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Make moist, molasses-rich Boston Brown Bread in your air fryer in about 35 minutes — no coffee can, no steaming, no oven. A New England classic, made easy.

Air Fryer Boston Brown Bread

5 from 6 votes
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Description

Moist, molasses-rich Boston Brown Bread made easy in your air fryer — no coffee can, no steaming, no oven. This New England classic is hearty, lightly sweet, studded with raisins, and ready in about 35 minutes.

Ingredients 

  • 1½ cups whole wheat flour
  • ½ cup cornmeal
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ⅓ cup molasses, regular, not blackstrap
  • ½ cup raisins

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, cornmeal, baking soda, and salt.
  • Pour in the buttermilk and molasses and stir until a thick, sticky batter-dough forms. Gently fold in the raisins.
  • Scrape the mixture onto a lightly floured surface and bring it together into a rough loaf with floured hands — handle it as little as possible.
  • Lightly grease the sides of the air fryer basket and line the bottom with parchment paper. Set the loaf on the parchment and score an X about ¼ inch deep into the top with a sharp knife.
  • Air fry at 350°F for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (internal temperature about 200–205°F).
  • Remove the loaf and let it cool at least 15 minutes before slicing. Plate, serve, and enjoy!

Equipment

Notes

  • Fresh baking soda is key — old leavening is the top cause of a dense, gummy loaf.
  • Don't overmix or over-handle, or the bread turns tough.
  • Storage: Airtight container at room temp; best within 1–2 days. Day-old slices are great toasted.
  • Freezing: Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic and foil (or a freezer bag), freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Variations: Swap raisins for dried cranberries, dates, or walnuts; add a little rye flour for a more traditional flavor.
  • Serving: Classic with baked beans, or toasted with butter or cream cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 268kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 7gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 481mgPotassium: 579mgFiber: 5gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 69IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 99mgIron: 3mg