Air Fryer Hack: Warming Rolls To Perfection

Air fryers are a handy kitchen appliance that can be used for a variety of cooking tasks, including heating up dinner rolls. The great thing about air fryers is that they can quickly heat up frozen food items such as spring rolls, pizza, and chicken wings. They can also be used to bake cakes, cookies, and even roast beef. When it comes to heating up dinner rolls, the process is simple and can be done in just a few minutes. All you need to do is preheat your air fryer, brush some butter on your rolls, and let them cook for 4-7 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size of your air fryer and the number of rolls you are heating.

Frozen rolls in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to using your oven when you're preparing a big meal, such as during the holidays. They're also perfect for when you're short on time and want to cook something quickly.

How to Cook Frozen Rolls in an Air Fryer

The first step is to preheat your air fryer. Not all models have a preheat setting, but if yours does, set it to 350°F for a few minutes. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, simply turn it on and set it to 350°F.

While the air fryer is heating up, take your frozen rolls and brush them with melted butter. You can also sprinkle them with garlic salt or your favourite herbs for some extra flavour.

Once the air fryer is ready, place the rolls inside. Make sure they're in a single layer and not overcrowding the basket, as this will help them cook and crisp evenly. Set the temperature to 350°F and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they're golden brown and cooked through.

Tips

• If you're using frozen raw dough rolls, make sure to let them rise before placing them in the air fryer.
• Always check that your rolls are cooked through before serving. Rolls that are warm on the outside may still be frozen in the centre.
• If you're making a large batch of rolls, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.
• For extra crispy rolls, brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky salt, then put them back in the air fryer for an extra minute.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can keep them at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 1-3 minutes, or until they're warmed through. You can also use the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Brands

Some popular brands of frozen rolls that can be cooked in an air fryer include Sister Schubert's Rolls and Marketside Garlic Knots.

Recipes

You can also experiment with different types of frozen rolls, such as garlic rolls, yeast rolls, or even cheesy garlic rolls! Just make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging and adjust the cooking time as needed.

So, the next time you're short on oven space or want a quick and easy side dish, reach for your air fryer and some frozen rolls!

Reheating rolls in an air fryer

Air fryers are incredibly versatile, and you can use them for much more than just simple cooking and reheating. They are a great alternative to a conventional oven, especially when you are short on time, space, or energy.

How to Reheat Rolls in an Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (176.6°C). While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare the rolls by brushing them with melted butter. Then, place the rolls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other or the edge of the basket. If you are reheating a large batch of rolls, you may need to do this in several batches.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the basket inside and heat the rolls for two to five minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Tips for Reheating Rolls in an Air Fryer

• If you are reheating frozen rolls, there is no need to thaw them first. Place them straight into the air fryer from the freezer.
• If you are reheating homemade rolls, ensure they have been cooked before freezing.
• If you are reheating store-bought rolls, check the packaging to ensure they have been pre-baked.
• For best results, use a soft-sided dinner roll recipe that calls for a cake pan instead of a baking sheet.
• Smaller rolls will bake more evenly, so consider making smaller batches if you are cooking for a larger group.
• If you are reheating multiple batches, keep the second batch in a cool spot while the first batch cooks.
• Rolls baked in an air fryer may not brown on the bottom, so consider serving them right-side up.

Other Foods That Can Be Reheated in an Air Fryer

The air fryer is a great appliance for reheating all kinds of foods, especially those that are meant to be crispy. In addition to rolls, you can use your air fryer to reheat egg rolls, steak, fried chicken, pizza, ribs, chicken tenders, rotisserie chicken, fries, wings, fish, baked potatoes, and burritos.

Rolls without an air fryer

If you don't have an air fryer, there are several other ways to reheat rolls. Here are some alternative methods:

Using an Oven

Place the rolls in a baking dish and brush them with melted butter (optional). Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for 7 to 10 minutes or until they are warmed through. This method is the best all-around way to reheat rolls, keeping the outsides soft and the insides warm and fluffy.

Using a Slow Cooker

This method is ideal if you want to keep the rolls warm for serving or if you need to reheat them the next day. Place a damp, clean kitchen towel on the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Arrange the rolls on the cloth and cover them with a second damp towel. Set the slow cooker to LOW and heat the rolls until they are warm, which should take about 30 minutes. You can then switch the slow cooker to the WARM setting to keep the rolls soft and warm for up to 2 hours. Avoid heating the rolls on HIGH, as this may burn the edges and make the rolls tough.

Using a Microwave

If you need to warm the rolls quickly, you can use a microwave. Place the rolls on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a slightly damp, clean kitchen towel. Microwave for 30 to 45 seconds, or just until they are warmed through. Be careful not to overheat the rolls, as this can make them tough and chewy as they cool.

Using a Skillet

Although not recommended, you can also use a skillet to reheat rolls. However, there is a risk of burning the outside while the inside remains cold.

Preheat settings

Not all air fryer models require preheating, but it is recommended when baking bread. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, you can manually preheat it by putting the air fryer basket in the air fryer and turning it on to the desired temperature for a few minutes before putting the food in.

It is important to note that air fryers differ in terms of size and functionality, so you may need to adjust the preheat settings and time accordingly.

Air fryer temperature

For frozen rolls, a temperature of 350°F (177°C) is generally recommended. At this temperature, the rolls will take around 5 to 7 minutes to cook, resulting in warm and crispy rolls. It is important to note that different brands of air fryers may vary in terms of temperature accuracy, so adjustments may be necessary.

For fresh rolls, a similar temperature of 350°F (177°C) can be used. However, the cooking time will be shorter, typically ranging from 2 to 6 minutes. This will produce freshly baked, golden-brown rolls.

Additionally, when reheating rolls in the air fryer, a lower temperature of around 350°F (177°C) is sufficient. This ensures that the rolls are warmed through without becoming overly crispy or burnt. The reheating process takes approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

It is worth noting that the size of the rolls and the specific model of the air fryer may impact the cooking time. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the rolls during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning.

Frequently asked questions