Your air fryer is not just for making crispy chips, chicken wings, or reheating leftover pizza – it’s also a fantastic tool for baking! With this quick and delicious recipe for air fryer bread rolls, you can create soft and fluffy rolls in just 20 minutes. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s possible to bake bread in the air fryer, this recipe will change your mind. You’ll never want to bake bread another way after experiencing how easy and satisfying it is to make these rolls.
Crusty bread rolls are the perfect accompaniment to so many dishes, from hearty soups to stews, and when served fresh from the air fryer, still warm, they are a melt-in-your-mouth delight. There’s something special about homemade bread, and when it’s made in the air fryer, you get the perfect balance of crispy outside and soft inside without the hassle of a traditional oven. The air fryer’s even heat distribution creates the ideal texture in less time, making it the perfect solution for a busy day.
This simple recipe was even featured on the Channel 5 TV show AIR FRYERS: SUNDAY LUNCH MADE EASY, which first aired on April 3rd, 2024. Since then, it’s been in high demand. The recipe is easy to follow, and the results are absolutely delicious. Whether you want to serve your air fried bread rolls with a comforting soup or just slather them with butter and enjoy them on their own, these rolls are the perfect go-to addition to any meal.
I’d love to know what you’re serving your air fried bread rolls with! Feel free to tag us on your social media posts and share how you enjoy this delicious recipe!
PREP 30 minutes
COOK 20 minutes
KIT you will need: an air fryer, mixing bowl and tea towel
Ingredients for air fryer bread rolls
250g of ready made bread mix
170ml of lukewarm water
Plain flour for kneading
A pinch of salt
Method
To begin, empty the bread mix into a large mixing bowl. Gradually pour in the lukewarm water while stirring with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms. Take your time with this step to ensure the water is fully incorporated into the mix. Once the dough has come together, let it rest in the bowl for about 5 minutes. This allows the flour to fully hydrate and helps kickstart the gluten development.
Next, flour a clean surface or board and tip the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for around 5 minutes, using a push-and-fold motion until it becomes smoother and more elastic. After this, return the dough to the bowl and allow it to prove (rest and rise) for another 5 minutes. Then repeat the kneading process for an additional 5 minutes to further develop the structure of the dough.
Once kneaded, divide the dough into four equal pieces. Using your hands, shape each piece into a round bread roll. Place them on a board or tray, cover with a clean tea towel, and leave them to prove again for about 30 minutes. If your air fryer has a proving function, feel free to use it at this stage.
After proving, place the rolls directly into the air fryer drawer, leaving the crisper plate in. Set your air fryer to Bake mode. Or Air Fry if Bake isn’t available. and cook at 160°C for around 20 minutes. Three minutes before the end, open the drawer, lightly spray the rolls with oil, and sprinkle with sesame and poppy seeds for a golden, flavourful crust.
Serve these air-fried bread rolls warm. Perfect with a knob of butter, or as a comforting side to a creamy soup or hearty stew.
Watch the video on my YouTube channel.
Tips for Air Fryer Bread Rolls
Making bread rolls in the air fryer is a total game-changer – they cook faster, come out golden and fluffy, and you don’t need to turn on your big oven! Whether you’re starting from scratch or using ready-made dough, these tips will help you get bakery-style rolls every time.
1. Use the right tin or liner
Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or use a cake tin that fits comfortably inside. This helps the rolls hold their shape and prevents sticking. Make sure there’s still room around the tin for hot air to circulate.
2. Don’t overcrowd
Space the dough balls slightly apart – they’ll rise and expand as they cook. If you’re making a large batch, cook in two rounds to avoid squishing or uneven baking.
3. Proof properly before baking
After shaping your dough into rolls, let them rise until puffy. In a warm kitchen, this takes around 30 to 45 minutes. If your air fryer has a low-temp setting (around 35°C/95°F), you can use it to speed up the proving process.
4. Brush for golden tops
Before air frying, brush your rolls with an egg wash or milk for that glossy, golden finish. A sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds adds texture and a lovely look.
5. Cook low and slow(ish)
Set your air fryer to 160–170°C (320–340°F) and bake for 10 to 14 minutes. If the tops brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through.
6. Cool before slicing
Let the rolls cool slightly before serving – this helps set the crumb and gives the softest texture inside.
7. Serve warm with butter
Air fryer bread rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm, slathered in butter or filled with your favourite sandwich fixings.
Similar recipes
Click here to see more of my other TV recipes from the Channel 5 series I made. If you love this easy air fryer bread rolls recipe then you might love my tasty air fryer garlic bread recipe.
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