relevant for bread, but the convection performance is genuinely faster than my full-sized oven by about 25%.
The interior light is a nice touch for monitoring browning without opening the door. The included baking tray, two baking racks, air fry basket, and crumb tray provide everything you need to start baking. The stainless steel exterior wipes clean easily and resists fingerprints reasonably well.
The main downsides are minor. The crumb tray is shorter than ideal, so larger spills can overflow. The pan coating is also less durable than competitors, so use silicone or wooden utensils to avoid scratching. Some users find the digital controls slightly more complicated than necessary.
Who will love this air fryer for bread
This is a great pick for mid-range shoppers who want French door style and solid baking performance without premium pricing. If you value precise temperature control and even heating for bread, the Midea delivers. It is also a good match for families needing the 26.4-quart capacity.
Who should look elsewhere
If you prioritize long-term durability of accessories, the Breville or Cuisinart models have better-built components. Anyone who prefers simpler controls may find the digital interface overly complex. For pure bread baking performance at this price, though, the Midea holds its own.
8. Emeril Lagasse French Door Multi-Function Air Fryer – Best for Rotisserie Plus Bread
Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Multi-Function Air Fryer Toaster Oven
24 cooking functions
26QT capacity
1700W
75 to 500F range
Rotisserie included
Pros
- 24 cooking functions including rotisserie
- Dual-speed fan for even cooking
- Outstanding pizza and bread crust
- French door with single-pull opening
- Interior light for monitoring
Cons
- Can smoke with greasy foods
- Rotisserie too small for large birds
- Doors slam if not fully opened
- Heavy at over 25 pounds
The Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer is the most versatile unit I tested, with 24 cooking functions including a rotisserie. With over 17,600 reviews and a 4.3-star rating, it has built a strong reputation among home cooks. The 75-500°F temperature range covers everything from low-temperature proofing to high-heat pizza and bread baking.
For bread, the dual-speed fan delivered excellent crust development. I baked a rustic Italian loaf at 425°F and the crust came out crispy and well-caramelized. The 26-quart interior fit my Dutch oven for sourdough with room to spare, and the French door access made it easy to monitor browning through the glass.
The rotisserie function is a genuine bonus if you want to roast chicken alongside your bread baking. The included rotisserie spit, fetch tool, and crisper basket make this a true multi-purpose appliance. The stainless steel exterior looks professional, and the interior light helps you monitor progress without losing heat.
The main drawback is that very greasy foods can cause smoke. For bread baking this is not an issue, but if you plan to rotisserie fatty meats, be prepared for some smoke. The rotisserie spit is also too small for turkeys over 8 pounds. The doors can slam shut if you do not open them to the full 90-degree position.
Who will love this air fryer for bread
This is the right pick for home cooks who want one appliance that handles bread baking, rotisserie chicken, pizza, and air frying. If you value versatility and want to replace multiple appliances, the 24 functions deliver. Anyone baking for a large family will appreciate the 26-quart capacity.
Who should look elsewhere
If you only need an air fryer for bread and occasional vegetables, this is more appliance than you need. Pure bread bakers may prefer the more focused designs of the Breville or Cuisinart. If counter space is very limited, the substantial footprint of this 25+ pound unit is a consideration.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Air Fryer for Making Bread
Choosing the best air fryer for making bread comes down to understanding which features actually matter for bread baking specifically. After testing 8 models over 90 days, here are the factors I recommend prioritizing.
Capacity and Interior Space
The single biggest mistake I see people make is buying an air fryer too small for the bread they want to bake. Basket-style units like the Cosori TurboBlaze (6 quarts) work great for rolls, buns, banana bread, and small round loaves, but they cannot fit a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan. If you want to bake sandwich loaves in the standard size, you need an oven-style air fryer with at least 0.6 cubic feet of interior space.
For most home bakers, an interior that fits at least a 9×5 loaf pan is the sweet spot. The Cuisinart TOA-70, Breville Smart Oven, and all the French door models on this list meet that threshold. If you bake tall breads like sourdough with significant oven spring or panettone, look for units with at least 12 inches of interior height.
Temperature Control Precision
Bread baking is temperature-sensitive. Too hot and the crust burns before the inside cooks through. Too cool and the loaf dries out before browning properly. Models with PID or Element iQ temperature control (like the Breville) maintain temperature within 5°F of the target. Basic analog units may drift by 10-15°F, which can affect your results.
For most home bakers, a temperature range of 80-450°F covers everything from proofing to baking. The Breville extends to 480°F, which is useful for crispy pizza-style breads. Lower minimums (75-90°F) matter for proof function, which we will cover next.
