One of my favorite treats in the fall or winter are cranberry orange muffins. So, I took that same flavor profile and made it into a sliceable version with my air fryer cranberry orange bread. The addition of sour cream makes it super moist, and it’s perfect for holiday brunch!
Sweet orange and tangy cranberries flavor this moist quick bread recipe. It’s perfect for both fall and winter, and always a favorite here for Christmas. I slice it up and put it out for brunch (it pairs fabulously with mimosas)!
The air fryer is a great option for loaf cakes like this, as the baking time compared to a standard oven is nearly half! Not to mention, the preheat time is far less as well. It’s the perfect option if you don’t have an oven, or need to keep it open for other holiday cooking.
You can even make these into mini loaves, and they make perfect gifts! Quick breads freeze well too, so feel free to prepare them in advance and just defrost when you expect company for a low-stress option.
Ingredients List
2 cups all purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
⅓ cup sour cream
¾ cup milk
⅓ cup oil (I use olive oil)
3 Tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 Tbsp orange zest (approx 2 large Navel oranges)
1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
For the Orange Glaze
½ cup powdered confectioner’s sugar
1 Tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tsp orange zest
Equipment Note: You need a loaf pan (or two mini loaf pans) that fit in your air fryer basket for this recipe. If you don’t have one currently, disposable aluminum ones work great for a budget friendly alternative (and they’re great to give away if these are being gifted).
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
The milk can be swapped for buttermilk or non-dairy milk such as almond milk
You can use other types of oil such as vegetable or sunflower, or swap in melted butter or applesauce as alternatives
Vanilla extract can be substituted by orange extract if you prefer a stronger orange flavor (or you can omit entirely if you like)
For a bit of spice, feel free to add 1 tsp of cinnamon to the bread as well!
Step By Step Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 325°F and grease your loaf pan(s) with nonstick or baking spray (or line with parchment)
In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs well, and then mix in the sour cream, milk, oil, orange juice, and vanilla extract and stir to combine
Add the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugars, and salt) and mix until incorporated
Fold in the cranberries and the orange zest
Spread the batter into your loaf pan, making sure to not fill more than ¾ full to allow for expansion during baking
Place the filled loaf pan into your preheated air fryer basket
Cook on the air fry setting for 30-40 minutes at 325°F (or 20 minutes for mini loaves), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (wet crumbs are fine, just not raw batter). Different air fryers may vary slightly in terms of actual cooking time needed
Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack for cooling
Combine glaze ingredients in a small bowl, then spread over your cooled bread (I put wax paper underneath to catch drips)
Can I Use Dried Cranberries Instead of Fresh Ones?
Yes, you can absolutely use dried cranberries if preferred.
The moisture level may be slightly lower, so consider adding an additional Tbsp of milk or sour cream to compensate.
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness of the Bread?
You can alter the sweetness by adjusting the amount of sugar used in the recipe.
Alternatively, choose sweetened or unsweetened cranberries accordingly, to increase or decrease sweetness levels.
Can I Use a Different Citrus Fruit Instead of Orange?
Absolutely! Lemons or even tangerines can substitute for oranges, altering the flavor slightly.
Pumpkin, apple, and pear are some other good non-citrus options as well.
Can I Freeze the Cranberry Orange Bread?
Yes, you can. After baking and cooling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
It stores well for 2-3 months.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten Free?
Yes, by using gluten-free flour and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, you can make a gluten-free version.
Note that the texture will change slightly, and you should watch the cooking times as well, in case they need slight adjustment.
How Do I Prevent the Cranberries From Sinking to the Bottom?
Tossing the cranberries in a bit of flour or cornstarch before adding them to the batter can help prevent sinking.
You can also cut the cranberries into smaller pieces, which helps to reduce and distribute weight so they are less likely to sink.
Recipe Pro Tips
If this is your first time zesting citrus, you’ll want a small zester tool, microplane grater, or a box cheese grater that has some small holes as well. You want to zest off just the orange part of the peel: stop when you get to the white pith underneath, as that is bitter!
