Few things compare to a freshly baked loaf of homemade bread. Yet plenty of people have never attempted to bake their own. Many bread recipes demand relentless kneading, proofing, rising and numerous steps that can discourage the typical home baker.
A Simple Solution for Home Bakers
Journalist Nicola Roy was among them - she adored the concept of fresh baked bread, but hadn't tried it herself until stumbling across this recipe on Instagram. The recipe was posted by Emily Scott, better known as What I Ate For Breakfast, and guaranteed a mouth-watering loaf with minimum fuss. And even better, you can cook it in the air fryer.
In a brief video, Emily unveiled her foolproof bread recipe that demands nothing more than Greek yoghurt and self-raising flour. No yeast and no expensive oven dishes needed - and crucially, no waiting around for hours while the dough proves.
In the caption, she said: "The texture isn't quite as light and fluffy as a loaf made with yeast (more similar to soda bread), but it's soft with a delicious, crunchy crust and perfect for toasting or enjoyed warm from the oven slathered with butter."
First Attempt Exceeds Expectations
Nicola said: "This sounded good enough to me, so I got to work on making my own loaf. I was not expecting anything special for my first attempt, but the end result was so impressive and I can't believe how easy - and delicious - it was.
"The crust was so crunchy as I was cutting the bread into slices, with the inside of the loaf gorgeous and chewy - like sourdough but even better.
"It's even better toasted, especially when served with butter or your favourite spread. This may have been my first time making bread, but it certainly won't be the last, especially when recipes like this exist."
Recipe: Two-Ingredient Air Fryer Bread
Ingredients - for the dough
- 500g self-raising flour
- 475g Greek yoghurt
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Method
Begin by weighing out your flour and yoghurt into two separate bowls. To the bowl with the flour, add the salt and give it a quick stir. Then add the yoghurt and bring everything together using your hands, a spoon or a mixer until you have a smooth, uniform dough, adding a little water if it feels too dry.
While that's coming together, make your egg wash by whisking an egg with a small splash of milk - this is what gives the loaf that irresistible golden finish once it comes out of the oven.
Next, line your air fryer basket with greaseproof paper and place the dough inside. Generously brush the egg wash over the top, then sprinkle with sesame seeds or whatever toppings you fancy.
Set your air fryer to the bake setting and cook the bread for 40 minutes at 160°C.
You'll know it's ready when you tap the bottom of the loaf and it gives off a hollow sound.
