Air Fryer Semolina Bread – Crisp Crust, Soft Heart

Posted on October 21, 2025

Air Fryer Semolina Bread

This air fryer semolina bread achieves what every baker wants: a golden, crisp crust and a light, tender crumb. Thanks to the air fryer’s even heat circulation, the dough rises beautifully and bakes to perfection in just over half an hour. The result is a rustic, fragrant loaf — ideal for sandwiches, appetizers, or as a simple companion to soups and stews.

Semolina flour adds character: its coarse texture and subtle nutty taste make this bread distinct from standard white loaves. Combined with olive oil, it delivers flavor and softness without the need for long fermentation. Whether you’re baking for a family meal or testing your air fryer’s limits, this semolina bread is an easy, satisfying project that always rewards the effort.

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Air Fryer Semolina Bread – Crisp Crust, Soft Heart

Golden air fryer semolina bread with a crisp crust and soft crumb — rustic, fragrant, and ready in under an hour.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 36 minutes
Servings: 8 loaves
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

What you’ll need to make Air Fryer Semolina Bread
For the dough
  • 2 1/2 cups (400 g) semolina flour
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 2/3 cups (400 ml) warm water
  • 1 packet (7 g) instant dry yeast
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional)

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Work surface or pastry board
  • Sharp knife for scoring
  • Clean kitchen towel

Method
 

How to make Air Fryer Semolina Bread
    Prepare and proof the dough
    1. Sift both flours into a large bowl and add instant yeast and salt; stir in the sugar if using.
    2. Gradually add warm water and olive oil, kneading for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
    3. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes in a warm, draft-free spot.
      Air Fryer Semolina Bread
    Shape the loaves
    1. Transfer the dough to a floured surface, shape into a log, and divide into 8 equal pieces.
    2. Shape each piece into a small loaf, rest for 2 minutes, then roll gently from one side.
    3. Place the loaves on a floured tray, cover, and let proof for another 40 minutes.
    Bake in the air fryer
    1. Score each loaf and bake in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 15–16 minutes, until golden.
    2. Cover immediately with a clean towel to keep the crumb soft; cool before serving.
    Storage
    1. Store at room temperature for up to 4 days in a sealed bag.
    2. Freeze on the same day of baking and reheat directly in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C).
    Air Fryer Semolina Bread
    Air Fryer Semolina Bread

    Extra Tips

    For best results, make sure the water temperature stays around 95–105 °F (35–40 °C) — this activates the yeast efficiently without damaging it. Semolina flour absorbs moisture differently from all-purpose flour, so if the dough feels dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until smooth.

    A well-developed dough is key: knead until it stretches without tearing. During proofing, keep the dough covered and away from drafts to avoid uneven rising. Before baking, scoring the surface lets steam escape and helps form an even, golden crust.

    If your air fryer tends to brown quickly, lower the temperature by about 10 °C / 20 °F and extend the bake by a minute or two. Finally, covering the hot loaves right after baking balances humidity, giving you the perfect contrast between crisp crust and soft heart that defines this bread.

    — Some images featured in our recipes serve illustrative purposes only. Each preparation is carefully tested, yet the final outcome may vary depending on the ingredients you use and the equipment available in your own kitchen.

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