Air Fryer Sourdough Bread
, Updated Jun 11, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Air Fryer Sourdough Bread – did you know you can make a perfect sourdough loaf in your air fryer? It bakes in under 30 minutes and has a super-crisp crust and soft airy crumb! An easy and economical way to bake sourdough bread.
Prefer to bake with yeast? Check out my Air Fryer Bread recipe and Air Fryer Rolls. Or how about some super-delicious Easy Sourdough Discard Focaccia with Yeast?
I love baking bread, especially sourdough. It is such a rewarding way to make bread and nothing beats the aroma of a freshly baked sourdough loaf.
The pure ASMR pleasure of a bread knife slicing through the crisp crust to reveal the fluffy interior… not to mention the incredible unique taste of sourdough has me hooked!
I usually bake my sourdough in a very hot oven – a lengthy process as the oven has to preheat for at least 30 minutes and then bake for another 45. So I wanted to try sourdough in my air fryer, just to see whether I could!
And YES you can bake perfect sourdough bread in your air fryer! It is much quicker that in the oven and certainly more energy efficient. Follow my air fryer sourdough bread recipe and prepare to be obsessed!
I’ve been obsessed with your sourdough air fryer recipes. This one came out so good, my family said it’s the best sourdough bread I’ve made so far!
– Lyn ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sourdough Ingredients and Tools
You need very few ingredients to make sourdough bread – let’s take a look.
- Active sourdough starter – which you can buy online or make yourself
- Strong bread flour – this flour has a high protein content (12-14%) which helps give your sourdough rise and structure
- Water – ideally filtered water or tap water that has been boiled and left to cool down
- Salt – an important ingredient which not only adds flavor but impacts the fermentation process
- Sugar – this is an optional ingredient
- You will also need some olive oil or vegetable oil for greasing the bowl
- Cornmeal to dust the bread pan (optional)
You will also need an Air Fryer and a 7 inch cake pan or a deep Air Fryer bread tin to bake the bread in. A large mixing bowl, Danish dough whisk, Instant Read Thermometer and a rectangular Pyrex container are also useful.
How to make Air Fryer Sourdough
Full measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page. Please take a look at the steps and video before attempting this recipe!
FEED THE STARTER
- 4 pm Feed a mature starter then leave for 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size, bubbly and floating in water (float test). Use the sourdough starter at its peak, before it starts to sink again (you will see “snail” trail on the sides of the jar when it starts to deflate).
PREPARE THE DOUGH
- 8 pm Combine the starter, water, half of the flour and sugar (if using) in a large mixing bowl. Use a dough whisk to stir until no dry streaks of flour remain. Cover and rest for 30 minutes or up to an hour.
- 8.30pm Stir in the rest of the flour and salt. The dough will be shaggy and a bit dry. Use your hands to squeeze and massage the dough, flipping it over, until all the flour has been incorporated. You aren’t kneading the dough, just making sure the ingredients are combined. If it is really dry add a little water, a few drops at a time.
- Shape the dough into a bowl, drizzle a little oil over it and turn it over to grease on both sides. Cover the bowl and rest for 30 minutes.
- 9 pm Wet your hands (or use the dough whisk or a spatula) and do a series of stretch and folds. Grab the underside of the dough and fold over the top. Rotate the bowl a quarter turn at a time and repeat until you have completed four sets of stretching and folding. Repeat two times at 30 minute intervals (9.30pm and 10 pm). The dough should be smooth and elastic by now.
BULK FERMENTATION
- Overnight – Transfer the dough into a greased rectangular Pyrex container, cover and leave to rise at room temperature overnight (8-10 hours) or in the fridge (10-12 hours) if it is a warm night. The timing is variable as the ambient temperature, humidity, strength of the starter and other factors play into it.
DIVIDE, SHAPE AND PROOF
- 10 am Grease two 7 inch cake pans with oil or cooking spray. Sprinkle a little cornmeal on the bottom. Use wet hands or a scraper to divide the dough in half.
- Mist your worktop with water. Gently stretch one portion into a rough rectangle. Fold the dough into three sections, like a letter (letter fold).
