Air Fryer Part-Baked Rolls: Can You Cook Them?

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for much more than just frying. They can be used to bake, reheat, and even roast. So, it is only natural to wonder if you can cook part-baked bread rolls in an air fryer. The short answer is yes, you can. In fact, cooking part-baked bread rolls in an air fryer is a great way to cut down on food waste as you can simply take out however many you need and cook them fresh, saving the rest for another day.

Part-baked bread rolls in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook part-baked bread rolls in an air fryer. It is a quick and convenient way to cook bread rolls, saving you from having to heat up your large oven.

To cook part-baked bread rolls in an air fryer, first, prepare the rolls by following the recipe or package instructions. Then, place the rolls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart. You can cook as many as fit in your air fryer, but remember that air fryers are not conducive to baking huge quantities of rolls.

Next, set the temperature and time on the air fryer. The temperature and time may vary depending on the type of air fryer you have and the size of the rolls. Most sources recommend cooking the rolls at 200°C for 5 minutes, but some suggest temperatures ranging from 160°C to 410°F and cooking times from 6 to 28 minutes.

Finally, place the bread rolls in the air fryer and cook them until they are golden brown and crusty. You may need to experiment with the time and temperature to find the optimal settings for your air fryer.

Cooking part-baked bread rolls in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy freshly baked bread without having to heat up your entire oven.

Air fryer temperature and time settings

The key to getting the perfect temperature and time settings for your part-baked rolls is to follow the instructions provided with your air fryer. This will ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. You should also consider the size and shape of the rolls to ensure they fit comfortably in your air fryer without overcrowding.

As a general rule of thumb, preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) or 350°F (which is also 180°C) and let it heat up for a couple of minutes. Then, cook your rolls for 5-10 minutes. However, some sources suggest cooking the rolls at 200°C for 5 minutes or 210°C (410°F) for 6-8 minutes.

If your rolls have been refrigerated, let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking. If the oven instructions for your rolls suggest dampening them with water, do so, and if you need to reheat them, set the temperature and time to the same settings as when you cooked them initially.

It's worth noting that air fryers differ, so you may need to tweak the temperature and time settings to find the perfect balance for your rolls. Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, so it's a good idea to monitor the process and adjust accordingly.

Preparing the dough

To prepare the dough, combine the dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, sugar, undissolved yeast, and salt. Whisk together to mix. Next, add the wet ingredients: warm milk, water, and melted butter. Mix everything together with a wooden spoon, a silicone spatula, or an electric mixer. If using an electric mixer, be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl. You may need to add more flour as you mix until the dough reaches the right consistency. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

Once the dough is mixed, it's time to knead it. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until it is smooth and elastic. This will take about 5-6 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer.

After kneading, the dough needs to rise. Grease a large bowl with cooking spray or oil, place the dough inside, and turn it to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place. This will take about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Now you are ready to shape the dough into rolls and let it rise again before baking.

Shaping the rolls

Shaping your dough into rolls is an art, and there are many ways to do it. Here is a simple guide to help you get started on shaping the perfect rolls.

Firstly, you will need to make the dough, cover it, and let it rise. This is known as the first proof or the bulk proof. Once the dough has risen, uncover it and get your work surface ready. Lightly sprinkle your surface with flour to prevent the dough from sticking. However, some recipes may not require this step, so check your recipe first.

Now, you are ready to shape your dough. For basic round rolls, simply divide the dough into as many pieces as you desire. Roll each portion on the surface until it is smooth and round. You can use your hands or a bench scraper to shape the dough. If you are shaping the dough with your hands, lightly flour your hands first. Once shaped, let the rolls proof again before baking.

If you want to get creative, you can shape your dough into various forms, such as cloverleaves, crescent rolls, or even pumpkins. For cloverleaf rolls, divide the dough into the required number of portions and then divide each portion into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and fit them into a muffin tin. For crescent rolls, roll out the dough into a circle and cut it into wedges. Roll each wedge up from the wide end to the tip and gently curl it into a crescent shape. To shape pumpkin rolls, divide the dough into balls and use kitchen twine to tie around each roll, creating shallow indents. As the rolls rise and bake, these indents will become more pronounced.

You can also try shaping your dough into knots, S-shaped buns, or coiled-up rolls. For knots, roll the dough into a rope and then slice it in half lengthwise. Take the two strands and tie them into a knot, tucking the ends underneath. For S-shaped buns, simply divide the dough into sections and roll each piece into a rope. Then, shape the rope into an S. Coiled-up rolls are made in a similar way, but instead of shaping the rope into an S, roll it up and pinch the end to seal.

Once you have shaped your rolls, you can add toppings such as seeds, grains, or oats. You can also score the dough with a single slash to create a "ear" with a spectrum of colours. Finally, bake your rolls in the air fryer at 200 degrees Celsius for 5 minutes for warm and crusty rolls.

Reheating part-baked rolls

Prepare the Air Fryer:

First, ensure your air fryer is clean and ready for use. If needed, add a greased liner to the air fryer basket and lightly coat the basket sides with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step is especially important if you're reheating sticky or glazed rolls.

Prepare the Rolls:

Take your part-baked rolls and place them directly into the air fryer basket. If you're reheating multiple rolls, ensure they are spaced slightly apart to allow for even heating. You can also wrap the rolls in foil or baking paper, which may help retain moisture and prevent them from drying out.

Set the Temperature and Time:

The ideal temperature and time for reheating part-baked rolls in an air fryer can vary. As a general guideline, set the air fryer to a temperature between 160°C (325°F) and 210°C (410°F) and reheat the rolls for 5-10 minutes. For smaller rolls, a lower temperature and shorter cooking time may be sufficient.

Monitor and Adjust:

Keep a close eye on your rolls during the reheating process, as air fryers can cause bread to brown quickly. Check the rolls after a few minutes, and adjust the temperature or time as needed. If the rolls are browning too quickly, you can reduce the temperature by a few degrees. If the bottoms are pale and doughy, you may need to flip the rolls over and air fry for an additional minute or two to ensure even browning.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the rolls are heated through and have reached your desired level of crispness, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Allow them to cool slightly, as freshly baked rolls can be very hot. Then, serve them with your favourite toppings or enjoy them as a side dish.

Frequently asked questions