Crispy & Sweet Air Fryer Bread Rusks
Repurpose Stale Bread! Easy Air Fryer Bread Rusks: A Crispy Snack Recipe
During a staycation summer holiday, I found myself craving a simple snack. I decided to use some bread I had frozen, and easily made these delightful air fryer bread rusks. They turn out delightfully crispy with a sweet, cinnamon-infused flavor, perfect for an afternoon treat or alongside your favorite coffee. This recipe is straightforward, making it a great option for both kids and adults.
Ingredients- 3 slices of bread (approx. 145g)
- 50g butter
- 1.5 Tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 2.5 Tbsp sugar
- 0.7 tsp cinnamon powder (optional, to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your bread. Place the slices on a cutting board and cut them into 6 bite-sized pieces each. This ensures even coating and convenient baking.
Step 2
Now, let’s melt the butter. Put 50g of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap, but leave one corner slightly open. Alternatively, if you cover the entire bowl, poke a few holes in the plastic wrap with a fork. This prevents the wrap from ballooning and ensures safe melting.
Step 3
Microwave the butter in 30-second intervals, repeating this process three times. It’s best to melt it in stages rather than all at once, as it can easily overflow if microwaved for too long continuously.
Step 4
The exact microwaving time might vary depending on your microwave’s wattage. For me, three 30-second bursts worked perfectly without any overflow. Adjust the time as needed for your appliance.
Step 5
Once the butter is melted, add 1.5 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to the bowl. Whisk gently with a fork or small spatula until well combined, creating a smooth butter-milk mixture.
Step 6
Using a pastry brush, generously coat each piece of bread with the melted butter and condensed milk mixture. Ensure an even layer on all sides for maximum crispiness and flavor.
Step 7
Place the buttered bread slices into a resealable plastic bag. Sprinkle 2.5 tablespoons of sugar over them. Hold the top of the bag closed and gently shake it to evenly coat the bread with sugar. This step adds a delightful sweetness.
Step 8
Arrange the sugared bread pieces in your air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Overlapping can lead to uneven crisping.
Step 9
Preheat your air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for the first bake.
Step 10
Set the timer for 7 minutes for the first round of baking. Air fryer models can vary, so it’s a good idea to check on the bread halfway through and adjust the time if needed to prevent burning.
Step 11
After the first 7 minutes, carefully remove the basket and flip each bread rusk over to ensure even browning.
Step 12
For the second bake, keep the temperature at 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) and set the timer for an additional 3 minutes. This second, shorter bake will achieve that perfect crunchy texture.
Step 13
Once the second baking cycle is complete, your bread rusks should be beautifully golden brown and wonderfully crispy on both sides. They are now ready to be enjoyed as a delicious snack!
Step 14
Remove the freshly baked rusks from the air fryer basket and place them back into a clean plastic bag. If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon powder to your liking and gently shake to coat. Your fragrant and perfectly crispy bread rusks are now ready to be devoured!