- Rotate the dough and roll into a ball. Flip over, seam side down, and shape using your hands and a bench scraper into a small round loaf.
- Keep turning the loaf on the countertop, shaping between your hands and slightly tucking under until the surface is smooth. Repeat with the second piece of dough.
SECOND RISE
- Transfer into the prepared cake pan. Cover and place it in the fridge to cold-proof overnight (10-18 hours) or in a cool place in the kitchen for 5-6 hours or until the loaf springs back slowly leaving a small dent when prodded gently with your finger. If it springs back really quickly you need to allow it to rise for a little longer.
BAKE THE SOURDOUGH
- Preheat the Air Fryer at 400°F (200°C) for five minutes. Add a small ramekin of water in the fryer to create steam.
- Lower the heat to (385°F) 195°C and remove the ramekin. Place the pan in the air fryer and bake for 14 minutes. You can score the loaf if you like but I found it did not make much of a difference.
- Use tongs or a small silicone oven mitts to flip the loaf directly into the air fryer basket.
- Bake for a further 14 minutes (28-30 minutes total) or until the underside of the bread sounds hollow when tapped and the internal temperature is at least 200°F (95°C) when checked with a thermometer.
- Cool the bread on a wire rack. Bake the second loaf in the same way but adjust the cooking time slightly. Since the air fryer will be hot from baking your loaf might bake in about 26-28 minutes.
- Wait until the bread has cooled down before slicing. Store in a bread bag or slice the and freeze the entire loaf. You can toast the slices straight from frozen and it will keep for up to three months.
Recipe Tips
- HOW TO TELL YOUR STARTER IS READY TO USE The started will be bubbly, active and will have doubled in the starter jar. Drop half a spoonful in a glass of water. If it floats then you are ready to bake.
- WHAT CONTAINER IS BEST FOR MY STARTER? A glass jar with straight edges (I use these Weck jars) is ideal. Alternatively you can buy a sourdough starter jar kit which comes with a spatula and cloth cover plus thermometer and level bands.
- PLEASE NOTE The cooking time will vary slightly based on the air fryer model. If your bread is browning too much on top then reduce the temperature by a few degrees. An instant read thermometer is the best way to check for doneness.
- ADDING TOPPINGS Wet the top of of the loaf with water and dip into a plate filled with oats (or seeds etc) to cover. Allow to rise as normal.
HAVE YOU MADE MY AIR FRYER SOURDOUGH BREAD RECIPE? If you gave this recipe a try — whether it was your first loaf or your fiftieth — I’d love to hear how it turned out!
💬 Leave a comment and a star rating below — your feedback helps more home bakers find the recipe and keeps the sourdough magic going.
📸 Sharing your loaf on Instagram or TikTok? Don’t forget to tag #supergoldenbakes — I love seeing those crusty beauties!
📌 Pin this recipe so it’s easy to find when the sourdough mood strikes again.
Air Fryer Sourdough Bread
This Overnight Sourdough Bread requires no kneading or folding. A truly easy sourdough recipe perfect for beginners. Please read the whole post, including tips and step by step instructions before proceeding with this recipe.
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
For your starter
- 60 g (¼ cup) mature starter room temperature
- 60 g (¼ cup) flour
- 60 g (¼ cup) tepid water (filtered, or boiled and cooled tap water)
For the sourdough
- 150 g active starter (most of the starter you prepared earlier)
- 300 g (1 ¼ cups) water (filtered, bottled or boiled and cooled tap water)
- 500 g (4 cups) white bread flour
- 1 tbsp sugar optional
- 12 g (2 tsp) sea salt (2 scant teaspoons)
- 1 tbsp cornmeal (polenta) for the pan
Instructions
FEED THE STARTER
- 4 pm Feed a mature starter then leave for 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size, bubbly and floating in water (float test). Use the sourdough starter at its peak, before it starts to sink again (you will see “snail” trail on the sides of the jar when it starts to deflate).60 g (¼ cup) mature starter, 60 g (¼ cup) flour, 60 g (¼ cup) tepid water
PREPARE THE DOUGH
- 8 pm Combine the starter, water, half of the flour and sugar (if using) in a large mixing bowl. Use a dough whisk to stir until no dry streaks of flour remain. Cover and rest for 30 minutes or up to an hour.150 g active starter, 300 g (1 ¼ cups) water, 500 g (4 cups) white bread flour, 1 tbsp sugar
- 8.30pm Stir in the rest of the flour and salt. The dough will be shaggy and dry. Use your hands to squeeze and sort of massage the dough, flipping it over, until all the flour has been incorporated. You aren’t kneading the dough, just making sure the ingredients are combined. Shape the dough into a bowl, drizzle a little oil over it and turn it over to grease on both sides. Cover the bowl and rest for 30 minutes.12 g (2 tsp) sea salt
- 9 pm Wet your hands (or use the dough whisk or a spatula) and do a series of stretch and folds. Grab the underside of the dough and fold over the top.
