Former Great British Bake Off contestant Rowan Claughton has shared a game-changing banana bread recipe that ditches the oven for an air fryer, promising a perfect loaf every time. In a TikTok video for his 'Baking on a Budget' series, Claughton demonstrated how using an air fryer at 150°C for 60 minutes yields a superior rise and crust compared to a traditional oven.
Cost-Effective and Energy-Efficient Baking
Claughton's recipe costs just £4.98 for a full loaf, with each slice costing only 62p. By using an air fryer instead of a conventional oven, bakers can save on energy bills while achieving better results. The recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients: 210g margarine, 100g light brown sugar, 110g caster sugar, three medium ripe bananas, one tsp vanilla extract, three large eggs, 210g self-raising flour, 1.5 tsp baking powder, and 200g chopped dark chocolate.
Step-by-Step Method
To make the banana bread, mash the bananas until completely smooth, then beat in the sugar, vanilla, eggs, and margarine. Fold in the flour and baking powder, then stir through the chopped chocolate. Pour the batter into a lined 2lb loaf tin and cook in the air fryer at 150°C for 60 minutes. Allow to cool completely before slicing.
Viewers React
The TikTok clip has garnered over 6,408 views, 577 likes, and 15 comments. Viewer Olutska commented: "Looks amazing! might add some cinnamon on top too!" Eleanor responded: "Omg I am making this!!!" When viewer Klaudia asked about bananas sinking to the bottom, Claughton advised: "The banana has to be almost puree and really really beaten into the sugar and marg! In this recipe the banana has no risk of sinking."
Why the Air Fryer Works
Claughton explained that the air fryer's consistent heat circulation creates an ideal environment for banana bread, producing a moist interior and a perfectly crisp crust. He said: "Look at that... that is so good. It's come out better in the air fryer. That is the perfect banana bread."
