Toasting Rolls In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to toasters for toasting bread, buns, and rolls. They can toast bread to a perfect golden brown in just 3 to 6 minutes at around 400°F (204°C). The air fryer's air circulation ensures an even crunch on all sides, and its versatility means you can toast frozen bread, bagels, and English muffins too. So, if you're short on counter space or simply want to try something new, an air fryer is a great option for toasting your favourite roll.

Rolls in an air fryer: cooking time and temperature

You can toast rolls in an air fryer, and it's super easy! If you're making a burger, you can even toast the buns in the same appliance, reducing kitchen clean-up.

To toast your rolls, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (or 400°F) for about 3-5 minutes. If your rolls are frozen, increase the cooking time to 3-5 minutes at 375°F, and keep a close eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

Slice your rolls in the centre – you can decide whether to slice them completely in half or keep them intact. Spread a thin layer of butter on the top and bottom of the rolls, and add them to the air fryer basket with the top facing upward. If you've sliced the rolls in half, spread butter on all sides of the top and bottom sections.

Toast the rolls for 2-3 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and crispy. If you've sliced your rolls in half, you might want to flip them midway through the cooking time for an even crisp on all sides.

And that's it! You can serve your rolls immediately with your chosen toppings and fillings.

Rolls in an air fryer: preparation and toppings

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to toast bread products, including rolls. They can produce an even, crispy texture that is often difficult to achieve with a toaster or grill.

Preparation

To prepare your rolls for the air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 375-400°F for about 3-5 minutes. If your rolls are frozen, you may need to increase the cooking time to 5 minutes at 400°F.

Next, slice your rolls in the center, either completely in half or keeping the top and bottom attached. Spread a thin layer of butter on the top and bottom of the rolls. This will add a rich flavor, help to achieve a golden color, and prevent sticking.

Place the rolls in the air fryer basket with the top facing upward. If you have sliced the rolls in half, spread butter on all sides of the top and bottom sections.

Cooking

Cook the rolls for 2-3 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent them from browning too quickly or burning. If you have cut the rolls in half, it is a good idea to flip them midway through for an even crisp on all sides.

Toppings

You can add a variety of toppings to your rolls, either before or after air frying. Here are some ideas:

• Butter
• Cinnamon and sugar
• Avocado
• Feta cheese
• Balsamic glaze
• Peanut butter and banana slices
• Cream cheese and everything bagel seasoning
• Salt and smoked salmon
• Almond butter, banana, and cinnamon
• Avocado, nutritional yeast, and chilies
• Roasted red peppers and feta
• Hummus, cucumber, and sea salt
• Egg, spinach, and pesto
• Goat cheese and strawberries

Rolls in an air fryer: frozen vs. fresh

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to toasters and ovens for toasting bread. They can toast frozen or fresh rolls, and the process is simple and quick.

Frozen Rolls in an Air Fryer

Toasting frozen rolls in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare them. The rolls will come out with a crispy crust and a warm, fluffy interior. Here's a general guide:

• First, check if the rolls need to rise or proof. Some rolls require this step before cooking, so refer to the package instructions.
• Preheat your air fryer to 300-350°F (149-176°C).
• Place the frozen rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry for 5-8 minutes or until fully heated. The exact time will depend on your air fryer and the brand/type of rolls.
• Remove the rolls from the air fryer and brush them with melted butter, if desired.
• Let the rolls sit for a few minutes before serving.

Fresh Rolls in an Air Fryer

You can also use an air fryer to toast fresh rolls. The process is similar to that of frozen rolls, but with slightly different timings:

• Place your fresh rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry at 400°F for 3-5 minutes, or until the desired level of toastiness is achieved.
• If you like butter on your toast, you can add it before or after air frying. Adding it before will give it a chance to melt, and you can let the toast sit in the warm air fryer for a minute to enhance this.
• For frozen sliced bread, increase the time to 5 minutes and flip the bread halfway through.

Tips for Using an Air Fryer to Toast Rolls

• Don't crowd the basket. Cooking the rolls in a single layer ensures even cooking and crisping.
• Always keep an eye on your food. Opening the air fryer to check on your rolls is a good idea, as timings can vary depending on your air fryer and the type of roll.
• Experiment to find the best settings for your air fryer. All air fryers are different, so you may need to adjust the temperature and timing to suit your particular model.

Rolls in an air fryer: comparison to other cooking methods

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to toast rolls, offering several advantages over other cooking methods. Here is a comparison of using an air fryer to toast rolls versus other common cooking methods:

Air Fryer vs. Toaster

Using an air fryer to toast rolls provides a more even crunch compared to a traditional toaster, which typically toasts bread on one side only. With an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside of the roll fluffy and light. Additionally, the air fryer's air circulation ensures even toasting on all sides of the roll.

Air Fryer vs. Grill

Grilling rolls can result in uneven toasting, with only one side getting crispy. Air fryers, on the other hand, provide a more consistent and even toasting experience due to the circulation of hot air.

Air Fryer vs. Oven

Toasting rolls in a conventional oven can be less efficient due to the time required for the oven to preheat. Air fryers, with their rapid heat circulation, offer a faster and more convenient option for toasting rolls, making them ideal for quick breakfasts or snacks.

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer for Toasting Rolls

• Convenience and Speed: Air fryers are known for drastically reducing cooking times. Toasting rolls in an air fryer is a quick and easy process, making it perfect for busy mornings or when you're short on time.
• Minimal Cleanup: Air fryers require minimal cleanup compared to other cooking methods, making them a convenient choice for those who want to spend less time in the kitchen.
• Versatility: Air fryers are versatile appliances that can cook a variety of foods, from sausage and chicken tenders to toasting different types of bread, bagels, and English muffins.
• Customizable Toppings: With an air fryer, you can add toppings to your rolls and put them back in the warm air fryer for a minute to let the toppings warm up as well. This is something you can't easily do with a traditional toaster.
• Counter Space: Air fryers are compact appliances that take up less counter space than a toaster, making them ideal for kitchens with limited counter real estate.

Rolls in an air fryer: problems and solutions

Air fryers are a convenient way to toast rolls, but there are a few potential problems to be aware of. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfectly toasted rolls every time.

Problem: Light Rolls Flying Around in the Air Fryer

Air fryers use a powerful fan to circulate hot air, which can cause very light items to blow around. As the air fryer removes moisture from the bread, it becomes lighter and may start to fly around. To prevent this, only toast one layer of rolls at a time, and leave some distance between each roll to ensure even cooking. If you have a lot of rolls to toast, it's best to do them in batches.

Problem: Rolls Not Toasting Evenly

Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven toasting. The hot air needs to be able to circulate freely, so make sure there is space between the rolls. If your rolls are browning too quickly or burning, try reducing the cooking time or lowering the temperature.

Problem: Rolls Sticking to the Air Fryer Basket

To prevent rolls from sticking to the air fryer basket, you can season them or spread a thin layer of butter on the outside before toasting. This will also help to create a crispy texture and golden color.

Problem: Rolls Becoming Soggy

To avoid soggy rolls, remove them from the air fryer as soon as they are toasted. Don't leave them in the air fryer after cooking, as this can affect their texture.

Problem: Rolls Burning

To prevent burning, keep a close eye on the rolls while they are toasting, especially if you are using a higher temperature or cooking for a longer period. Always follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures for your specific air fryer model.

Solution: The Right Way to Toast Rolls in an Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 350-400°F.
• Slice the rolls in half, if desired.
• Spread a thin layer of butter on the outside of the rolls.
• Place the rolls in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for even cooking.
• Toast the rolls for 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the rolls from the air fryer using tongs and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions