01 -
First things first, let's get that pan ready. Grab a small loaf pan (I use a 6.5 x 3.5 inch one, but anything around that size works for the air fryer). Line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides – trust me, it’s your best friend for easy removal later. Give it a good spray with non-stick spray too, because even parchment can be tricky. Then, preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). This little bit of foresight makes a difference, honestly.
02 -
In a large bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients: the granulated sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil. Beat them until they're light, pale, and thoroughly combined. I usually just use a hand whisk, but if you're feeling fancy, a stand mixer works too. This is where the magic starts to happen, creating that foundational richness for our Air Fryer Zucchini Bread. Make sure there are no streaks of oil or egg, you want it all happy together.
03 -
Now for the star! Fold in your grated zucchini. Don't overmix it, just gently combine it with the wet ingredients until it's evenly distributed. You'll see those lovely green specks popping up, promising moisture and freshness. This is the moment when the batter starts to look like actual zucchini bread, and the anticipation builds. I love how the zucchini just melts into the bread, making it so tender.
04 -
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure to get rid of any lumps. This step is important for even distribution of leavening and flavor – nobody wants a bite with just baking soda, right? I always give it a good, thorough whisk to ensure everything is perfectly blended before combining.
05 -
Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined. Seriously, resist the urge to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten, making your Air Fryer Zucchini Bread tough, and we want a tender, delicate crumb. A few streaks of flour are totally fine; they'll disappear during baking. This is a quick step, no need for heroics here, just gentle folding until it's mostly incorporated.
06 -
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Carefully place the pan into the preheated air fryer. Bake for about 35-45 minutes. Now, this is where you need to keep an eye on it! Air fryers can vary. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean. If it's browning too quickly on top, you can loosely tent it with foil. Once it's done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. The smell filling your kitchen, oh my goodness, it’s just the best!