An excellent way to savor a traditional, comforting delicacy in a fraction of the time it would take in a traditional oven is to bake a tea loaf in an air fryer. This recipe for air fryer tea loaf will delight your taste buds and be a little kinder to your waistline, whether you’re needing something sweet to go with your afternoon tea or you’re just looking for a tasty snack. In order to make baking tea loaves as pleasurable as the loaf itself, we’ll go over the nutritional data, health advantages, cooking advice, and other useful remarks in this post.
Ingredients
Mixed Dried Fruit, 225 g
Light Brown Sugar, 175 g
▢1 bag of Yorkshire tea
One large egg
Self-Rising Flour (225 g)
One tablespoon of mixed peel
One teaspoon of cinnamon
One teaspoon of mixed spice
A pinch of nutmeg
Appliances for the Kitchen
The Philips Air Fryer
▢ Tiny silicone pans for bread loaf
Metric: Imperial
Directions
One teabag and 180ml (3/4 cup) of boiling water are needed to make a cup of tea. To brew a strong cup of tea, leave it for a few minutes. Next, take out the tea bag.
Put all of the dry fruit and sugar in a mixing dish. Stir after adding the hot tea. To allow the tea to soak into the dried fruit, place it in the refrigerator for the entire night.
Stir the following day, then add the mixed peel and seasonings.
After that, you will have a moist mixture after beating in an egg.
Pour the quick tea loaf mixture into two mini silicone loaf pans after stirring in the flour.
Then place them into the air fryer and air fry for 15 minutes at 180c/360f, followed by reducing the temperature to 160c/320f and cooking for a further 20 minutes or until a thermometer comes out clean.
Allow the fruit loaf bread recipe to cool and then remove from the silicone and slice and serve with butter
Nutrient Information for Air Fryer Tea Loaf
The nutrient content of your air fryer tea loaf will depend on the ingredients you use. For a typical recipe made with basic ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, here’s an approximate breakdown for a slice of tea loaf (about 1/12th of the loaf):
- Calories: 150–200 calories per slice
- Protein: 2–3 grams
- Fat: 6–8 grams (depends on the amount of butter or oil used)
- Carbohydrates: 25–30 grams
- Fiber: 1–2 grams (if using whole grain flour)
- Sugar: 10–15 grams (depends on the sweetness of the recipe)
- Sodium: 80–100 mg (varies with added salt and other ingredients)
Healthier Variations:
- Reduce sugar: You can cut down on the sugar by using natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia.
- Use whole wheat flour: Opting for whole wheat flour or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour can increase fiber content and add a nutty flavor.
- Use healthier fats: Substitute butter with healthier fats like coconut oil, avocado, or Greek yogurt to reduce the overall saturated fat content.
- Add fruit or nuts: For a nutrient boost, add dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or nuts like walnuts to your tea loaf. These additions provide extra vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
Health Benefits of Air Fryer Tea Loaf
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Customizable for Healthier Ingredients
One of the best things about baking your own tea loaf is that you control what goes into it. By choosing healthier ingredients like whole grains, natural sweeteners, and healthier fats, you can turn this traditionally indulgent treat into a more wholesome snack. Plus, adding fruits, nuts, or seeds boosts the nutritional value, turning your tea loaf into a more balanced option. -
Rich in Carbohydrates for Energy
Tea loaf is a source of complex carbohydrates, which are essential for providing energy throughout the day. If you’re looking for a quick snack that will give you an energy boost without causing a sugar crash, this is a great choice. Pairing it with a cup of tea can also add to the relaxing, comforting experience. -
Fiber Boost
If you use whole wheat flour or incorporate fiber-rich ingredients like dried fruits and nuts, your tea loaf can provide a good amount of dietary fiber. Fiber helps support digestive health, keeps you feeling full longer, and stabilizes blood sugar levels. -
Low in Added Fat
When baked in the air fryer, a tea loaf can be lower in fat compared to traditional cakes or breads made with large amounts of butter or oil. You can easily substitute some of the fat in the recipe to make a lighter version without compromising on taste. -
Rich in Antioxidants (When Adding Fruits)
Adding fruits like dried berries or apples to your tea loaf can boost its antioxidant content. Antioxidants are important for fighting free radicals in the body, which helps in reducing inflammation and supporting overall health.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Tea Loaf
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Preheat Your Air Fryer
Just like any baking process, preheating is key for even cooking. Preheat your air fryer to around 320°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes before placing your tea loaf in. This helps the loaf cook uniformly and gives it that perfect golden-brown finish. -
Use a Parchment Paper Liner or Loaf Pan
If you’re worried about your tea loaf sticking, line your air fryer basket with parchment paper, or use a small loaf pan that fits inside the air fryer. Make sure there’s enough room for air to circulate around the pan to ensure even cooking. -
Monitor the Cooking Time
Air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens, so keep an eye on your tea loaf. Typically, a tea loaf takes about 25–30 minutes in the air fryer, but cooking times can vary depending on the size of your loaf and the model of your air fryer. Check the loaf after 20 minutes and use a toothpick to test for doneness (it should come out clean when inserted into the center). -
Do Not Overmix the Batter
When mixing your batter, avoid overmixing, as this can result in a dense loaf. Stir until the ingredients are just combined. If you’re adding fruits or nuts, gently fold them in at the end to prevent crushing them into the batter. -
Test for Doneness
To ensure your tea loaf is perfectly baked, check the internal temperature with a kitchen thermometer. It should reach about 200°F (93°C) for a fully cooked loaf. If you don’t have a thermometer, the toothpick method works just as well. -
Allow the Loaf to Cool
Once your tea loaf is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the texture to set and makes for cleaner, neater slices.
Helpful Notes for Baking Air Fryer Tea Loaf
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Adjust for Air Fryer Size:
If your air fryer is smaller, you may need to make a smaller loaf or bake it in batches. Be sure to check the air fryer’s capacity to ensure you’re not overcrowding the basket, as this can affect even cooking. -
Flavor Variations:
Feel free to play around with different flavor combinations. You could add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract for a warming flavor. Alternatively, mix in dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or sultanas for an extra burst of sweetness. -
Serve with Your Favorite Tea:
Pair your air fryer tea loaf with your favorite tea for the ultimate snack or dessert experience. Black tea, green tea, or herbal teas like chamomile or chai are all great choices to complement the flavors of your loaf. -
Storage:
To keep your tea loaf fresh, store it in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days at room temperature. If you’d like to extend its shelf life, you can freeze individual slices and reheat them in the air fryer for a quick, warm treat.
