It’s not fall, but isn’t it always pumpkin season? Instead of baking your traditional quick bread in the oven, you should try making air fryer pumpkin bread. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic fall treat.
Pumpkin bread is already a delicious autumn staple, but using an air fryer can take it to a whole new level. Not only does the air fryer cook the sweet bread evenly and quickly, but it also gives it a deliciously crispy-chewy crust.
Are you read to learn how to make air fryer pumpkin bread? Keep reading and I’ll guide you through the process, from the ingredients you’ll need to the step-by-step instructions.
Get ready to enjoy a warm, moist, and perfectly spiced pumpkin bread without the hassle of baking in the oven.
Why I love this recipe for air fryer pumpkin bread
1. The delicious seasonal flavor: Pumpkin bread is the perfect treat for the fall season. It’s packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, giving it a cozy and comforting taste.
2. It’s so easy to make: Making pumpkin bread in an air fryer is incredibly simple and convenient. You don’t have to worry about preheating the oven or dealing with a lengthy baking time. Just mix the ingredients, pop the loaf pans into the air fryer, and let it do its magic.
3. Quick cooking time: Unlike baking in the oven, which can take over an hour, air frying pumpkin bread only takes about 34 minutes. This means you can enjoy fresh, homemade pumpkin bread in no time.
4. It has a chewy crust: The air fryer gives the pumpkin bread a unique texture. It bakes the bread evenly and creates a crispy-chewy crust that adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
5. It’s moist and fluffy: Despite being cooked in the air fryer, this easy pumpkin bread comes out incredibly moist and fluffy. The pumpkin puree adds moisture, while the air circulation in the fryer locks it in while creating internal steam, resulting in a tender and soft bread.
6. It’s versatile: Pumpkin bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. You can have it plain or add toppings like icing, cream cheese frosting, maple syrup, chocolate chips, or nuts to enhance the flavor. It can be toasted for breakfast or made into french toast for brunch! It can even be cubed and used in bread pudding.
7. It’s efficient. From my research, an air fryer uses can use 50% less energy than a traditional oven. Plus, using your big oven can add unwanted heat to your home.
This article goes into great detail breaking down the cost of using an air fryer vs using either a gas or electric oven. It convinced me to use my air fryer whenever I can!
More pumpkin recipes
Let me warn you now, I’m going to say some variation of the phrase “I love pumpkin” so much throughout this post.
If it’s not obvious, you’ll find evidence of my feelings in aaaalllll the pumpkin recipes I have here.
Like the crowd favorite pumpkin bread with cake mix, or to-die-for pumpkin crisp. There’s also pumpkin pie rice krispie treats and a delicious vanilla pumpkin smoothie. Pumpkin scones, pumpkin cinnamon rolls and chocolate chip pumpkin bread (it’s an amazing variation on banana bread) round out the list of my best recipes.
Important Ingredients in air fryer pumpkin bread
These ingredients are just what you need to make the perfect pumpkin bread in your air fryer.
These are notes on some of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. You’ll find exact measurements and instructions at the bottom of the post.
Flour – Unless I say otherwise, I use unbleached, all-purpose flour for all of my recipes.
Pumpkin pie spice – The perfect blend of There really is no substitute for pumpkin pie spice in baking. You can make your own pumpkin spice if you have all the ingredients in your spice cabinet.
Vegetable oil – Any neutral cooking oil will work. Vegetable oil is inexpensive and versatile, so it’s what i frequently use. Feel free to use canola oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil or any other flavorless oil.
Sugar – My air fryer pumpkin bread recipe calls for white, granulated sugar, but I plan on trying to substitute about a quarter of it with brown sugar next time I make it. Because I love brown sugar combined with pumpkin pie spice.
Pumpkin puree – If you’ve read any pumpkin recipes, you’ve probably noticed that every one yells at you to make sure you’re using pure canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Why? Because pie filling has sugar and spices already added in. It’s basically something you can dump into a pie crust.
Don’t use pie filling for this recipe. Use pure canned pumpkin or pure pumpkin puree for the best pumpkin flavor.
How to make air fryer pumpkin bread
Just like in the ingredients list, these are brief instructions with images to help guide you through the process of making the bread.
Full instructions with plenty of details can be found in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
Recommended loaf pans
I use mini loaf pans for this recipe for a few reasons:
- The pumpkin bread cooks faster in a smaller vessel.
- The bread cooks more evenly.
- The mini loaf pans better fit into most air fryers.
My air fryer is modeled after a traditional oven, with racks instead of a cooking basket. I love being able to slide pans and trays in and out, and I rarely have to worry about if different baking dishes will fit.
These are the loaf pans (#3 in the above picture) that I use for this recipe, and I use them often enough to recommend them!
There is one issue with this set for this particular recipe. The Wilton mini loaf set comes with three pans and the recipe makes four mini loaves. So you’ll have to run your air fryer for twice as long.
If you’re out shopping for mini loaves, looks for pans that are around 3-4 wide long and 5-6 inches long.