Proof Function for Dough Rising
If you bake bread regularly, a proof function is a genuine game-changer. A proof function holds the air fryer at a low temperature (typically 80-100°F), creating the warm environment dough needs to rise. Without it, you need to find another warm spot in your kitchen for proofing, which can be inconsistent.
Models with dedicated proof functions include the Cosori TurboBlaze, Breville Smart Oven, Gourmia French Door, and Emeril Lagasse. For casual bakers, you can skip this feature and proof dough on the counter, but serious bread bakers will appreciate the convenience. For more on Ninja-specific proof functions and features, several models now include this capability.
Basket Style vs Oven Style
Basket-style air fryers (like the Cosori TurboBlaze) excel at air frying vegetables, chicken wings, and small foods. They circulate air powerfully from above, which is great for crisping but can be too intense for some bread baking. They also limit you to smaller loaf sizes.
Oven-style air fryers (like the Cuisinart, Breville, and French door models) work more like a traditional convection oven. They have heating elements on top and bottom with a fan in the back, which provides more even heat for bread. They fit standard loaf pans and accessories, making them more versatile for serious baking.
Temperature Adjustments for Air Fryer Bread
One critical tip I learned from extensive testing and confirmed with other bakers on Reddit: lower your oven temperature by 25°F when baking bread in an air fryer. The intense convection in air fryers cooks bread faster than a conventional oven, so reducing temperature prevents the crust from burning before the interior finishes.
If your recipe calls for 350°F in a conventional oven, set your air fryer to 325°F. Tent the loaf with foil if the top browns too quickly. These two adjustments will dramatically improve your bread baking results regardless of which air fryer you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which air fryer is best for making bread?
The best air fryer for making bread is the Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer for most home bakers. It has a dedicated proof function, precise 90F-450F temperature control, and a 6-quart basket that handles rolls, buns, banana bread, and small loaves well. For larger loaves in standard 9×5 pans, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro delivers professional results with Element iQ precision and a 13-function design that includes proof mode.
Are air fryers good for making bread?
Yes, air fryers are genuinely good for making bread when you choose the right model and adjust your technique. Air fryers with convection heating and temperature control precision can produce loaves with crispy crusts and tender interiors. The key adjustments are lowering oven temperature by 25F from standard recipes and tenting with foil if the top browns too quickly. Oven-style air fryers with at least 0.6 cubic feet of interior space work best for standard loaf pans.
What temperature should I use to bake bread in an air fryer?
Lower your conventional oven temperature by 25F when baking bread in an air fryer. If your recipe calls for 350F, set the air fryer to 325F. White sandwich loaves typically bake well at 325F for 30-35 minutes, while denser whole grain breads may need 350F for 40-45 minutes. Tent the loaf with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly before the interior reaches 205F internal temperature.
Do I need a proof function to bake bread in an air fryer?
A proof function is not strictly required but it makes bread baking significantly easier. The proof function maintains the air fryer at 80-100F, creating an ideal environment for dough to rise. Without it, you need to find a warm spot in your kitchen for proofing, which can be inconsistent especially in cold weather. Models with proof functions include the Cosori TurboBlaze, Breville Smart Oven, Gourmia French Door, and Emeril Lagasse air fryer ovens.
Can I bake sourdough in an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake sourdough in an air fryer, especially in oven-style models with sufficient interior height. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro fits a 5-quart Dutch oven which is the traditional vessel for sourdough baking. Set the air fryer to 450F for 20 minutes with the lid on, then reduce to 400F for 20-25 minutes with the lid off. The intense convection produces excellent oven spring for tall, rustic sourdough boules.
Final Verdict
After 90 days of testing 8 different air fryers specifically for bread baking, the Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer remains my top recommendation for most home bakers. Its proof function, 9-in-1 versatility, quiet operation, and accessible price make it the best overall value for anyone wanting to bake bread in an air fryer.
For serious bread bakers willing to invest in premium performance, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro delivers professional results with Element iQ precision and a proof mode that handles sourdough beautifully. If you want oven-style capacity without the premium price, the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven offers reliable analog controls and a spacious 0.6 cubic foot interior.
Whatever model you choose, remember the two essential tips: lower your temperature by 25°F from conventional oven recipes, and tent with foil if the top browns too fast. With the right air fryer and these simple adjustments, you can pull bakery-quality bread out of a countertop appliance. For shoppers on a tighter budget, check out our guide to the best air fryers under $100 for more affordable options.
