Defrosting Rolls: Air Fryer Magic

Absolutely! You can cook frozen rolls in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to prepare delicious treats for family and friends. You can use any type of dough as long as it's not too thin, and you can experiment with different types of recipes. The hot air in the air fryer cooks your frozen bread or rolls to perfection. It's also a great alternative when you're running out of space in your oven or on your stove.

How to defrost rolls in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to using your oven, especially if you're short on space or want to save time and energy. You can also use them to defrost frozen rolls, and it's super easy to do. Here's how:

Step 1: Prepare the Rolls

First, check the package of your frozen rolls. If they require rising, be sure to do this before placing them in the air fryer. Some frozen rolls are pre-cooked, while others are raw dough, so it's important to follow the package instructions.

Step 2: Arrange the Rolls in the Air Fryer

Place your frozen rolls directly into the air fryer basket. Try to arrange them so they don't touch each other or the edge of the basket. You may need to cook them in batches if you have a lot of rolls.

Step 3: Brush with Butter (Optional)

Some recipes suggest brushing the tops of the rolls with melted butter before cooking. This will give them a nice golden colour and a buttery taste.

Step 4: Set the Temperature and Time

Set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes. If your rolls are smaller, they may only need 4-6 minutes. If they are larger, you may need to add a minute or two. Check your rolls regularly to ensure they don't overcook.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Once the time is up, check that your rolls are fully defrosted and cooked. They should be warm and soft, with a crispy exterior. If they are still a little cold in the centre, put them back in the air fryer for another minute or two.

Tips:

• You can defrost and cook frozen rolls from any brand in your air fryer.
• If your rolls are browning too quickly, try lowering the temperature and cooking for a little longer.
• If you're making a lot of rolls, you may need to work in batches.

The best frozen rolls for air fryers

Yes, you can cook frozen rolls in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to prepare delicious treats for your family or friends.

• You can use any type of dough as long as it's not too thin.
• Place the frozen rolls flat on the air fryer tray or in the basket.
• Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter before cooking.
• Air fry at 320-350°F for 4-10 minutes, depending on the size of your rolls and your air fryer model.
• For best results, place the rolls straight from the freezer into the air fryer without thawing them first.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking and crisping.
• Check for doneness by slicing a roll open; if it's still frozen in the centre, cook for a few more minutes.

Some recommended frozen roll brands for air frying include:

• Sister Schubert's Rolls
• Rhodes Frozen Rolls
• Marketside Garlic Knots
• Pepperidge Farms Dinner Rolls

So, the next time you're preparing a big family dinner or holiday meal, consider using your air fryer for the rolls to save oven space and time!

Air fryer settings for defrosting rolls

Yes, you can defrost bread rolls in an air fryer. Here are the steps to do so:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set the temperature to around 300°F (150°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. This creates a warm environment to help defrost the rolls evenly.
• Prepare the rolls: Take the frozen rolls out of their packaging. If they are raw dough rolls, follow the package instructions to let them rise before putting them in the air fryer.
• Arrange the rolls: Place the frozen rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between them for the hot air to circulate.
• Set the timer: Depending on the size and thickness of the rolls, adjust the defrosting time. As a guideline, start with 5 minutes and check the rolls periodically until they are soft and thawed. If they need more time, add a few minutes, but be careful not to overcook them.
• Flip the rolls: Halfway through the defrosting process, gently flip the rolls to ensure even thawing on both sides.
• Check for doneness: After the suggested time or when the rolls feel soft, use a fork or your fingers to check if they are fully defrosted. They should feel slightly squishy and no longer frozen in the centre.
• Enjoy or cook further: Once defrosted, you can enjoy the rolls as is or proceed to cook them as desired. If you want to bake or toast them, adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly.

Cooking Frozen Rolls in an Air Fryer:

If you want to cook frozen rolls in the air fryer, here are some general guidelines:

• Place the frozen rolls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other or the edges. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Brush some melted butter on top of the rolls.
• Air fry at 350°F (176°C) for 4-6 minutes, or until the rolls are warmed through and golden brown.
• If the rolls are still a little cold in the centre, add another minute to the cooking time.

How to make rolls crispy in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen rolls in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to prepare delicious treats for your friends and family. Here's how to make rolls crispy in an air fryer:

Preparation:

Before you start cooking, there are a few steps to follow:

• Read the instructions on the packaging of your frozen rolls. Different brands may have specific guidelines and cooking times, so take note of them to ensure perfect results.
• Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature. This usually takes a few minutes, depending on the model.
• Remove the desired number of rolls from the packaging and place them on a clean, dry surface. Remember to seal the leftover rolls tightly and return them to the freezer.

Cooking:

Now, it's time to cook your frozen rolls in the air fryer:

• Place the prepared rolls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with some space between them. Proper air circulation is key to even cooking.
• Set the air fryer to the recommended temperature mentioned in the packaging instructions, typically around 350°F (175°C). The right temperature ensures even cooking and a golden brown colour.
• Cook the rolls for the recommended time, usually around 10-15 minutes, depending on their size and thickness. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning or undercooking.
• About halfway through the cooking time, carefully open the air fryer and flip the rolls. This ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides.
• After the recommended cooking time, check if the rolls have reached your desired level of crispiness. If not, cook them a little longer, but be careful not to overdo it, as they may dry out.
• Once your rolls are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer basket and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them as they are or with your favourite dipping sauces!

Tips for Making Rolls Crispy:

• Choose a soft-sided dinner roll recipe that bakes in a cake pan instead of a baking sheet.
• Opt for a smaller recipe that calls for two 8" or 9" round pans or a 9" x 13" pan.
• If you're baking for a smaller group, consider halving the recipe to match the capacity of your air fryer.
• Use smaller pans, such as 6" round cake pans, to ensure even baking. A smaller pan means less distance for the heat to travel, resulting in more consistent results.
• Cover your rolls partway through baking to prevent over-browning. Start checking the colour after about 5 minutes, as the rolls can go from perfect to overdone in a matter of minutes.
• Remember that the heat in an air fryer comes from the top, so the bottoms of your rolls may not brown. Serve them right-side up, and no one will notice!

How to store rolls after defrosting in an air fryer

Once you've defrosted your rolls in the air fryer, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. If you'd prefer to refrigerate them, they will last for 4-5 days.

To reheat the rolls, simply pop them back into the air fryer and cook for 1-2 minutes at 350°F until your desired warmth is reached.

Alternatively, you can wrap the rolls in aluminium foil and place them in an oven preheated to 300°F for 20-25 minutes, or until they are piping hot.

If you're looking for a quicker method, you can place the rolls in a microwave-safe bowl and cover them with damp (not soaked) paper towels. Microwave for one minute at a time, checking after each minute to ensure they are defrosting and not cooking.

Frequently asked questions