- Rotate the bowl a quarter turn at a time and repeat until you have completed four sets of stretching and folding. Repeat two times at 30 minute intervals (9.30pm and 10 pm). The dough should be smoother and more elastic by now.
BULK FERMENTATION
- Overnight – Transfer the dough into a greased rectangular Pyrex container, cover and leave to rise at room temperature overnight (8-10 hours) or in the fridge (10-12 hours) if it is a warm night. The timing is variable as the ambient temperature, humidity, strength of the starter and other factors play into it.
DIVIDE, SHAPE AND PROOF
- 10 am Grease two 7 inch cake pans with oil or cooking spray. Sprinkle a little cornmeal on the bottom. Use wet hands or a scraper to divide the dough in half. Mist your worktop with water.1 tbsp cornmeal (polenta)
- Gently stretch one portion into a rough rectangle. Fold the dough into three sections, like a letter (letter fold).
- Rotate the dough and roll into a ball. Flip over, seam side down, and shape using your hands and a bench scraper into a small round loaf.
- Keep turning on the countertop, shaping between your hands and slightly tucking under until the loaf is smooth. Repeat with the second piece of dough.
SECOND RISE
- Transfer into the prepared cake pan. Cover and place it in the fridge to cold-proof overnight (10-18 hours) or in a cool place in the kitchen for 5-6 hours or until the loaf springs back slowly leaving a small dent when prodded gently with your finger. If it springs back really quickly you need to allow it to rise for a little longer.
BAKE THE SOURDOUGH
- Preheat the Air Fryer at 400°F (200°C) for five minutes. Add a small ramekin of water in the fryer to create steam.
- Lower the heat to 385°F (195°C) and remove the ramekin. Place the pan in the air fryer and bake for 14 minutes. You can score the loaf if you like but I found it did not make much of a difference.
- Bake for a further 14 minutes (28-30 minutes total) or until the underside of the bread sounds hollow when tapped and the internal temperature is over 200°F (95°C) when checked with a thermometer.
- Use tongs or a small silicone oven mitts to flip the loaf directly into the air fryer basket.
- Cool the bread on a wire rack. Bake the second loaf in the same way but adjust the cooking time slightly. Since the air fryer will be hot, your loaf might bake in about 26-28 minutes.
- Wait until the bread has cooled down before slicing. Store in a bread bag or slice the and freeze the entire loaf. You can toast the slices straight from frozen and it will keep for up to three months.
Notes
- HOW TO TELL YOUR STARTER IS READY TO USE The started will be bubbly, active and will have doubled in the starter jar. Drop half a spoonful in a glass of water. If it floats then you are ready to bake.
- WHAT CONTAINER IS BEST FOR MY STARTER? A glass jar with straight edges (I use these Weck jars) is ideal. Alternatively you can buy a sourdough starter jar kit which comes with a spatula and cloth cover plus thermometer and level bands.
- PLEASE NOTE The cooking time will vary slightly based on the air fryer model. If your bread is browning too much on top then reduce the temperature by a few degrees.
- ADDING TOPPINGS Wet the top of of the loaf with water and dip into a plate filled with oats (or seeds etc) to cover. Allow to rise as normal.
- You can refresh a loaf of sourdough in the air fryer if it has lost its crispness. Air fry for a couple of minutes at 350°F (180°C).
