Thanksgiving baking doesn’t have to mean hours of kneading and waiting for dough to rise. These 10 easy quick bread recipes need no yeast, take about 10 minutes of hands-on prep, and bake right in the air fryer, so your oven stays free for the turkey and the casseroles.

From pumpkin nut bread to cranberry orange loaves to golden skillet cornbread, every recipe below is made for the holiday table. Bake them for Thanksgiving breakfast, set them out on the dessert buffet, or wrap mini loaves as hostess gifts.

10 Easy Thanksgiving Quick Bread Recipes

1. Air Fryer Pumpkin Nut Bread

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The ultimate fall loaf. Pumpkin purée, warm pumpkin pie spice, and toasted pecans bake into four tender mini loaves at 320°F in about 32 minutes. Mini loaves are perfect for the dessert table or for gifting.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Pumpkin Nut Bread

2. Air Fryer Pumpkin Bread with Vanilla Glaze

Air Fryer Zucchini Pumpkin Quick Bread

A classic, moist pumpkin bread finished with a simple vanilla glaze. It’s a crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving morning with a hot cup of coffee, and you can fold in nuts or chocolate chips to change it up.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Pumpkin Bread

3. Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Kids and adults alike love this one. Warm cinnamon and pumpkin spice meet melty chocolate chips in a cozy loaf that doubles as an easy Thanksgiving dessert.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

4. Air Fryer Cranberry Walnut Bread

Air Fryer Cranberry Walnut Bread

Fresh cranberries and crunchy walnuts in a light, moist loaf brightened with orange juice. Tart, nutty, and just sweet enough, it belongs on the holiday breakfast table.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Cranberry Walnut Bread

5. Air Fryer Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze

Slices of cranberry orange nut bread with cranberries and walnuts

Cranberry and orange are a classic holiday pairing. A sweet orange glaze drizzled over a tart cranberry loaf makes this bread taste like Thanksgiving in every slice.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze

6. Air Fryer Apple Cranberry Bread

Baked apple cranberry bread loaves cooling on a wire rack

Chunks of fresh apple, whole cranberries, walnuts, and a touch of cinnamon come together in this festive fall quick bread. It’s easy to slice and share for brunch or dessert.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Apple Cranberry Bread

7. Air Fryer Apple Streusel Quick Bread

Air Fryer Apple Streusel Quick Bread

Fresh apples, all the fall spices, and a buttery streusel topping. This one tastes like apple pie in loaf form and is perfect for a slow holiday morning.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Apple Streusel Quick Bread

8. Air Fryer Date and Walnut Bread

Air Fryer Date and Walnut Bread

An old-fashioned holiday favorite. Rich, sweet dates and crunchy walnuts make a moist loaf that’s wonderful toasted with a pat of butter.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Date and Walnut Bread

9. Air Fryer Skillet Cornbread

Microwave Method For Reheating Cornbread The microwave is the quickest method for reheating cornbread. While it may not retain the same crispy edges as an oven or air fryer, it's convenient and perfect for hurrying. Start with Room Temperature Cornbread: If your cornbread has been refrigerated, let it sit out for a few minutes to reach room temperature. This ensures a more even reheating. Use a Microwave-Safe Plate or Microwave-Safe Dish: Spaced apart the slices or pieces of cornbread on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a Damp Paper Towel: To help retain moisture and prevent the cornbread from drying out, use a moist paper towel and place it over it. This creates a steaming effect, which helps in keeping the cornbread soft. Heat in Short Intervals: Start by microwaving the cornbread for 20 seconds. If it's not warm enough after this, continue heating in 10-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Avoid overheating, as this can make the cornbread dry or tough. Check the Temperature: After each interval, touch the center of the cornbread to check its warmth. Remember that microwaves can heat unevenly, so it's essential to ensure the entire piece is evenly reheated. Serve Immediately: Once the cornbread is adequately warmed, remove it from the microwave and enjoy! While the microwave might not retain freshly baked cornbread's original texture, its convenience is unmatched. For the best results, always monitor closely and adjust the heating time based on the size and thickness of your cornbread slices. ​ Pro Tips For Reheating Cornbread ​ Avoid Overheating: Whether using the microwave, oven, skillet, or any other method, it's crucial not to overheat cornbread. Overcooking can lead to dry and crumbly cornbread. Retain Moisture: Place a damp paper towel over to keep cornbread moist, especially when using the microwave. The steam helps in retaining the moisture and preventing it from drying out. Reheat Evenly: If using an oven or toaster oven, ensure the heat circulates evenly. Use the convection setting to ensure the entire piece warms uniformly if possible. Preheat First: When using an oven or toaster oven, always preheat it. This allows the cornbread to reheat more evenly. Use Butter for Skillet Method: A small dab of butter on the surface of the cornbread can enhance the flavor and add a nice crispness to the edges if reheating cornbread in a skillet. Check Temperature: If you have one, use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the inside of the cornbread reaches your desired temperature without overheating the exterior. Avoid Repeated Reheating: Each time cornbread is reheated, it loses moisture. Try to reheat only the amount you will consume to avoid multiple reheating sessions. Store Properly: If you anticipate reheating cornbread, ensure it's stored correctly. Keep it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic or aluminum foil to retain moisture. Remember, while reheating methods can bring cornbread close to its freshly baked glory, the key is in the initial storage. Properly stored cornbread will always reheat better.

No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without cornbread. This Southern-style skillet cornbread gets golden, crispy edges and a fluffy center, and it’s the perfect base for homemade cornbread dressing.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Skillet Cornbread

10. Air Fryer Zucchini Pumpkin Quick Bread

Two favorite quick breads in one. Shredded zucchini and pumpkin keep this spiced loaf extra moist, and chopped walnuts add a nice crunch.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Pumpkin Quick Bread

Tips for Baking Quick Breads Ahead of Thanksgiving

  • Use mini loaf pans. Smaller pans fit the air fryer basket and bake through evenly, so the center isn’t left raw.
  • Bake low and slow. Most of these recipes bake at 320°F to 330°F, lower than an oven, because the heating element sits close to the top of the loaf.
  • Check early. Air fryers vary, so start testing with a toothpick a few minutes before the suggested time.
  • Freeze ahead. Cool loaves completely, wrap in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Use pure pumpkin. Grab 100% pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, which is already sweetened and spiced.

Thanksgiving Quick Bread FAQs

What is a quick bread? A quick bread is leavened with baking soda or baking powder instead of yeast, so there’s no rising time. You mix the batter and bake it right away.

Can you bake quick bread in an air fryer? Yes. Use a pan that fits your basket with room for air to circulate, and bake at a lower temperature than you would in the oven, usually around 320°F.

How far ahead can I make Thanksgiving quick breads? Most quick breads keep 2 to 3 days at room temperature when wrapped, about a week in the fridge, or 1 to 2 months in the freezer.

Which quick bread is best for Thanksgiving? Pumpkin and cranberry breads are the most festive picks, while cornbread is the classic savory side for Thanksgiving dinner.

Why is my quick bread raw in the middle? The pan is likely too large or the temperature too high. Switch to mini loaf pans, lower the heat, and give it a few extra minutes.

Bake Your Way to an Easy Thanksgiving

Whether you go with pumpkin, cranberry, apple, or a skillet of golden cornbread, these quick breads make holiday baking simple. Pick two or three, bake them ahead, and enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving. Want even more ideas? Browse the full collection of Thanksgiving bread recipes on Fork To Spoon.