Air Fryer Magic: Warming Dinner Rolls

Air fryers are a convenient way to heat up dinner rolls, saving you time and energy. Whether you're preparing frozen rolls or reheating leftovers, an air fryer can deliver warm, fluffy rolls with a crispy exterior in just a few minutes. This appliance is particularly useful when you're short on oven space or want to avoid heating up your kitchen.

To heat up frozen dinner rolls in an air fryer, first, allow the rolls to rise if needed. Then, air fry the rolls at 350°F/176°C for 5 minutes. Remove them from the air fryer, brush them with melted butter, and return them to the air fryer for another minute or until they're golden brown.

For reheating leftover dinner rolls, preheat your air fryer to around 325°F/160°C. Place the rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for even heating. Reheat for about 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Using an air fryer to heat or reheat dinner rolls is an efficient and tasty way to enjoy this side dish without the hassle of a full oven.

Reheating dinner rolls in an air fryer

Dinner rolls are a delicious addition to any meal, and reheating them in an air fryer is a quick and convenient option. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your dinner rolls come out perfectly warmed and crispy.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature range for reheating dinner rolls is between 325°F and 350°F (160°C to 175°C). This will ensure that your rolls heat evenly and quickly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dinner Rolls

Take the dinner rolls out of the fridge or storage container. If your rolls have been refrigerated for a long time, let them come to room temperature before reheating to avoid uneven heating. Arrange the rolls in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow for proper heat circulation.

Step 3: Reheating Process

Place the basket of dinner rolls into the preheated air fryer. Set the timer for 2-5 minutes, depending on the size and density of the rolls. Keep a close eye on the rolls during the reheating process to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Flip the Rolls

After the initial cooking time, carefully flip the dinner rolls using tongs or a spatula. This ensures that they are heated evenly on all sides.

Step 5: Continue Reheating

Place the basket back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Again, monitor the rolls to prevent them from becoming too crispy or dry.

Step 6: Check Internal Temperature (Optional)

If you want to ensure your rolls are properly reheated, use a food thermometer to check their internal temperature. For fully cooked rolls, the ideal temperature is around 140°F (60°C).

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Once your dinner rolls are adequately reheated, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy the warm and fluffy rolls with your meal!

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Wrap Rolls with Foil– Wrapping the rolls with foil helps retain moisture and prevents them from drying out.
• Adjust Temperature and Time – Experiment with the temperature and time settings based on your air fryer model and your preferences.
• Add a Small Dish of Water – Placing a small dish of water in the air fryer creates steam, further preventing the rolls from drying out.
• Flip Rolls Halfway Through – Flipping the rolls ensures even heating and browning on both sides.
• Sprinkle Water on Rolls – If your rolls turn out slightly dry, sprinkle some water on them while they are still warm to add moisture.

What to Avoid:

• Overcrowding the Basket – Avoid placing too many rolls in the basket to ensure proper airflow and even heating.
• High Temperatures – Excessively high temperatures can lead to rapid surface browning without fully warming the interior of the rolls.
• Refreezing Cooked Rolls – It is not recommended to refreeze cooked rolls as it can affect their texture and taste.

Storing Leftovers:

You can store leftover rolls in an airtight container for 4-5 days. They can be kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Reheating Other Types of Rolls:

The air fryer is also suitable for reheating frozen dinner rolls, garlic rolls, brown and serve rolls, and hamburger buns. Simply adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed.

Now you're ready to reheat your dinner rolls to perfection! Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction that freshly reheated dinner rolls bring to your dining experience.

Using frozen dinner rolls

Yes, you can heat up frozen dinner rolls in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

First, check if your air fryer model requires preheating. If it does, preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3-5 minutes. If not, simply turn it on.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

While the air fryer is heating up, take the desired number of frozen rolls out of the freezer. It is best to use rolls that are already cooked and then frozen. Place them in an even layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other or the edge of the basket. You may need to cook the rolls in batches if you have a large number.

Step 3: Melt the Butter

Melt a tablespoon of butter in the microwave for 10-20 seconds.

Step 4: Brush the Rolls with Butter

Brush the tops of the frozen rolls with the melted butter.

Step 5: Air Fry the Rolls

Air fry the rolls at 350°F for 4-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the tops are lightly browned. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer model and the number of rolls you are cooking, so keep an eye on them to ensure they do not overcook.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the rolls are golden brown and cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips:

• You can use any brand of frozen dinner rolls, or even make your own and freeze them.
• If your rolls require rising, allow them to do so before placing them in the air fryer. Check the packaging for instructions.
• For extra crispy rolls, brush them with butter and sprinkle with garlic salt or cheese before cooking.
• If you are reheating leftover rolls, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.

Using an air fryer to heat up frozen dinner rolls is a quick and convenient way to enjoy warm, buttery rolls without having to heat up your entire oven.

The best temperature to reheat dinner rolls

Reheating dinner rolls in an air fryer is a great way to restore their delightful warmth and softness. The best temperature to reheat dinner rolls in an air fryer is around 325°F (160–175°C). This temperature allows for gentle and even reheating, preserving the soft interior of the rolls while making the exterior slightly crispy.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 325°F (160–175°C). This ensures that the rolls heat evenly and quickly.

Prepare the dinner rolls

Take the dinner rolls out of the fridge or storage container and arrange them in the air fryer basket. Leave some space between the rolls to allow for proper heat circulation.