Nutrition
Calories: 998kcal | Carbohydrates: 201g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 250mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutritional information is always approximate, and will depend on quality of ingredients and serving sizes.
This is my first attempt at sourdough- I have a couple of questions. Do you need to flip the loaf to cook the bottom? And you say for the second loaf that it might cook faster but the time is the same as the first loaf- 28 minutes?
I would suggest flipping to brown the bottom, yes. The second loaf may cook a bit faster due to the air fryer being already hot. Check at 28 minutes and take it from there.
Hi, can this recipe be divided in half ?
Yes in theory, though I haven’t tested it – let me know how it works out for you!
Hi, Can this bread recipe be adapted to use gluten free flour? Do you have any gluten free recipes in your cook book or have you one available specifically for GF?
Hi Lynette – I am afraid I do not have gluten-free bread recipes. You would need a gluten-free starter and I haven’t had success with one. Check the https://theloopywhisk.com/diet/gluten-free/
my go to recipe
thank you very much!
❤️❤️
How there! I’m on night #1! can I bake it tomorrow? or does it have to have 2 days? thank you so much!
Hi Lindsay sorry for late reply. You can prove in the fridge overnight and bake the following day
Thank you so much for your tips. One last question. If my air fryer cum oven has only 190C or 200C but not 195C, which temperature would be better? Also letting you know my local library ( in Australia) is purchasing several copies of your books when I submitted a purchase request. Congrats on publishing your book!
Hi Lyn, that’s so nice of you to promote the book! I would go for 195 and add a bit of time to the cooking if needed 😘
I’ve been hooked and obsessed with all your sourdough airfryer bread recipes. This one came out so good, my family gobbled it all up. They said it’s the best sourdough bread I’ve made so far ( others turned out gummy and dense). As I type, the olive bread is cooling, and the cinnamon raisin one is proofing. I’m so happy and eternally grateful to you as we can now enjoy sourdough bread to our heart’s content! 😊. Will be trying out your savory recipes as well. I’m getting hold of a copy of your book too. You are fantastic, Lucy!
I love your air fryer recipes. I’ve been looking for a sourdough air fryer recipe and am glad I came here. I have a few questions –
(1) can this be baked in a loaf tin ?
(2) When I take the dough out of the fridge after the second rise, can I bake it straightaway, or does it need to come to room temperature, and if so, for how long ?
(4) As I’m in bed by 9pm. it would be hard to follow the schedule. Can I mix it earlier, and let it bulk ferment in the fridge overnite?
(3) If bread is gummy in the centre, or the bottom, what do you think is the problem ?
Looking forward to more bread recipes in an air fryer. Thank you.
Hi Lyn,
(1) can this be baked in a loaf tin ? Yes, but make sure the bread has room to rise in the air fryer. If it rises too high it can burn at the top, coming to close to heating element.
(2) When I take the dough out of the fridge after the second rise, can I bake it straightaway, or does it need to come to room temperature, and if so, for how long ?
You can if it has reached peak rise, might need some extra cooking time
(4) As I’m in bed by 9pm. it would be hard to follow the schedule. Can I mix it earlier, and let it bulk ferment in the fridge overnite?
Yes absolutely
(3) If bread is gummy in the centre, or the bottom, what do you think is the problem ?
It needs to be cooked for longer, and flipped over to cook the underside. An instant read thermometer can help
Thank you very much for the very helpful tips, Lucy. Your idea about using the 7 in cake tin for second rise and bake is such a clever idea! You are a genius! My problem is using the starter at its peak as it usually happens at night, or when I’m busy. I’ve taken to putting it in the fridge when it is rising and take it out the next morn to do its thing. You said you remove the ramekin of water after 5 min- as my air fryer is an oven type, should I leave it for longer to create more steam ? Would half wholemeal flour work in this recipe? I’m so excited and can’t wait to try it out!
Time when you feed the starter and peak time. Then work backwards to feed the starter so it is working when you need it. I usually mix the dough for the bread in the evening and leave it to rise overnight. But in the summer you may need to put it in the fridge to rise if it is hot.
You can leave the ramekin in the air fryer, the water will evaporate completely but that’s fine xx