Air Fryer Cooking: Can You Make Rolls?

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including cakes, cookies, and pizza. They are also perfect for making dinner rolls. Air fryer rolls are made with just a few simple ingredients and can be cooked in under 10 minutes, making them a quick and convenient option for any meal. Whether you're looking to bake a fresh batch of rolls or simply reheat frozen ones, an air fryer is a great tool to have in your kitchen.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking rolls in an air fryer depend on the type of roll and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to experiment with different times and temperatures to find the optimal settings for your specific air fryer. However, here are some general guidelines for air fryer temperature and time:

For frozen dinner rolls, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (176.6°C) and cook the rolls for 4 to 7 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Some sources suggest cooking frozen rolls for 8 to 10 minutes at 320°F (160°C). If the rolls are already cooked and frozen, they may only need 5 minutes at 350°F (176.6°C). For homemade rolls that have been frozen, it is recommended to follow the rising recommendations and then cook them in the air fryer.

For fresh, homemade dinner rolls, the temperature and time may vary depending on the recipe. Some recipes suggest baking the rolls at 325°F (162.7°C) for 25 to 28 minutes. However, other sources recommend baking rolls at 350°F (176.6°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, brushing them with butter during the final 2 to 3 minutes of cooking. It is important to note that the heat in an air fryer comes from the top, so the bottoms of the rolls may not brown as much as the tops. To ensure even browning, you may need to flip the rolls over towards the end of the cooking time and bake them bottom side up.

Preparing the dough

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by adding a packet of active dry yeast (about 2 and 1/4 teaspoons) to a bowl with warm water or warm milk. The temperature of the liquid should be around 110°F (43°C). This step is crucial because it activates the yeast, which will help your dough rise. Let the mixture sit for about 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and foamy.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. You can also use bread flour if you prefer chewier dinner rolls. Give the ingredients a quick whisk to distribute them evenly.

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Once your yeast is activated, add it to the dry ingredient mixture. You can also add butter and an egg at this stage. Mix everything together using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon/silicone spatula. Keep mixing until the ingredients come together to form a soft and slightly sticky dough.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and begin kneading. Kneading is essential to develop the gluten in the dough, which gives the rolls their chewy texture. Knead the dough for about 5-6 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, you can also use that to knead the dough.

Step 5: First Rise

Grease a large bowl with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it over to coat it lightly with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

After the first rise, punch down the dough to release the air. Then, divide the dough into equal pieces—you can make 12 to 16 pieces, depending on the size of rolls you prefer. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by stretching the top of the dough while pinching and sealing the bottom.

Step 7: Second Rise

Arrange the shaped dough balls in a greased baking pan, leaving some space between them. Cover the rolls with aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise again in a warm place for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the rolls have doubled in size.

Now that your dough is prepared and has risen twice, it's almost ready for the air fryer! After the second rise, you can proceed to bake your rolls in the air fryer, following the cooking instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Shaping the rolls

Yes, you can cook rolls in an air fryer! You can cook frozen dinner rolls, either store-bought or homemade, in an air fryer. Place the frozen rolls in the air fryer basket and brush the tops with melted butter. Air fry at 350°F for 4-5 minutes or until the tops are lightly browned.

Now, for shaping the rolls, here are some detailed steps:

Firstly, ensure your dough is covered and left to rise before shaping. This is called the bulk proof or first proof. You can use a kitchen scale to portion out the dough to ensure each roll is the same size. Divide the total weight of the dough by the number of rolls you need. For example, if you have 24 ounces of dough and need 12 rolls, each piece should weigh 2 ounces.

Next, lightly sprinkle your work surface with flour. Turn your dough onto the surface and pat it into a rectangle. Use a knife or bench scraper to cut the dough into even pieces, being careful not to tear the dough. Pull the outer edges of each piece up and towards the centre, then use your fingers to pull and stretch the dough over itself, smoothing out the top and pinching the bottom. Place the roll pinched side down on an unfloured surface and cup your hand around it, with the edge of your hand firmly on the counter. Sweep your hand in a circle to gently shape the dough into a smooth round ball.

Finally, arrange the rolls on a baking sheet, leaving space between them so they don't touch as they bake and expand. You can also arrange them around the edges of a baking dish to form a wreath, placing butter or dip in the centre. Once shaped, the rolls will require a second, shorter rise before baking.

Brushing with butter

When brushing the tops of the rolls with butter, it is best to use melted butter. You can brush the rolls with butter before or after cooking them in the air fryer. If you brush them before, the butter will add flavour and promote browning. If you brush them after, the butter will add flavour and moisture.

If you are cooking frozen rolls, brush them with butter before placing them in the air fryer. If you are cooking homemade rolls, you can brush them with butter before or after cooking. If you want to add extra flavour, you can sprinkle garlic, herbs, or cheese on top of the butter before cooking.

For an extra touch of elegance, brush the cooked rolls with melted butter, sprinkle with flaky salt, and then put them back in the air fryer for a final minute.

Storing and reheating

When it comes to reheating, there are a few methods you can use. If you're looking for a quick option, the microwave is your best bet. Place the rolls on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a slightly damp, clean kitchen towel. Microwave for 15–45 seconds, or until they are warmed through.

Another option is to use a slow cooker. This method takes a bit longer, about 30 minutes, but it's a great way to keep the rolls warm for serving. Place a damp, clean kitchen towel on the bottom of the slow cooker insert, arrange the rolls on top, and cover with another damp towel. Heat on low until warm, then switch to the warm setting to keep the rolls soft for up to 2 hours.

If you prefer a more traditional method, you can always pop the rolls back into the oven. Wrap them in foil and place them in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This will give you warm and crispy rolls.

Additionally, if you have an air fryer, you can reheat your rolls to perfection. Place the rolls in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other or the edges. Brush the tops with melted butter and air fry at 350°F for 4–5 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of golden brown.

No matter which method you choose, you'll be able to enjoy warm and delicious dinner rolls again and again!

Frequently asked questions