Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, these milk bread rolls are made with simple ingredients and cooked to perfection in an air fryer. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or pairing with your favorite meals.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 1-2 hours
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8-10 rolls
Ingredients:
- Sugar: 3 tbsp (38 g)
- Instant Yeast: 2 tsp (6 g)
- Fresh Milk (lukewarm): 1 cup (240 ml)
- Cooking Oil: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (405 g)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (3 g)
Instructions:
Mix Egg and Sugar:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and sugar until well combined.
Activate Yeast:
- Add the instant yeast to the lukewarm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Pour the activated yeast mixture into the egg and sugar mixture.
- Add the cooking oil and whisk until combined.
Form Dough:
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture.
- Mix and knead until a smooth and elastic dough forms. This should take about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes with a stand mixer.
First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (approximately 1-2 hours).
Shape Dough:
- Punch down the risen dough to release excess air.
- Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions and shape them into rolls or desired shapes.
- Place the shaped dough in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each roll for expansion.
Air Fry:
- Air fry at 125°C (260°F) for 10 minutes. If your air fryer allows, preheat it beforehand.
- Note that the bread may brown only on top due to the air fryer’s heating element. For even browning, flip the rolls halfway through cooking.
- Check for doneness; the rolls should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Serve:
- Let the bread cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with butter, jam, or as a side for soups and stews.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with butter or a drizzle of honey for a simple treat.
- Pair with scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast.
- Use as sandwich buns for burgers or sliders.
- Serve as a side with soups or stews for a comforting meal.
- Slice and toast for a quick snack with your favorite spread.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the milk is lukewarm (not hot) to activate the yeast effectively without killing it.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten for soft and fluffy rolls.
- Allow the dough enough time to rise; a warm spot in your kitchen works best.
- Test your air fryer to determine the best cooking time, as models vary.
- Brush the rolls with melted butter or milk before air frying for a glossy finish.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Milk: Adds protein and calcium, contributing to the soft texture.
- Egg: Provides structure and adds richness.
- Olive Oil: Contains healthy fats that keep the bread moist.
- Flour: A good source of carbohydrates for energy.
Dietary Information:
- Contains gluten and dairy.
- Not suitable for vegans, but eggs and milk can be replaced with plant-based alternatives.
Nutritional Facts (Per Roll):
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
Storage:
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days to extend shelf life.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the air fryer or oven before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and convenient to make using an air fryer.
- Soft and fluffy texture with a slightly sweet flavor.
- Versatile and pairs well with sweet or savory dishes.
- Perfect for beginner bakers with straightforward steps.
Conclusion:
These air-fried milk bread rolls are a simple yet impressive addition to any meal. With their light, fluffy texture and easy preparation, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed warm with butter or as a complement to your favorite dishes, these rolls are a delicious way to make homemade bread accessible and enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use dry active yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but you’ll need to activate it by dissolving in warm milk with sugar and letting it sit for 10-15 minutes until foamy.
2. Can I use plant-based milk instead of fresh milk?
Yes, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk work well as substitutes for fresh milk.
3. Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating isn’t necessary but can help the rolls cook more evenly.
4. How can I make the bread sweeter?
Add an extra tablespoon of sugar for a slightly sweeter flavor.
5. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture may be denser. You can use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a softer result.
6. How do I ensure the rolls cook evenly?
Flip the rolls halfway through cooking for even browning.
7. Can I make this dough in advance?
Yes, after the first rise, refrigerate the dough overnight and shape and cook it the next day.
8. How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly grease the air fryer basket or use parchment paper cut to fit.
9. Can I add toppings to the rolls?
Yes, sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or shredded cheese on top before air frying.
10. How do I know the rolls are done?
They should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom and have a golden-brown color on the surface.