Air-Fried Yeast Rolls: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are incredibly versatile, and you can use them to cook a wide variety of foods, including yeast rolls. They are a simple way to cook dinner rolls and only require a few basic ingredients like egg, sugar, yeast, milk, cooking oil, and all-purpose flour. The cooking time is significantly shorter than with a conventional oven, and you can cook frozen or homemade yeast rolls in an air fryer.

Yeast roll ingredients

Yeast roll recipes vary, but they generally include the following ingredients:

• Flour: All-purpose or bread flour can be used, depending on the desired texture. Bread flour will result in a chewier roll.
• Liquid: Water or milk is used to activate the yeast. Milk adds fat, resulting in a richer and fluffier texture.
• Yeast: Active dry yeast, quick-rise yeast, or self-rising flour can be used. The yeast is typically activated in warm water or milk before mixing with other ingredients.
• Sugar: Sugar feeds the yeast and ensures a more tender dough.
• Fat: Butter, shortening, or oil is added for flavour and to affect the texture. Butter adds richness, while shortening holds its shape better during baking.
• Egg: Eggs lend moisture and help bind the dough together.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavour of the yeast rolls.

Some recipes also include additional ingredients for flavour, such as herbs, cheese, or garlic.

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature and time for cooking yeast rolls in an air fryer vary depending on the type of roll and the model of the air fryer. However, some general guidelines can be provided.

Firstly, it is important to preheat the air fryer. Most sources recommend preheating to 320°F (160°C), while others suggest 350°F. The ideal temperature may depend on the specific air fryer model, so it is worth consulting the manufacturer's instructions. The preheating process can be as quick as 5 minutes, and it helps achieve even cooking and a golden-brown crust.

Once the air fryer is preheated, the cooking time for yeast rolls typically ranges from 5 to 10 minutes. Smaller rolls or sliders made from mini portions of dough may cook faster, so it is important to monitor the rolls closely, especially during the last few minutes. The rolls are done when they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C). This internal temperature indicates that the rolls are cooked through and can be determined using an instant-read thermometer.

It is worth noting that air fryers differ significantly, so the cooking time and temperature may require some experimentation. For example, larger oven-style air fryers may fit more rolls and bake them more evenly than basket-style air fryers. Additionally, the number of rolls cooked at once can impact the cooking time, as overcrowding the air fryer basket can result in uneven cooking. Therefore, it is generally recommended to cook the rolls in a single layer, leaving some space between them to allow for proper air circulation.

Preparing the dough

Activating the Yeast

Begin by adding yeast to a bowl of warm water or warm milk. The liquid should be warm to the touch but not too hot, as extreme temperatures can kill yeast. Let the yeast sit in the liquid for about 3 to 5 minutes. You will know the yeast is active when the mixture becomes frothy. This step is crucial, as it ensures that your yeast is alive and ready to leaven your dough.

Combining the Ingredients

Once the yeast is activated, it's time to add the dry ingredients. Start by mixing in flour, sugar, and salt. Then, add in butter or olive oil. The amount of flour you use may vary, so add it gradually until you achieve the desired dough consistency. Mix the ingredients until they come together to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.

Kneading the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and begin kneading. Kneading is essential for developing the gluten that gives the dough its structure. Knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add small amounts of flour as you knead to make it more manageable.

First Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and turn it to coat all sides with oil. This step prevents the dough from drying out and makes it easier to release once it has risen. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size. This first rise gives the yeast time to work and creates a light and airy texture in your rolls.

Shaping the Dough

Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. This step helps to distribute the air bubbles and makes it easier to shape the dough. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (or smaller portions if you want to make mini rolls). Roll each piece into a smooth ball, pinching the seams together at the bottom.

Second Rise

Place the shaped rolls into a lightly greased air fryer basket or a pan, leaving some space between them for expansion. Cover them again and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes. This second rise gives the rolls their final boost before baking, ensuring they are light and fluffy.

Your dough is now ready to be baked in the air fryer! Remember to preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature before placing the rolls inside. Enjoy the delicious aroma and taste of freshly baked yeast rolls made right in your air fryer!

Shaping the rolls

To begin shaping the rolls, you must first ensure that all your rolls are portioned to be the same size. Weigh the dough using a kitchen scale, then divide that number by the number of rolls you need to get the weight of each roll. For instance, if you have 24 ounces of dough and need 12 rolls, each piece should weigh 2 ounces.

Next, turn your dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and gently pat it into a rectangle. Use a knife or bench scraper to cut the dough into even pieces. Avoid tearing the dough, as this will break down its elasticity and make it tough. Pull the outer edges of each piece up and towards the centre, then follow the steps below depending on the shape you want.

Traditional Round Rolls

Take a portioned piece of dough in one hand and use the fingers of your other hand to pull and stretch the dough over itself so that the top is smooth, pinching it at the bottom. Place the dough, 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 around the dough, gently shaping it into a smooth round ball as you go. Place three small rounds into each cup of a greased muffin pan.

Crescents

Roll and stretch each portion of dough into a rope about 6-8 inches long. If the dough resists stretching, cover it with plastic and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before trying again. Starting at the large end, roll the dough up so that the pointed end is on the bottom. Place the rolls on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and curve them into a crescent shape if desired.

Knots

Follow the same steps as for the crescents until you have formed a rope of dough. Then, use both hands to form the rope into a knot. Place the knots on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

Once you have shaped your rolls, let them rise one more time before baking.

Storing and reheating

Storing yeast rolls depend on whether they are baked or unbaked. For unbaked rolls, cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise for 30-45 minutes until it has puffed up. Then, place the dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For baked rolls, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. Yeast rolls can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To do this, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.

To reheat yeast rolls, it is recommended to use a conventional oven to maintain their soft and fluffy texture. First, let the rolls reach room temperature if they have been stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Preheat the oven to 350°F, and place the rolls on a baking sheet or in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel or damp paper towel, then cover the entire baking sheet with aluminum foil. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the rolls are warm and fluffy. Alternatively, yeast rolls can be reheated in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a slow cooker for 30 minutes.

Frequently asked questions