Air Fryer Date and Walnut Bread with Brown Sugar
This moist quick bread combines sweet chopped dates, crunchy walnuts, and brown sugar for a naturally sweet treat that's perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. The air fryer creates a tender crumb with a lightly golden exterior in just 20-25 minutes. The dates are rehydrated with hot water and butter, creating extra moisture and rich flavor throughout. Great for using up excess dates and makes an excellent gift bread or holiday treat.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups dates, chopped
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 cup water, hot
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup walnuts, dicedpecans1:1nuttyFull guide →
Instructions
- 1
Add chopped dates and butter to a bowl, then pour hot water over dates to rehydrate
- 2
Let mixture sit for 5 minutes
- 3
Mix in brown sugar, egg, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined
- 4
Spray air fryer loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and ensure pan fits in air fryer
- 5
Pour batter into prepared pan
- 6
Set air fryer to 340 degrees F and cook for 12 minutes
- 7
Check bread, then cook for additional 10 minutes
- 8
Test for doneness and cook 2-3 minutes more if needed
- 9
Remove from air fryer and serve
Tips
Make sure your loaf pan fits properly in your air fryer before starting to avoid any issues during cooking.
The dates should be soft after rehydrating - if they're still firm, let them sit a bit longer in the hot water.
Cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model and pan size, so check doneness with a toothpick.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week
Can be made 1 day ahead and stored covered
Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed
Common Mistakes
Don't skip rehydrating the dates or bread will be dry and dates tough
Check air fryer pan fit before starting to avoid mid-recipe issues
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use fresh dates instead of dried?
Fresh dates work but reduce the water to 3/4 cup since fresh dates contain more moisture and don't need as much rehydrating.
What if I don't have an air fryer loaf pan?
You can use any small oven-safe pan that fits in your air fryer, or line a round cake pan with parchment paper.
How do I know when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center - it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.