Air Fryer Tea Loaf Recipe
Making a tea loaf in the air fryer is an easy and delightful way to bake a moist loaf with a perfectly crisp exterior. The air fryer is a great alternative to traditional ovens, especially for smaller kitchens or when you want a quick, tasty treat. This tea loaf pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of tea and is filled with rich flavors of dried fruit and spices.
Ingredients:
- 200g self-raising flour (contains baking powder to help the loaf rise)
- 150g mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas, or your preferred dried fruit)
- 100g sugar (caster sugar for a fine texture, or brown sugar for richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warm flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, adds a hint of spice)
- 1 large egg (binds the ingredients and provides structure)
- 100ml strong black tea (cooled, such as Earl Grey or English Breakfast)
- 50g melted butter (or vegetable oil for richness)
- Pinch of salt (balances sweetness)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and a golden-brown crust.
2. Brew the Tea:
Brew a strong cup of black tea. Use your favorite black tea, making it more concentrated than usual for better flavor. Allow it to cool to room temperature before adding it to the batter.
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, stirring gently to coat the dried fruit in the flour mixture. This helps prevent the fruit from sinking to the bottom during baking.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, melted butter (or oil), and cooled black tea. Mix until smooth and fully combined. Ensure the butter is fully melted and cooled before adding it to the mixture to avoid cooking the egg prematurely.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. The batter should be thick but smooth. Do not overmix, as this could lead to a dense loaf.
6. Prepare the Baking Pan:
Lightly grease a loaf pan that fits comfortably in your air fryer. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal. If you don’t have a loaf pan that fits, you can form the batter into a loaf shape directly in the air fryer basket, lined with parchment paper.
7. Transfer the Batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan or form a loaf shape directly in the 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 basket. Air fry at 160°C (320°F) for 25-30 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your loaf and the power of your air fryer. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the loaf is ready.
9. Cool and Serve:
Allow the tea loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to remove from the pan without breaking. Afterward, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Tea Loaf:
- Strong Tea: Make sure the tea is brewed strong to infuse the loaf with rich flavor. You can experiment with different black teas to find the one you prefer.
- Moisture Balance: The batter should be thick, but not too dry. If it seems 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. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or candied ginger for extra flavor and texture.
- Frosting Option: While the loaf is delicious on its own, 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 an incredibly easy and quick way to bake a moist, flavorful loaf. The air fryer ensures a golden-brown, crisp crust while keeping the inside soft and tender. It’s the perfect companion for your afternoon tea or as a delightful breakfast treat. Best of all, it’s fuss-free and doesn’t require heating up an entire oven. Perfect for small spaces or anyone craving a delicious homemade treat without too much hassle!
Enjoy this delightful air fryer tea loaf with your favorite cup of tea!