Air-Frying Brown-And-Serve Rolls: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

Air fryers are incredibly versatile and can be used to make a variety of dishes, including cakes, cookies, and pizza. They are also perfect for cooking dinner rolls, which can be made from scratch or store-bought frozen rolls. Using an air fryer to cook dinner rolls is a quick and convenient option, as it cuts down the baking time by half and frees up oven space. The rolls are cooked in a matter of minutes, resulting in warm, fluffy rolls with a crispy crust.

Cooking times and temperatures for brown and serve rolls

Yes, you can cook brown and serve rolls in an air fryer. The cooking time and temperature for brown and serve rolls in an air fryer depend on the type of roll and the desired level of browning. Here is a guide to help you:

Frozen Rolls:

If you are cooking frozen brown and serve rolls, it is recommended to cook them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) for 4 to 7 minutes, or until they are warmed through and golden brown. You can cook larger batches if your air fryer basket is big enough. It is important to note that the rolls should not touch the edge of the basket or each other during cooking.

Homemade Rolls:

For homemade brown and serve rolls, the recommended cooking temperature is 320 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius) for 8 to 10 minutes. The rolls are ready when the tops are golden brown and the bottoms are set. If the bottoms are not fully cooked, you can add a couple of minutes to the cooking time or turn the rolls upside down before adding additional cooking time.

Yeast Rolls:

Yeast rolls may require a longer cooking time, around 12 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). It is recommended to brush them with melted butter during the final 2 to 3 minutes of cooking.

General Tips:

• It is recommended to brush the tops of the rolls with butter before placing them in the air fryer to enhance their taste and appearance.
• If you are using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the rolls in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Air fryer temperatures and cooking times can vary, so it is important to keep an eye on your rolls to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

Preparing the rolls for the air fryer

To make the rolls from scratch, start by adding yeast to a bowl of warm water and leaving it to sit for around 3 to 5 minutes. You can then add in the flour, sugar, milk, butter, and salt, and gently fold the ingredients together. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it until it is smooth, before shaping it into a ball. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough if you prefer.

Next, transfer the dough to a bowl lightly sprayed with cooking spray and cover with plastic wrap. Set the bowl in a warm spot and let the dough double in size, which should take around 40 minutes. Weigh the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces, rolling them into balls. Place the rolls into a pan or directly into the basket, after spraying the basket with cooking spray. You can coat the tops of the rolls with an egg wash.

If you are using frozen rolls, it is important to check the instructions on the packaging to ensure they have been cooked prior to freezing. Homemade frozen rolls can also be cooked in the air fryer.

Air fryer basket arrangement

Choose the Right Pan or Basket

Before placing your rolls in the air fryer, decide whether to use a pan or place them directly into the basket. If using a pan, opt for a smaller-diameter option, such as a 6" round pan, to ensure even baking. Remember that an 8" or 9" pan may fit your air fryer, but the rolls in the center will bake more slowly than those on the edges.

Prepare the Basket

Spray the basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Arrange the Rolls

Place the rolls in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch each other or the edges of the basket. This arrangement allows for even cooking and browning. If you have a large number of rolls, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Rotate the Basket

If your air fryer has a rotating basket feature, take advantage of it. Rotating the basket helps ensure even cooking, as the heat in an air fryer comes from the top, and continuous rotation will expose all parts of the rolls to the heat source.

Don't Overfill the Basket

It's recommended to only half-fill the air fryer basket to achieve the best cooking results. Overfilling the basket may lead to uneven cooking, with the rolls in the center remaining undercooked. Cooking in batches is preferable to ensure each roll is cooked perfectly.

By following these arrangement tips, you can ensure your brown-and-serve rolls turn out delicious and evenly cooked every time.

Brushing the rolls with butter

There are a few variations to the technique of brushing the rolls with butter. Some recipes suggest brushing the rolls with melted butter before placing them in the air fryer. This step ensures that the butter penetrates the rolls and makes them softer. It also helps to brown the tops of the rolls during the air-frying process.

Another approach is to brush the rolls with butter after air frying. This method adds a final touch of richness and shine to the rolls. It is recommended to brush the rolls generously with melted butter as soon as they come out of the air fryer. This technique helps to maintain the softness of the rolls and enhances their flavor.

Additionally, some recipes suggest brushing the rolls with butter both before and after air frying. This ensures that the rolls absorb the butter and stay moist during the cooking process, while also receiving a final buttery glaze after cooking.

When it comes to the type of butter, unsalted or salted butter can be used, depending on your preference. Melted butter is commonly used for brushing, as it coats the rolls evenly and absorbs more easily.

The amount of butter to use may vary depending on the recipe and your taste preferences. However, it is generally recommended to be generous with the butter to ensure that the rolls are flavorful and soft.

In summary, brushing brown-and-serve rolls with butter is a crucial step in achieving the desired flavor and texture. Experiment with different techniques, such as brushing before, after, or both before and after air frying, to find the method that best suits your taste and cooking style.

Reheating the rolls

If you have leftover rolls, you can store them in an airtight container for 3-5 days. You can store them at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.

When you want to reheat the rolls, you can use the microwave for 15-30 seconds or put them in the air fryer again. If you put them in the air fryer, set it to 350°F and leave them in for 2 to 3 minutes. You can also reheat premade rolls in the air fryer in the same way.

If you're reheating frozen rolls, you will need 5 to 7 minutes per batch of rolls. The number of rolls you can cook at once will depend on the size of your air fryer basket.

If you're cooking rolls from scratch, you'll need to allow time for the dough to rise. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for about 40 minutes.

Frequently asked questions