Air Fryer Buns: How To Make Them Perfectly

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens, and you can even make buns in them! Air fryer buns are light, fluffy, and have a great texture—soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. They are also quicker and easier to make than traditional buns, and you only need a few simple ingredients.

How to make air fryer buns

Making buns in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make delicious, soft, and fluffy buns at home. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make them:

Ingredients:

• Flour (white/bread/all-purpose)
• Water/Milk (lukewarm)
• Yeast (active dry/rapid rise/instant)
• Sugar (granulated)
• Salt
• Butter (unsalted/coconut oil)
• Egg (optional)

Method:

• Prepare the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the yeast with lukewarm water or milk. Make sure the liquid is not too hot, or it will kill the yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 3 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
• Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. You can use a stand mixer or a hand mixer for this step. Slowly add the milk/water, egg (if using), and butter to the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms. You can also add a small amount of flour paste to make the buns extra soft and fluffy.
• Knead the dough: Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead until it is smooth and elastic. This should take about 5-10 minutes. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
• First proofing: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This should take about 1-2 hours.
• Shape the dough: After the first proofing, gently press down on the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into equal portions, depending on the size of your air fryer. A good tip is to use a scale to ensure even-sized rolls. Shape each portion into a smooth ball by flattening it and folding the edges towards the middle.
• Second proofing: Place the shaped dough balls into the air fryer basket or a pan that fits in your air fryer. Make sure they are spaced slightly apart. Cover them with a clean towel and let them rise again in a warm place until they double in size. This should take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Brush and bake: Before baking, brush the tops of the rolls with an egg wash (a mixture of beaten egg and a small amount of water) or butter. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning on top. Air fry the buns at 300-325°F (160°C) for 15-28 minutes, until they are golden brown.
• Cool and serve: Once the buns are baked, let them cool down slightly before serving. You can also brush them with some butter while they are still warm.

Tips:

• Air fryers can vary, so you may need to experiment with the temperature and timing to find what works best for your model.
• If the tops of the buns are browning too quickly, reduce the temperature by a few degrees.
• If the bottoms are pale and doughy, flip the buns over towards the end of the cooking time to ensure even browning.
• You can also make garlic rolls by brushing the buns with a mixture of garlic and melted butter before baking.

Enjoy your freshly baked air fryer buns!

Ingredients for air fryer buns

Air fryer buns are a quick and easy alternative to traditional buns. They are light and fluffy, with a soft interior and crispy exterior. Here are the ingredients you will need to make these delicious buns in your air fryer:

• Flour: Use either bread flour or all-purpose flour. Bread flour gives the buns a chewier texture, while all-purpose flour will result in a slightly softer bun.
• Liquid: Warm water or milk is used to activate the yeast and form the dough. You can use non-dairy milk if preferred.
• Yeast: Active dry yeast or instant yeast is essential for the dough to rise. If using active dry yeast, remember to activate it first by mixing it with warm water (not too hot, as it will kill the yeast).
• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the buns and enhances their flavour. You can adjust the amount to your taste or use a keto-friendly alternative.
• Salt: A small amount of salt brings out the flavour of the other ingredients.
• Butter: Unsalted butter or chilled coconut oil gives the buns a soft and fluffy texture.
• Egg: This is optional but can be used as a binding agent and helps create a crispy, golden outer layer when combined with the milk.

Once you have your ingredients, you can start making the dough, letting it rise, shaping it into buns, and then baking them to perfection in your air fryer!

Step-by-step process for making air fryer buns

Ingredients:

• Flour
• Water
• Salt
• Olive oil
• Yeast
• Milk
• Butter
• Egg
• Sugar

Method:

• Mix the yeast and water in a small bowl or jug. Add the olive oil and mix.
• Place the flour in a large mixing bowl, and add the olive oil-yeast mixture.
• Mix gently until a shaggy dough forms.
• Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Use a bit of olive oil to cover the dough and bowl.
• Cover and allow the dough to rise for 2 hours until double in size.
• Form the dough into a log, then cut it into 12 pieces.
• Form each piece into a ball.
• Place a piece of parchment paper in the air fryer basket, and place the buns on top (leave a bit of room around each bun).
• Make three cuts on each dough ball and sprinkle with flour.
• Cover and let stand for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
• Bake for 25 minutes at 320°F (160°C).
• Brush with butter and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can make garlic rolls by brushing the rolls with a mixture of garlic and melted butter before baking.
• The dough can be kept in the fridge for up to two days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• The buns can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 6 months.

How to store air fryer buns

To store air fryer buns, you should first let them cool down completely. Then, wrap them in cling wrap and place them in an airtight container or a zipper bag. Make sure to push out all the air from the bag and seal it tightly.

Air fryer buns can be stored at room temperature for about 2-3 days. After that, it is recommended to store them in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and then reheat them in the microwave until heated through, or loosely wrap them in foil and bake in the oven for about 10 minutes.

By following these storage instructions, you can enjoy your air fryer buns for longer and maintain their freshness and softness.

Air fryer buns vs. oven-baked buns

Air fryer buns are a quick and easy alternative to oven-baked buns. They are light and fluffy, with a soft interior and crispy exterior. The air fryer also reduces the baking time compared to a traditional oven, making it a convenient option for bread lovers. However, the question remains: how do air fryer buns stack up against their oven-baked counterparts? Let's delve into the details and explore the differences between these two methods of preparing buns.

Preparation and Ingredients:

The preparation methods for air fryer buns and oven-baked buns are quite similar. Both require a basic combination of flour, water or milk, salt, yeast, and butter. The dough is typically mixed, kneaded, and allowed to rise before being shaped into balls and placed in the air fryer or oven for baking. The main distinction lies in the use of an air fryer instead of a conventional oven.

Cooking Process and Timing:

One of the most notable differences between air fryer buns and oven-baked buns is the cooking time. Air fryers tend to cook the buns faster than a traditional oven. For instance, air fryer buns may take around 15-25 minutes to bake, while oven-baked buns usually require a longer baking duration. This makes the air fryer a convenient choice for those seeking quicker results.

Texture and Taste:

The texture and taste of air fryer buns and oven-baked buns can vary slightly. Air fryer buns are known for their light and fluffy texture, with a crispy exterior and soft interior. On the other hand, oven-baked buns may have a slightly different texture due to the even heat distribution of the oven. The taste of the buns will largely depend on the ingredients used and the baker's preference for sweetness or savouriness.

Appearance:

Air fryer buns and oven-baked buns may also differ in their appearance. Air fryer buns often have a more uniform colour, with a golden brown exterior. Oven-baked buns, depending on the oven's heat distribution, may have varying shades of browning. However, both methods can produce aesthetically pleasing buns.

Versatility:

Both air fryer buns and oven-baked buns offer versatility in terms of flavours and add-ons. You can create garlic rolls by brushing the buns with a mixture of garlic and melted butter before baking. Additionally, you can make pull-apart buns by placing small dough balls close together in a baking dish. This versatility allows for creative variations in your bun preparations.

In conclusion, air fryer buns offer a convenient, quick, and easy alternative to oven-baked buns. They provide a light and fluffy texture, a crispy exterior, and a reduced baking time. However, oven-baked buns may offer a more traditional baking experience and a slightly different texture due to the oven's heat distribution. Ultimately, the choice between air fryer buns and oven-baked buns depends on personal preferences, time constraints, and the desired texture and taste.

Frequently asked questions