Reheating process

Place the basket of dinner rolls into the preheated air fryer and set the timer for 3–5 minutes. Keep an eye on the rolls during the reheating process to avoid overcooking or burning them. If your air fryer does not have a transparent lid, you may need to open the basket briefly to check on the progress.

Flip the dinner rolls

After the initial cooking time, carefully flip the dinner rolls using tongs or a spatula. This ensures that they are evenly heated on all sides.

Continue reheating

Place the basket back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes. Again, keep a close eye on the rolls to prevent them from becoming too crispy or drying out.

Check the internal temperature

To ensure the dinner rolls are properly reheated, use a food thermometer to check their internal temperature. It should be around 140°F (60°C) for fully cooked rolls. If they have not reached this temperature, continue reheating for an additional minute or two.

Serve immediately

Once the dinner rolls are adequately reheated, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy the warm and fluffy dinner rolls alongside your favourite meal.

How to cook air fryer bread rolls

Yes, you can heat up and cook dinner rolls in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook air fryer bread rolls:

Ingredients:

• 450g strong white bread flour
• 30g softened butter
• 3g dry active yeast
• 1 egg
• Water
• Salt
• Sugar

Method:

• Combine the flour, sugar, yeast and salt in a mixing bowl.
• In a separate bowl, combine the egg, water and softened butter.
• Mix the wet and dry ingredients together. Knead the dough for around 5 minutes until it is smooth and thoroughly mixed.
• Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape into balls. If you are serving the rolls with another dish, you can divide the dough into 12 or 16 smaller rolls.
• Place the rolls onto a grease-proof or parchment paper-covered baking sheet.
• Allow the rolls to prove at 40°C for 20-25 minutes. The rolls are ready for baking when they have doubled in size.
• Place the rolls into the air fryer basket.
• Air fry the rolls at 210°C for 6-8 minutes. Check the rolls after 6 minutes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes if they require more time.

Tips:

• You can dust the rolls with flour before placing them in the air fryer.
• You can shape the rolls with a pretty pattern if desired.
• The cooked rolls will last for 2-3 days. To reheat, splash them with a little water and heat for 1-2 minutes.
• You can also cook frozen bread rolls in the air fryer. Simply add an additional 2-5 minutes to the cooking time.

Alternative Methods:

If you are using frozen, pre-cooked dinner rolls, there is no need to prove the dough. Simply brush the rolls with melted butter and air fry at 350°F for 4-7 minutes.

If you are baking rolls from scratch, you can use the following ingredients and method:

• Combine 2 tablespoons of bread flour and 120ml of milk or water in a saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring until a paste forms.
• Place 350g of bread flour, 2 teaspoons of rapid-rise yeast, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 120ml of milk, 1 egg and 55g of butter into a mixing bowl.
• Add the milk and paste to the mixing bowl and combine.
• Mix on medium-low speed using a dough hook attachment.
• Add salt and butter and continue mixing until the dough forms a ball and is no longer sticky.
• Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and allow it to rise until doubled in size (60-90 minutes).
• Divide the dough into eight equal portions and shape into balls.
• Place the rolls into the air fryer basket and allow to rise for 45-60 minutes.
• Brush the rolls with an egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds (optional).
• Air fry at 325°F for 25-28 minutes.

Troubleshooting:

• If the tops of the rolls are browning too quickly, reduce the temperature by a few degrees.
• If the bottoms of the rolls are doughy and pale, flip them over towards the end of the cooking time so they brown evenly.

Why you should use an air fryer for dinner rolls

Air fryers are a great alternative to a conventional oven when it comes to preparing dinner rolls. Here are some reasons why you should consider using an air fryer for your next batch of rolls:

Quick and Efficient

Air fryers cook food quickly and efficiently. They require very little time to preheat, if at all, and can cook your dinner rolls in a matter of minutes. This makes them a convenient option when you're short on time or need to prepare a large number of rolls.

Space-saving

If you have a small kitchen or a limited number of burners and oven space, an air fryer can be a lifesaver. It allows you to free up your oven and stove for other dishes without compromising on the quality of your dinner rolls.

Perfect for Small Batches

Air fryers are ideal for preparing small batches of dinner rolls. Unlike a conventional oven, you don't need to heat up a large space, and you can cook just a few rolls to perfection. This is especially useful if you're cooking for a smaller group or want to offer freshly baked rolls throughout a meal.

Versatile

Air fryers can handle a variety of roll types, including frozen, homemade, store-bought, and yeast rolls. You can even use your air fryer to reheat leftover rolls, ensuring they taste almost as good as freshly baked ones.

Delicious Results

Air-fried dinner rolls are known for their extra-crispy crusts and warm, fluffy interiors. The circulating hot air in the fryer creates a golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside soft and moist. This makes for a delightful contrast in texture that your guests or family will surely enjoy.

Tips for Optimal Results

To ensure the best results when using an air fryer for dinner rolls, consider the following:

• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Brush the rolls with melted butter before cooking for added flavour and a golden-brown finish.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and proper air circulation.
• Experiment with different brands of rolls to find the perfect cooking time and temperature for your air fryer.
• For frozen rolls, consider allowing them to thaw at room temperature before placing them in the air fryer for more even heating.

In conclusion, using an air fryer for dinner rolls is a convenient, efficient, and delicious option. It allows you to save time and space while still achieving perfect, crispy, and fluffy rolls that your guests will love.

Frequently asked questions