Air Fryer Tea Loaf Recipe
Making a tea loaf in the air fryer is a brilliant way to bake a delicious, moist loaf with a perfectly crisped exterior. The convenience of using an air fryer allows you to bake without needing to heat up the entire oven, making it ideal for smaller kitchens or when you’re craving something sweet without much fuss. This air fryer tea loaf is easy to make and filled with flavors that pair perfectly with a warm cup of tea.
Ingredients:
- 200g self-raising flour: This type of flour already contains baking powder, which will help the loaf rise perfectly.
- 150g mixed dried fruit: Raisins, currants, sultanas, or any dried fruit of your choice. The sweetness and chewiness of the dried fruit will complement the spices and tea flavor.
- 100g sugar: You can use caster sugar for a finer texture or brown sugar for a richer flavor. Brown sugar will add more depth to the loaf.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Cinnamon gives the loaf a warm, comforting flavor. You can adjust this depending on your preference.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional): Adds a hint of spice that pairs wonderfully with the fruit and tea.
- 1 large egg: To bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the loaf.
- 100ml strong black tea (cooled): The tea provides moisture and infuses the loaf with flavor. Use your favorite black tea, such as Earl Grey or English Breakfast.
- 50g melted butter or vegetable oil: Adds richness to the loaf, making it tender and moist.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Begin by preheating your air fryer to 160°C (320°F). This helps to ensure even cooking and a nice crisp exterior. Preheat for about 5 minutes.
2. Prepare the Tea:
- Brew a strong cup of black tea. You want the tea to be concentrated so that it infuses the loaf with a rich flavor. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature before using it in the recipe.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, salt, cinnamon, and ginger (if using).
- Add the dried fruit and sugar to the flour mixture. Stir well to ensure that the dried fruit is evenly coated in the flour. This helps prevent the fruit from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, melted butter (or vegetable oil), and cooled black tea together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Make sure the butter is fully melted and cooled, as hot butter can cook the egg prematurely and affect the texture of the batter.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently. You want to form a thick batter. Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense loaf. Just mix until everything is incorporated and the batter is smooth.
6. Prepare the Baking Pan:
- Lightly grease a loaf pan that will fit comfortably into your air fryer basket. You can also line the pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you don’t have a loaf pan that fits in your air fryer, you can create a makeshift loaf shape by lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper and forming the batter into a loaf shape.
7. Transfer the Batter:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan or directly into the parchment-lined air fryer basket. Use a spatula to smooth the top of the batter evenly.
8. Air Fry the Tea Loaf:
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated air fryer. Air fry at 160°C (320°F) for 25-30 minutes, depending on the size of your loaf and the power of your air fryer. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean, your tea loaf is ready!
9. Cool and Serve:
- Once done, allow the tea loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to remove from the pan without breaking.
- After cooling in the pan, remove the loaf and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once fully cooled, slice the loaf into thick slices and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Tea Loaf:
- Use strong tea: The flavor of the tea is key to this loaf, so make sure it’s a strong brew. You can experiment with different types of black tea to find the one you prefer.
- Moisture balance: The batter should be thick, but not too dry. If it’s too thick, add a little more cooled tea to adjust the consistency.
- Storage: Store your tea loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze slices of the loaf for longer storage. Wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
- Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with the dried fruit mix. You can add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or even some candied ginger for extra flavor and texture.
- Frosting option: While the loaf is delicious on its own, you can drizzle a simple glaze or dust with powdered sugar for a special touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This air fryer tea loaf is a quick, easy, and fuss-free way to make a moist and flavorful loaf. The air fryer ensures the loaf has a crisp, golden-brown crust, while the inside remains soft and tender. Plus, it’s the perfect recipe to enjoy with a cup of tea, making it a lovely addition to your afternoon snack or even breakfast.
Enjoy baking and indulging in this delightful air fryer tea loaf!