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Deliciously Easy Air Fryer Banana Bread

Banana bread has long held a cherished place in the hearts and kitchens of home bakers across the UK. Its comforting aroma and sweet flavour are perfect for a rainy afternoon. Recently, the air fryer has gained popularity for its ability to create quick, healthier versions of traditional recipes. If you haven’t yet discovered the magic of air fryer banana bread, you’re in for a treat. Let’s explore how to make this delightful loaf in a fraction of the time!

The Benefits of Using an Air Fryer

Air fryers use circulating hot air to cook food, mimicking the effect of deep frying but with significantly less oil. This cooking method not only reduces fat content but also often results in quicker cooking times. For banana bread, this means a moist loaf with a perfectly golden crust, and you can enjoy your baked goods quicker than ever before.

Ingredients

To make air fryer banana bread, you will need:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 100g granulated sugar
• 75g brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 75ml vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 200g plain flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: 100g of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for extra indulgence

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by mashing the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your banana bread will be. You’ll want them to be soft with plenty of brown spots. Measure out the other ingredients to save time.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

To the mashed bananas, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until combined. You can use a whisk or a fork; the batter doesn’t need to be overly smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and ensures your banana bread has a lovely rise. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to over-mix. If you’re adding walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F). Grease a 7-inch (18 cm) round cake or loaf pan that will fit inside your air fryer basket. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper to line the base and sides for easy removal.

Step 5: Transfer the Batter

Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Be sure not to overfill the pan, as the bread will rise during cooking.

Step 6: Air Fry the Banana Bread

Place the pan into the preheated air fryer basket. Cook the banana bread at 160°C (320°F) for about 25-30 minutes. After 20 minutes, you can check the loaf by inserting a toothpick into the centre; if it comes out clean, your banana bread is ready. If not, continue to cook for a few more minutes, checking regularly.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once cooked, carefully remove the pan from the air fryer and allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm, or store it in an airtight container for up to a week.

Enjoying Your Air Fryer Banana Bread

This air fryer banana bread is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it plain, or slather it with butter or Nutella. It also makes for a delightful breakfast option or a sweet afternoon snack alongside a cup of tea. Not only is it a fantastic way to use up ripe bananas, but it’s also a great recipe to get the kids involved in the kitchen.

Plus, the air fryer version means less waiting and less heating up the whole kitchen, making it a perfect choice throughout the year. With its delightful sweetness and moist texture, air fryer banana bread is sure to become a favourite in your household. So, grab those overripe bananas from the fruit bowl, and give this easy recipe a go!