Air Fryer Banana Bread Recipe
Tender, caramelized banana bread with a perfectly crisp exterior made quickly in the air fryer for a satisfying treat that captures all the traditional flavor with modern convenience.
Ingredients
<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 medium overripe bananas (about 300g peeled)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">75g unsalted butter, melted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg, room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp baking soda</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g chopped walnuts (optional)</li></ul>
Equipment
<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Small loaf pan that fits in your air fryer (15cm x 10cm or similar)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li></ul>
BAKE SMARTER
Kitchen Converter
Quickly switch between common baking units without leaving the recipe.
Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Start by lining your small loaf pan with parchment paper, creating handles on the sides to easily lift the bread out after baking. Lightly spray or brush the parchment with oil to prevent sticking. Preheat your air fryer to 160°C for 3 minutes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a medium bowl, mash the overripe bananas until smooth with just a few small chunks remaining. The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be – those brown spotted bananas contain more developed sugars and flavor compounds.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the melted butter and sugar to the mashed bananas, whisking until well combined. The butter should be melted but not hot when added to avoid cooking the egg in the next step.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. This wet mixture is the flavor foundation of your bread, so ensure everything is evenly mixed.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. The baking soda will react with the acids in the bananas to help your bread rise, while the salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined – be careful not to overmix as this can develop too much gluten and result in a tough bread. Small lumps are perfectly fine! Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. The batter should fill the pan about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Place the pan in your preheated air fryer basket. Reduce the temperature to 150°C and bake for 20-25 minutes. The lower temperature ensures the bread cooks evenly without burning the exterior before the interior is done.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Check your banana bread after 15 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with wet batter, continue cooking in 3-5 minute increments. When the toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your bread is perfectly done. The top should be deep golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Carefully remove the pan from the air fryer using oven mitts and allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the structure to set and makes removal easier.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Using the parchment paper handles, lift the banana bread out of the pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely. The air fryer creates a wonderfully caramelized exterior that's best preserved by allowing proper air circulation during cooling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Once cooled, slice with a serrated knife and serve. For the best flavor experience, try warming a slice slightly and adding a small pat of butter. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.</li></ol>
Chef’s Notes
A few helpful details for making this recipe.
Why does banana bread cook faster in an air fryer compared to a conventional oven?
Air fryers cook banana bread faster because they use rapid air circulation in a smaller space, creating a more intense heat environment. The compact cooking chamber combined with powerful convection means heat transfers more efficiently, reducing cooking time by nearly 50% while still achieving perfect caramelisation.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins to my air fryer banana bread?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips, dried fruits, coconut flakes, or nuts all work beautifully in air fryer banana bread. For best results, limit additional mix-ins to 60-80g total to maintain proper baking density and ensure everything cooks evenly in the compact air fryer environment.
How do I know when my air fryer banana bread is perfectly baked?
Your banana bread is perfectly baked when a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The top should be deep golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. The internal temperature should reach approximately 93°C (200°F) for optimal doneness.
Want to try something else in ...
More recipes you might like
Keep exploring with more recipes from What's Baking.
