Freshly baked air fryer Irish soda bread cooling on a rack.
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Emma Lawson | 
16.07.2025

Air Fryer Irish Soda Bread

Experience the rustic charm of Ireland with our Air Fryer Irish Soda Bread. This quick soda bread recipe employs a simple mix of plain flour and wholemeal flour, and is baked to perfection in your air fryer. Enjoy a warm slice with your favourite spread without the need for yeast. Perfect as an air fryer brown bread for any meal of the day, this healthy soda bread recipe delivers traditional taste with modern convenience.
Prep Time
10m
Cook
25m
Total Time
35m
Yield
serves 4
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Breakfast
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Cakes

What You’ll Need for Air Fryer Soda Bread

Essential Ingredients for Soda Bread

  • 250g plain flour
  • 250g wholemeal flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 400ml buttermilk

Add Seeds

Enhance your soda bread by sprinkling seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin on top before baking in the air fryer. This adds a delightful crunch and additional nutrients to your air fryer brown bread. Feel free to experiment with different seed combinations for varied textures and flavours.

Why Use A Cross On Top

The cross on top of soda bread serves both a traditional and practical purpose. It's said to ward off evil while also helping the bread cook more evenly by allowing expanded dough room to rise. A quick, shallow cut is all that's needed.

Steps to Make Irish Soda Bread in an Air Fryer

Follow these simple steps to bake soda bread in your air fryer.

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C.
  2. Mix together the plain flour, wholemeal flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  3. Gradually add the buttermilk, mixing into a soft dough.
  4. Gently knead on a floured surface, shaping into a round loaf.
  5. Place dough in the air fryer basket and make a cross on top.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

Avoid Overworking The Dough

Mix your dough just until it comes together, resisting the urge to over-knead. This ensures a light and fluffy texture in your soda bread rather than a dense, heavy loaf.
Dough being placed into the air fryer basket ready to bake.

Nutrition for Air Fryer Irish Soda Bread

Calories: 320 | Protein: 10g | Carbs: 65g | Fat: 3g

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Irish Soda Bread

Serve your air fryer Irish soda bread with a spread of butter, jam, or even some soft cheese. It's an excellent accompaniment to soups and stews, or enjoyed as a simple snack with a cup of tea.

Enjoy the Tradition of Air Fryer Irish Soda Bread

Bring the essence of Ireland to your kitchen with this wholesome, home-baked treat. Air fryer Irish soda bread is a wonderful fusion of traditional methods and modern technology. It’s warm, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Check out more unique air fryer recipes at airfryerrecipe.co.uk and discover new ways to use your air fryer.

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Air Fryer Irish Soda Bread FAQs

Can I use buttermilk substitute?

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Yes, a buttermilk substitute can be made using milk and lemon juice or vinegar. It's perfect for this recipe.
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Why no yeast in soda bread?

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Soda bread uses baking soda as a leavening agent, eliminating the need for yeast and lengthy rising times.
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What is the texture like?

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Air fryer soda bread is crusty on the outside, with a soft, tender crumb inside.
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How can I make it healthier?

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Use a mix of plain flour and wholemeal for a more nutritious bread, and do not over-knead to maintain softness.
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