Easy Air Fryer Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

This easy Air Fryer Lemon Poppy Seed Bread brings bright citrus flavor and a tender, bakery-style crumb without turning on the oven. It’s zesty, lightly sweet, and perfect for breakfast, snacking, or pairing with your afternoon coffee.

Enjoy the bright, bakery-style flavor of classic lemon poppy seed bread without ever having to turn on your oven, thanks to the efficiency of the air fryer.

This easy recipe delivers a beautifully tender, fragrant loaf that is bursting with fresh lemon zest, studded with crunchy poppy seeds, and boasts a perfect golden crust.

It’s an incredibly quick and easy way to create a delightfully moist quick bread, making it an ideal choice for a simple breakfast, a tea-time treat, or a last-minute dessert.

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Quick Bread Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER BANANA BREAD, AIR FRYER APPLE CRANBERRY BREAD, AIR FRYER BANANA BREAD MUG CAKE, and AIR FRYER CRANBERRY WALNUT BREAD.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Bursting with bright, fresh lemon flavor in every bite.

• Light, tender, and perfectly moist texture.

• Quick and easy to make in the air fryer.

• Poppy seeds add a delightful subtle crunch.

• Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or gifting to friends.

Ingredients Needed

• All-Purpose Flour: Soft, versatile flour for structure and texture
• Salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness naturally
• Baking Powder: Leavening agent for light, airy texture
• Poppy Seeds: Adds subtle crunch and nutty flavor
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, fresh citrus flavor throughout
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies lemon flavor with aromatic oils
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender
• Eggs: Adds structure, richness, and helps bind ingredients
• Milk: Adds moisture and creates soft, tender crumb
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and enhances other flavors naturally
• Pure Vanilla Extract:  Adds warm, sweet aromatic undertone
• Glaze Ingredients: Powdered Sugar and Lemon Juice

How To Make Easy Air Fryer Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Step One: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and poppy seeds. Set aside. Mix the lemon juice, lemon zest, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract in another mixing bowl. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.

Step Two: In your air fryer-safe pan, spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Pour your batter into the pan. Set the air fryer temperature to 310 degrees F, using air fryer setting, set the cook time for 30 minutes.

Step Three: To make the glaze, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice into a small bowl, and mix until well combined, pour over the lemon poppy seed bread.

Easy Air Fryer Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix evenly and ensures a tender, moist loaf.

• Don’t overmix: Stir until just combined to avoid a dense bread.

• Check doneness early: Air fryers vary; start testing with a toothpick around 20 minutes.

• Let it cool: Allow the bread to rest in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to prevent sogginess.

• Optional glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze after cooling for extra sweetness and tang.

• Experiment with loaf size: Mini loaves cook faster and are perfect for gift-giving or quick snacks.

Storing Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.

• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Easy Air Fryer Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe Faqs

What size pan should I use in the air fryer? You will need a small, heat-safe loaf pan (typically around 6×3 or 7×3 inches) that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket or tray. Ensure there is enough space for air to circulate freely.

How do I prevent the top from burning? Air fryers cook quickly from the top. If the crust is browning too fast before the center is done, loosely tent the loaf pan with a piece of aluminum foil for the remainder of the cooking time.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? While bottled juice works for the acidity, the fresh lemon zest is crucial for giving the bread its intense, bright aroma and flavor. Using both fresh zest and juice yields the best results.

How do I know when the bread is finished baking? The bread is done when a thin wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be sure to check multiple spots, as cooking times can vary significantly between air fryer models.

Why did my poppy seeds sink to the bottom? The batter might have been too thin. To prevent sinking, toss the poppy seeds with 1 teaspoon of flour before folding them gently into the batter. This helps suspend them evenly throughout the loaf.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER BANANA BREAD

• AIR FRYER APPLE CRANBERRY BREAD

• EASY AIR FRYER BANANA BREAD MUG CAKE

• AIR FRYER CRANBERRY WALNUT BREAD

• AIR FRYER BLUEBERRY ZUCCHINI BREAD

• EASY AIR FRYER, RASPBERRY BREAD

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