This cranberry orange bread should fit in a standard loaf pan perfectly. However, if you have a smaller air fryer that cannot fit a standard pan, divide it into smaller ones. I’m using one medium and one mini to accommodate my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer’s setup
If you use a pan that just barely fits in your air fryer, I’ve found that it blocks the air flow and tends not to cook the bottom well. If the top is overbrowning and the bottom is raw, you can cover it with foil and cook longer, or carefully flip the loaf over (pan and all) and cook upside down for an additional 10 or so minutes to set the bottom!
Storage Tips
After cooling completely, wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. You may also refrigerate for up to 1 week, but it tends to dry the bread out quicker
For longer term storage, do not glaze. Wrap well after cooling, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost and add glaze before serving!
This air fryer cranberry orange bread is moist and delicious, with the perfect balance of sweet and tart! Fresh or frozen cranberries are the way to go here to bring out that great zing!
I love serving this bread in the fall and winter, and it’s perfect set out for Christmas brunch, but equally nice next to the cookie plate. Finish with a sweet orange glaze to really bring out the citrus flavors and make it shine!
The air fryer makes baking quick breads so easy, cutting the baking time nearly in half, and also reducing the preheat time. Whether you don’t have an oven, or just want to leave it open for the roast, the air fryer has you covered!
Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Bread with Sour Cream
This air fryer cranberry orange bread is sweet, tart, and perfect for fall and winter. Serve it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert!
Preheat your air fryer to 325°F and grease your loaf pan(s) with nonstick or baking spray (or line with parchment)
In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs well, and then mix in the sour cream, milk, oil, orange juice, and vanilla extract and stir to combine
2 Large eggs, ⅓ Cup sour cream, ¾ Cup milk, ⅓ Cup oil, 3 Tbsp orange juice, 1 Tsp vanilla extract
Add the dry ingredients and mix until incorporated
2 Cups all purpose flour, ½ Cup granulated sugar, ½ Cup brown sugar, 1 Tsp baking powder, 1 Tsp baking soda, 1 Tsp salt
Fold in the cranberries and the orange zest
2 Tbsp orange zest, 1 Cup cranberries
Spread the batter into your loaf pan, making sure to not fill more than ¾ full to allow for expansion during baking
Place the filled loaf pan into your preheated air fryer basket
Cook on the air fry setting for 30-40 minutes at 325°F (or 20 minutes for mini loaves), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (wet crumbs are fine, just not raw batter). Different air fryers may vary slightly in terms of actual cooking time needed
Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack for cooling
Combine glaze ingredients in a small bowl, then spread over your cooled bread (I put wax paper underneath to catch drips)
½ Cup powdered sugar, 1-2 Tbsp orange juice, 1 Tsp orange zest
Slice and enjoy!
Notes
The milk can be swapped for buttermilk or non-dairy milk like almond milk
You can use other types of oil such as vegetable or sunflower, or swap in melted butter or applesauce as alternatives
Vanilla extract can be substituted by orange extract if you prefer a stronger orange flavor (or you can omit entirely if you like)
For a bit of spice, feel free to add 1 tsp of cinnamon to the bread as well!
This cranberry orange bread should fit in a standard loaf pan perfectly. However, if you have a smaller air fryer that cannot fit a standard pan, divide it into smaller ones. I’m using one medium and one mini to accommodate my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer’s setup
If you use a pan that just barely fits in your air fryer, I’ve found that it blocks the air flow and tends not to cook the bottom well. If the top is overbrowning and the bottom is raw, you can cover it with foil and cook longer, or carefully flip the loaf over (pan and all) and cook upside down for an additional 10 or so minutes to set the bottom!
After cooling completely, wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. You may also refrigerate for up to 1 week, but it tends to dry the bread out quicker
For longer term storage, do not glaze. Wrap well after cooling, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost and add glaze before serving!
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