To be honest, I wish I had a set of 4 mini loaves instead of 3. If I were to buy them again, these are a few other brands that I’d consider:
(#1) USA PAN BAKEWARE MINI LOAF (set of 4), Made in the USA
(#2) CHICAGO METALLIC COMMERCIAL NON-STICK MINI LOAF PANS (set of 4)
(#4) CUISINART MINI LOAF PAN (set of 4)
Mixing the ingredients
1. Start by mixing the eggs, pumpkin puree and oil in a medium bowl until they’re well-blended. A whisk works well for this. These are your wet ingredients.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. Make sure this bowl is big enough to hold all of your ingredients. A clean, dry whisk is your best tool for mixing dry ingredients.
The point of mixing the dry ingredients first is to get them entirely combined before adding liquid to the mix. Skip down to the FAQ for the reasons why you do this.
After you’ve thoroughly combined your dry ingredients, make a deep well in them and pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Use a wooden spoon to combine the two mixtures, just until all the large lumps are incorporated. Small lumps are ok.
3. Divide the batter between your prepared mini loaf pans and put them into your air fryer.
Preparing your air fryer
Preparing your air fryer for baking pumpkin bread is super easy. All you need to do is make sure it’s clean and ready for your mini loaf pans.
Preheating air fryers generally isn’t necessary, but it might be for you. So feel free to preheat it whenever you usually start preheating.
Cooking time and temperature
The temperature to cook your pumpkin bread in the air fryer is 330 degrees Fahrenheit, and you’ll want to cook your quick bread for 35 to 45 minutes.
You’ll know the bread is done when you insert a toothpick into the middle of a loaf and it comes out clean.
Air fryer pumpkin bread serving suggestions
This recipe is perfect to serve straight from the oven to the table. Just be sure you let it cool before digging in. If you want to dress it up a little bit, sift a bit of powdered sugar over it and serve it with butter.
If you want to dress it up more, whip up a quick glaze or choose from one of the toppings below.
Pumpkin bread glaze
In my opinion, frosting makes most things better, so I’m all for mixing up a simple glaze to drizzle over this bread.
Note: don’t make your glaze until your bread has cooled. The icing will harden if you let it sit in the bowl for more than a few minutes.
Glaze ingredients
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
3 tablespoons milk
Glaze instructions:
Use a spoon to mix the powdered sugar with the milk in a small bowl until smooth. If the icing is too thick to drizzle, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time.
If the icing is too thin, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time.
When you have the glaze at the right consistency, drizzle it over cooled loaves of air fryer pumpkin bread.
Pumpkin bread toppings
Other topping ideas for your air fryer pumpkin bread are:
- Brush the loaves with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Frost with a the thick cream cheese frosting. There’s a great icing recipe with my pumpkin cinnamon rolls.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg after drizzling with glaze.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans after glazing.
Storing and freezing tips
Storing at room temperature
After your bread has cooled, you can store it for 2-3 days at room temperature if you wrap it in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container.
Refrigerator storage
If you want to keep your bread fresh for a few days longer, keep it wrapped or sealed and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Freezer instructions
I have the best luck freezing baked items when I double wrap them. Sometimes I even triple wrap them.
To freeze your pumpkin bread, wrap your mini loaves up in plastic wrap, then slide them into ziplock freezer bag. Press as much of the air out as you can without squishing the bread, then freeze for up to three months.
If you want to triple-wrap the loaves, first wrap them in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, then put them into the freezer storage bag.
Variations on air fryer pumpkin bread
Vegan pumpkin bread in the air fryer
You can easily make this recipe vegan by using your favorite vegan egg substitute in place of the 3 whole eggs.
add-ins for your pumpkin bread
I think this recipe is delicious as is, but if you want to jazz it up a bit, you can stir in ½ or ¾ cup pecans or mini chocolate chips just before baking.
Gluten free pumpkin bread
You can make this recipe gluten free by using your favorite gluten free flour or flour substitute in place of the all purpose flour. I recommend using a gluten free flour that can be used as a 1:1 substitute. King Arthur’s measure for measure flour is a great, certified gluten-free choice.
Keep in mind that swapping the flour will alter the texture of the bread.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I bake pumpkin bread in an air fryer?
Yes! Just use the printable recipe card at the end of this post for the best air fryer pumpkin bread recipe.
Can I bake this pumpkin bread in a ninja foodi?
Yes! This is also a Ninja Foodi pumpkin bread recipe.
Why do I need to combine my dry ingredients before adding the wet ingredients?
The wet ingredients activate the gluten in the flour, and the active gluten develops as your flour gets worked with added moisture.
Your goal is to keep the developed gluten to a minimum, because active gluten is dense, connected and stretchy. Less developed gluten in your recipe means your air fryer pumpkin bread will be light and fluffy with a delicate crumb.
What is the best temperature to cook bread in an air fryer?
This pumpkin bread should be baked in your air fryer at 330 degrees. Every bread is different, so consult your other bread recipes to get the correct temperatures.
How long should I cook pumpkin bread in an air fryer?
This pumpkin bread should be cooked for 35-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the middle of your loaf comes out clean.
Note that the cooking time may vary, depending on your particular model.
Can I make this recipe in an instant pot?
