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Air Fryer Dinner Rolls Recipe

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3.9 from 36 reviews

These soft and fluffy air fryer dinner rolls are made from scratch using a simple starter and dough method. With a tender crumb and golden crust topped with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning, these homemade rolls are perfect as a side for any meal. The air fryer method ensures a quick and easy bake with a beautifully browned crust in under 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Starter

  • 2 tbsp bread flour
  • ½ cup (125ml) milk

Dough

  • 2 ¾ cups (350g) bread flour, more if needed
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp powdered milk (milk powder) (optional)
  • 2 tsp rapid rise yeast
  • ½ cup (125ml) milk
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • ¼ cup (55g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp salt

Topping

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 3 tbsp sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning

Instructions

  1. Make the Starter: Combine 2 tablespoons bread flour and ½ cup milk in a saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a paste and your whisk leaves trails on the surface. This forms the starter which develops flavor and helps activate the yeast.
  2. Prepare the Dough: Add another ½ cup milk to the starter and stir well. Let it cool until just barely warm to avoid killing the yeast. In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine 2 ¾ cups bread flour, 2 teaspoons rapid rise yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 2 tablespoons powdered milk if using. Stir to combine.
  3. Mix Ingredients: Add the beaten egg and milk/starter mixture to the dry ingredients. With a dough hook attachment, mix on medium-low speed. Once the dough starts to come together, add 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ cup unsalted butter. Continue mixing for 5-7 minutes until the dough forms a smooth ball around the hook and is no longer sticky. The dough should be elastic enough to stretch gently without tearing.
  4. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 60-90 minutes.
  5. Shape Rolls: After the first rise, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently deflate it by pressing down, then divide into eight equal pieces. Flatten each piece, fold the edges toward the center, and roll into smooth balls using your palm. Repeat for all portions.
  6. Second Rise: Grease an air fryer basket liner and mist the basket sides with cooking spray. Place the rolls spaced slightly apart in the basket. Cover with a clean towel and let rise again for 45-60 minutes or until they double in size and are touching each other.
  7. Prepare for Baking: Whisk together 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon water for the egg wash. Brush the tops of the risen rolls with the egg wash and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons sesame seeds or your choice of topping.
  8. Air Fry the Rolls: Air fry the rolls at 325°F (160°C) for 25-28 minutes. The rolls will be baked through but their bottoms may be paler than oven-baked rolls. For a browner bottom crust, flip them over and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Notes

  • Make sure milk/starter is just warm to touch before adding to yeast to prevent killing it.
  • If the dough is sticky, add bread flour a tablespoon at a time until manageable.
  • Use greased or lined air fryer baskets to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
  • Let rolls fully rise at each proving stage for best texture and fluffiness.
  • Flip rolls midway if you want a crispier and evenly browned crust on all sides.
  • For dairy-free versions, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 28 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/air-fryer-dinner-rolls-recipe/