Air Fryer Dinner Rolls: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Air fryers are a great way to make dinner rolls. They cook quickly, require little to no preheating, and free up oven space. You can make them from scratch or use frozen rolls. The rolls turn out soft, buttery, and delicious. You can also make garlic rolls, sweet dinner rolls, or gluten-free rolls in an air fryer.

Using an air fryer to make dinner rolls cuts the cooking time in half compared to a conventional oven

Using an air fryer to make dinner rolls is a great way to cut your cooking time in half compared to a conventional oven. Not only does it free up oven space, but it also delivers fresh, hot, and fluffy rolls in record time.

Air fryers are incredibly versatile, and they can bake a small batch of rolls in under 10 minutes. This makes them perfect for when you're short on time or oven space, especially during celebratory occasions or big family dinners.

The key to successful air-fried dinner rolls is choosing the right recipe and pan size. Opt for a soft-sided dinner roll recipe that uses a cake pan instead of a baking sheet. Since air fryers bake from the outside in, smaller recipes that call for two 8" or 9" round pans or a 9" x 13" pan are ideal.

When preparing the dough, make sure not to add too much flour, as this can result in tough and dense rolls. Instead, add just enough flour until the dough cleans the sides of the mixing bowl. After shaping the dough into balls, place them into a parchment-lined air fryer basket or a pan that fits your air fryer.

Cooking times may vary depending on the brand of your air fryer, but generally, you can expect the rolls to be ready in 8 to 12 minutes at around 300°F to 350°F. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfectly cooked to overdone in a matter of minutes.

Once they're done, brush the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle on some flaky salt for an amazing flavor and texture.

So, the next time you're short on time or oven space, don't hesitate to use your air fryer to make delicious dinner rolls that will impress your guests.

You can cook frozen dinner rolls in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen dinner rolls in an air fryer! This is a great way to keep your kitchen cool and free up your oven. Air fryers cook food quickly and require very little time to preheat, so your frozen rolls will be ready in a flash.

Here's how to do it:

First, let the rolls rise if instructed. Some rolls require a room-temperature rise before cooking. Then, preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes. This will help the rolls cook faster. Next, place your frozen rolls in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other or the edge of the basket. You may need to cook them in batches. Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter. Finally, air fry your rolls at 350°F for 4-6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and warmed through. If they are still a little cold in the centre, add another minute to the cooking time.

A few more tips:

• Don't crowd the basket. Cooking the rolls in a single layer will help them cook and crisp evenly.
• Check for doneness. Rolls that are warm to the touch may still be frozen in the centre. Slice one open to double-check before serving.
• For a fancy finishing touch, brush the cooked rolls with more melted butter and sprinkle with flaky salt, then pop them back in the air fryer for a final minute.

Air-fried frozen dinner rolls will emerge with extra-crispy crusts and warm, fluffy interiors, perfect for spreading with butter or dunking into marinara. They're a great shortcut for busy cooks and are perfect for holiday dinners when oven space is limited.

You can reheat dinner rolls in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat dinner rolls in an air fryer! This is a great way to free up oven space and save time and electricity.

To reheat your dinner rolls, preheat your air fryer to 300°F and arrange the rolls in the basket. Reheat for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. You can also brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky salt before popping them back in the air fryer for a final minute.

If you're reheating frozen dinner rolls, you can place them straight from the freezer into the air fryer. Air fry at 350°F for 4-5 minutes or until warmed through and lightly browned. You can also brush the tops with melted butter before air frying.

Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the brand of your air fryer and the number of rolls you're reheating. So, be sure to keep an eye on your rolls to ensure they don't overcook.

Air fryers are a versatile baking tool that can be used to make cakes, cookies, and pizza

Air fryers are a versatile baking tool that can be used to make a variety of dishes, including cakes, cookies, and pizza.

When it comes to cakes, air fryers can be a useful alternative to a traditional oven. They preheat much faster, saving time and energy, and they also keep your kitchen cool while baking. The key to successful cake-baking in an air fryer is to choose a simple recipe and the right pan. Smaller cakes are generally more successful, as the air fryer struggles to bake larger cakes evenly. A half-size Bundt pan is a good option, as it fits well in most air fryers and the centre tube allows hot air to circulate, resulting in more even baking. For full-size cakes, you may need to shield the top with foil or a heat-safe lid to prevent burning.

Cookies are another treat that can be made in an air fryer. The close proximity of air circulation and intense dryness achieved in an air fryer result in cookies with crispy edges and gooey centres. This is especially true for chocolate chip cookies, which are a popular choice for air fryer baking. The air fryer also allows you to bake just a few cookies at a time, making it a convenient option when you don't want to deal with a full batch.

Pizza is yet another dish that can be made in an air fryer. Personal pan pizzas are a fun option, as they can be easily customised to individual preferences. The air fryer basket makes assembly and cooking a breeze, and you can get creative with your choice of toppings.

So, whether you're in the mood for cakes, cookies, or pizza, an air fryer can be a handy tool to have in your kitchen. It offers convenience, speed, and the ability to create a variety of delicious treats.

Air-fried frozen dinner rolls have a crispy crust and a warm, fluffy interior

Ingredients:

• Frozen dinner rolls (any brand of your choice)
• Unsalted butter

Instructions:

• Place your frozen dinner rolls in the air fryer basket. Ensure that they do not touch the edge of the basket or each other. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is not big enough.
• Brush some melted butter on top of the dinner rolls. This will give them a delicious buttery flavour and help with browning.
• Air fry the rolls at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked to your desired level. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Once the rolls are warmed through and lightly browned, remove them from the air fryer and serve warm.

Tips:

• There is no need to thaw the frozen dinner rolls before putting them in the air fryer. Cooking them straight from frozen will give you the best results.
• If you are using frozen raw dough rolls, allow them to rise before placing them in the air fryer. Follow the package instructions for rising time.
• If your air fryer has a preheat setting, give it a 5-minute head start to help the rolls cook faster and more evenly.
• Don't crowd the air fryer basket. Cooking the rolls in a single layer will ensure even cooking and browning.
• Check for doneness by slicing a roll open. Rolls that are warm on the outside may still be frozen in the centre.

Frequently asked questions