This isn’t a recipe that can be made in a pressure cooker. If you’re looking for great recipe, check out these Instant Pot desserts.
You CAN use this recipe in an Instant Vortex, which is also referred to as an Instant Pot Vortex. The Vortex is not a pressure cooker, it’s an air fryer.
What is the difference between baking bread in an air fryer and a toaster oven?
I read this article about air fryers and toaster ovens to figure out the answer to this question.
First, if you have a convection toaster oven, this question is moot. Convection ovens are air fryers. Full stop. Just follow the air fryer instructions for any recipe, make sure the convection setting is on and you’re good to go.
If you have a traditional toaster oven, here’s the difference between baking bread in an air fryer and a toaster oven:
The difference is both the heat source and how the appliance stays heated at the set temperature.
Air fryers are small convection ovens while traditional toaster ovens are electric ovens that heat with conduction. But what does that mean?
Air fryers heat by circulating super hot air around the cavity of the oven. It’s why there are baskets, grates or racks instead of solid trays. The air needs to move freely over, around and under the foods inside.
Toaster ovens heat with solid heating elements on the top and/or bottom of the cavity. The element gets red hot when preheating to get the oven to the desired temperature, then usually shuts off and relies on the insulated compartment to maintain the temperature. If the temperature drops below the set temp, the element comes on again to get the temperature back up.
So, the difference between baking bread in an air fryer vs toaster oven? Even heating. In general, the air fryer offers a gentler, less direct source of heat than a toaster oven.
The element that turns on in the middle of cooking in a toaster oven something heats up far higher than the set temp. The portions directly under or over it tend to cook faster, or even burn before the heat hits the rest.
The air fryer constantly fans hot air around the food you’re cooking, at the correct temperature, meaning no part of the food get hits with varying degrees of heat.
How do I prevent my pumpkin bread from being undercooked in the middle?
There are two ways to prevent your pumpkin bread from being undercooked in the middle:
First, make sure you’re using mini loaf pans, not full-size loaf pans. This ensures the heat from the air fryer gets to the center of your bread faster than it would in one big loaf.
Second, keep an eye on your pumpkin bread after it’s been in your air fryer for about 20-25 minutes. If it starts to get dark on the top, tent a piece of aluminum foil over it, and fold it under the edge so it doesn’t blow around. This will ensure the top cooks slower than the center of the loaf.
If you’re not certain the top of your bread is looking overcooked, it’s best to use that foil topper instead of risking it. You can always take the foil off in the last few minutes to let the top cook a bit more. But you can’t unburn something!
What are some pro tips for making pumpkin bread in the air fryer?
This is a super easy recipe to make, it’s perfect for a novice or an experienced baker. It can be made in a Ninja Foodi, Instant Pot Vortex or any other air fryer.
Make sure you spray your pans with nonstick cooking spray. I prefer the kind with flour that’s made especially for baking.
Don’t bake this recipe in a full loaf pan. Mini loaf pans will ensure your loaf of pumpkin bread is cooked all the way through.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Bread
Embrace the flavors of fall with this irresistible air fryer pumpkin bread recipe! This delicious recipe brings together the warm spices of the season, creating a moist and tender treat with a perfectly crispy-chewy crust. Plus, it's super easy to make in the air fryer. Gather your loved ones and enjoy this delicious pumpkin bread that's perfect for any autumn get-together. Get ready to savor the goodness of pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 can pumpkin puree, 15 oz
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 ½ cups white sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice blend
Instructions
- Spray 4 mini loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Combine the pumpkin puree, eggs and oil in a medium bowl with a whisk or a wooden spoon until blended.
- In a separate, larger bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, white sugar, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon and pumpkin spice. Use a dry whisk to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients, then pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to stir the two mixtures together just until everything is moistened. Small lumps are ok.
- Pour the mixture evenly into your four prepared mini loaf pans.
- Bake in your air fryer at 330 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center of each loaf comes back clean.
Notes
Preheating your air fryer
If needed, preheat your air fryer to 330 degrees when you begin making the recipe.
Pumpkin bread glaze
If you'd like to make a quick glaze for your pumpkin bread, here's the recipe:
In my opinion, frosting makes most things better, so I’m all for mixing up a simple glaze to drizzle over this bread.
Note: don’t make your glaze until your bread has cooled. The icing will harden if you let it sit in the bowl for more than a few minutes.
Glaze ingredients
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
3 tablespoons milk
Glaze instructions:
Use a spoon to mix the powdered sugar with the milk in a small bowl until smooth. If the icing is too thick to drizzle, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time.
If the icing is too thin, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time.
When you have the glaze at the right consistency, drizzle it over cooled loaves of air fryer pumpkin bread.
Preventing your pumpkin bread from being undercooked in the middle:
Keep an eye on your pumpkin bread after it’s been in your air fryer for about 20-25 minutes.
If it starts to get dark on the top, tent a piece of aluminum foil over it, and fold it under the edge so it doesn’t blow around. This will ensure the top cooks slower than the center of the loaf.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 467Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 495mgCarbohydrates: 69gFiber: 2gSugar: 43gProtein: 5g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredients, but it isn’t always accurate.
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