How to Defrost Bread in the Air Fryer

Defrosting bread in the air fryer is an easy, quick way to enjoy frozen bread. With just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly thawed bread ready to enjoy in no time.

Can you defrost bread in an air fryer?

You can defrost bread in an air fryer. Air frying is a quick and efficient method to thaw frozen bread, allowing you to enjoy it in a shorter time and with better results than other methods, like using a microwave, toaster oven, or regular oven.  Air fryers are not only great for cooking crispy foods, but an added bonus is that they can also be used for defrosting bread quickly and efficiently.

Anything goes when it comes to defrosting frozen bread in the air fryer! You can defrost frozen garlic bread from the grocery store, frozen french fries, frozen breadsticks, frozen Texas Toast, or frozen french bread. 

How do you defrost bread in an air fryer?

  • Preheat your air fryer: Set it to a temperature of around 300 degrees F (150°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes. This will create a warm environment that will help defrost the bread evenly.

  • Prepare the bread: Take the whole loaf out of the freezer and remove any packaging. If the bread is sliced, you can separate the slices in the loaf of bread to promote even defrosting.

  • Place the bread in the air fryer: Put the frozen bread slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure there is enough space between the slices for the hot air to circulate.

  • Defrost the bread: Set the air fryer timer to around 3-5 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on the bread and flip the slices halfway through to ensure even defrosting. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of the bread and the model of your air fryer.

  • Check for doneness: After the set time, remove a slice of bread and check if it is fully defrosted. If it needs more time, place it back in the air fryer for another minute or two.

  • Enjoy your defrosted bread: Once fully defrosted and warmed through, remove it from the air fryer and enjoy it as you normally would. You can toast it, make sandwiches, or use it for any other recipe.

 
 

How long does it take to defrost bread in an air fryer?

The time it takes to defrost bread in an air fryer can vary depending on the size and thickness of the bread slices, but the lowest air fry time for defrosting bread is generally around 5 to 10 minutes. Thick slices of bread will need longer cook time than smaller pieces of bread. For best results, check on the bread periodically to make sure it doesn't get too dry or burned.

Is defrosting bread in an air fryer safe?

Defrosting bread in an air fryer is safe. Air fryers are designed to evenly distribute heat, allowing for efficient and safe defrosting. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and monitor the bread closely to prevent it from becoming overcooked.

Can you defrost frozen dough in an air fryer?

Defrosting frozen bread dough in an air fryer is a fast and easy way to get your dough ready for baking! Here's how:



  • Preheat the air fryer to a low temperature, around 250°F (120°C).

  • Place the frozen dough in the air fryer basket or on a tray.

  • Set the timer for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the dough.

  • Check the dough periodically to ensure it is thawing evenly. Flip or rotate if needed.

  • Once the dough is thawed, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest at room temperature before using it for baking or cooking.

Will defrosting bread in an air fryer affect its taste or texture?

Not at all! Defrosting bread in an air fryer is an easy way to bring back its fresh taste and texture. The air fryer uses circulating hot air to gently thaw the bread without making it soggy or compromising its flavor. This results in perfectly defrosted bread that tastes just as good as fresh bread that's even better than defrosting in the oven. 

Can you defrost bread slices individually in an air fryer?

If you just need a few slices of individual bread for sandwiches or toast, you can absolutely air fry just a few slices. To do so:



  • Place the frozen bread slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure even defrosting.

  • Set the air fryer temperature to around 300°F (150°C) and the timer for 2-3 minutes. This gentle heat will gradually thaw the slices without drying them out.

  • After the initial time has elapsed, check the slices to see if they have defrosted completely. If not, you can add an extra minute or two until they are fully thawed.

  • Once the bread slices are defrosted, you can remove them from the air fryer and use them as desired. They will be ready to be toasted, made into sandwiches, or enjoyed as is.

 
 

What is the recommended temperature for defrosting bread in an air fryer?

When it comes to defrosting bread in an air fryer, the recommended temperature is 300°F (150°C). This temperature is ideal for gently thawing frozen bread without overcooking or drying it out. By setting your air fryer to this temperature, you can bring your frozen bread back to its soft and doughy state.

Can you defrost bread rolls in an air fryer?

Defrosting bread rolls in an air fryer is a great option when you're running low on time but need to serve an easy side dish to dinner guests! 

To defrost bread rolls in an air fryer, follow these steps:

  • Preheat your air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to around 300°F. This will help create the optimal environment for defrosting the bread rolls.

  • Arrange the bread rolls: Take the frozen bread rolls out of their packaging and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave enough space between each roll to ensure even defrosting.

  • Set the timer: Depending on the size and thickness of the bread rolls, you may need to adjust the defrosting time. As a general guideline, start with 5 minutes of defrosting time and check the rolls periodically until they are soft and thawed. If they require more time, add a few extra minutes, but be careful not to overcook them.

  • Flip the bread rolls: Around halfway through the defrosting process, gently flip the bread rolls to ensure that they thaw evenly on both sides. This will help prevent any parts from remaining frozen while other areas thaw.

  • Check for doneness: After the suggested defrosting time or when the bread rolls feel soft and thawed, use a fork or your fingers to test their doneness. They should feel slightly squishy and no longer frozen in the center.

  • Enjoy or proceed to cook: Once the bread rolls are defrosted, you can either enjoy them as is or proceed with your preferred cooking method. If you want to bake or toast them, simply adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly.

Can you defrost and toast bread at the same time in an air fryer?

Defrosting and toasting bread at the same time in the air fryer is completely doable and recommended as a great way to enjoy frozen bread! 


Here's how you can do it:

  • Place the frozen bread slices directly in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer rack. Make sure to keep them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

  • Set the air fryer to a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C). This gentle heat will help defrost the bread without overcooking or burning it.

  • Preheat the air fryer for a couple of minutes to ensure that it reaches the desired temperature.

  • Place the basket or rack with the bread into the air fryer and let it defrost for about 2-3 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of the bread slices and the power of your air fryer.

  • After the defrosting time, carefully flip the bread slices using tongs or a spatula. This will help ensure even toasting on both sides.

  • Increase the air fryer temperature to around 350°F (180°C) and continue cooking the bread for an additional 3-5 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.

  • Keep a close eye on the bread during the toasting process to prevent it from becoming too dark or burnt.

  • Once the bread is toasted to your liking, remove it from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Be cautious, as the bread may be hot.

  • Let the toasted bread cool for a minute or two before serving.

By using an air fryer to defrost and even toast bread, you'll be able to enjoy warm and crispy slices in a fraction of the time it would take using a traditional toaster, convection oven, or traditional oven. It's the best way to defrost bread when you're in a rush or have limited kitchen space! Try using an air fryer the next time you need to defrost frozen bread for a quick snack, meal, or gathering. 

 
 
 

Hey, I’m Jazz

I’m a nutritional therapist practitioner and spent 3 years as a personal chef to NBA athletes. Follow along for easy, attainable and healthy recipes in under 30 minutes!

 
 

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