Air Fryer Hot Cross Buns

Air Fryer Hot Cross Buns — Are you looking for a fun, Easter-themed recipe in your air fryer? If so, you’ll love this air fryer hot cross buns recipe!

These delicious treats are perfect for serving at your Easter brunch or dinner party. They’re easy to make and require only a handful of simple ingredients. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!

Looking for a new way to make your Easter Hot Cross Buns? Why not try using an air fryer? Air fryers are becoming popular because they cook food using hot air instead of oil. This results in crispy food on the outside and tender on the inside. Plus, they’re a breeze to clean up! So, if you’re looking for a fun and easy way to make your Easter brunch special, try air frying!

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What Are Hot Cross Buns?

Hot cross buns are a type of sweet bread that is popular in many countries. The buns are typically marked with a cross on the top and are often served around Easter. There are many ways to make hot cross buns, and each country has variations.

Hot cross buns are a sweetened bread that is famous in many countries, especially during Easter. The buns are marked with a cross on top, which gives them their name. Hot cross buns can be eaten plain or with butter, jam, or honey. They are also often served with a cup of tea or coffee.

I will give you an easy version that you can make right in the air fryer in this recipe! Using everyday ingredients, and pretty soon, everyone will have a great batch.

Why You Will Love Making Hot Cross Buns In The Air Fryer

Making Hot Cross Buns in the air fryer offers a unique twist on the traditional Easter treat, providing several benefits that baking enthusiasts and food lovers alike will appreciate:

• Speed and Convenience: Air fryers heat up quickly and bake faster than conventional ovens. This means you can enjoy freshly baked Hot Cross Buns quickly, making them perfect for a spontaneous Easter treat or whenever the craving strikes.
• Perfect Texture: The circulating hot air in the air fryer ensures these buns come out with a beautifully browned exterior while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. The rapid air circulation helps to create a slightly crispy crust that contrasts wonderfully with the tender crumb of the buns.
• Energy Efficiency: Using an air fryer for baking can be more energy-efficient than turning on the oven, especially for small batches. This is ideal for those looking to save on energy costs or reduce their environmental footprint.
• Ease of Cleanup: Air fryers generally require less cleanup than traditional ovens, as they contain crumbs and any drips within a compact space. Many air fryer baskets are also dishwasher safe, further simplifying the post-baking cleanup process.
• Customization: Making Hot Cross Buns in the air fryer allows for easy customization. You can easily adjust the size of the buns, experiment with different fillings or toppings, and make small batches to suit your needs or preferences.
• Ideal for Small Kitchens: For those with small kitchens or limited oven space, the air fryer presents a fantastic alternative that doesn’t compromise the quality of baked goods. It’s perfect for apartment dwellers or anyone with a compact cooking area.

Embracing the air fryer for making Hot Cross Buns not only streamlines the baking process but also delivers delightful results that are sure to impress. Whether preparing for Easter or simply indulging in a sweet, spiced treat, these buns are bound to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Hot Cross Buns

Embrace a new tradition this Easter or whenever the craving for a warm, spiced treat hits with Air Fryer Hot Cross Buns. This recipe brings the delightful aromas and flavors of the classic holiday bread into your kitchen, with the added convenience and efficiency of air frying. Perfect for those seeking a quicker, energy-efficient baking method without sacrificing taste or texture, these hot cross buns will become a holiday staple or a cherished treat for special mornings.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Dried Fruit: Traditionally, currants, raisins, or mixed peel add sweetness and texture to the buns. Ensure the fruit is plump and moist for the best texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: The leavening agent that makes the buns light and fluffy. Ensuring the yeast is fresh and active is crucial for the dough to rise correctly.
• Milk: Acts as the liquid base of the dough, enriching it for a tender crumb and contributing to the buns’ golden color. Warm milk helps to activate the yeast, ensuring a proper rise.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and feeds the yeast, promoting fermentation and rise. It also contributes to the golden-brown crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the buns, contributing to their tender texture. It should be softened for easy incorporation into the dough.
• Egg: Enriches the dough, adding moisture and helping to bind the ingredients together for a cohesive dough with a rich, tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and regulates yeast activity, ensuring the buns don’t overproof and become too airy.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the buns, creating a soft and chewy texture—high-quality flour yields better results.
• Mixed Spice: A blend of warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice gives hot cross buns their signature spiced flavor. Adjust the blend according to your taste preferences.
• Powdered Sugar and Lemon Juice: For the glaze.

How To Make Hot Cross Buns Air Fryer

Creating Hot Cross Buns in an air fryer is a delightful way to enjoy this traditional Easter treat with a modern twist. Here’s how to make them:

Dough Preparation:

• Grease a small baking pan that will fit inside your air fryer basket and set it aside.
• Mix the powdered sugar, milk, and lemon or orange juice until the mixture becomes thick icing. Pour into a Ziploc bag for later.
• Soak raisins in hot water in a small bowl for 10-15 minutes, then drain.
• Mix ¼ cup of warm milk with the instant yeast and ½ teaspoon sugar in a separate small bowl or glass measuring cup. Allow the mixture to rest for 10 minutes; the yeast should become foamy and double in size.

Dough Preparation:

• Add milk, sugar, butter, and salt to a large bowl or stand mixer. Mix by hand or with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth.
• Beat 2 of the eggs and add them to the butter mixture. Pour in the yeast mixture, followed by the cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. 

Knead the Dough:

• Switch to a dough hook on your mixer and pour the flour into the egg mixture one cup at a time.
• Knead on low speed until all flour is incorporated and the dough becomes slightly sticky and smooth.

First Rise:

• Mix the plumped raisins or cranberries using a paper towel to dry them into the dough.
• Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise for 45-60 minutes or until the dough has doubled.

Shape the Buns:

• On a lightly floured surface, slice the dough in half.
• Split the halves, and then form 12 even balls from the dough.

Second Rise:

• Cover the 12 dough balls with the damp cloth on a cutting board or pan and rise again for 30-40 minutes. 

Air Frying:

• Take six rolls and place them inside your greased baking pan.
• Set your air fryer to 315 degrees F and cook the rolls for 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, beat the remaining egg with a teaspoon of water. After 5 minutes, remove the basket from the fryer and brush the tops of the buns with the wash.
• Return to the air fryer and cook for 3-5 minutes, depending on your fryer and pan size. If the center of the buns is still doughy, return to the fryer for an additional 2-4 minutes until cooked through. 

Remove from the fryer to cool. Once cooled, take your icing bag, cut a small tip off the corner, and pipe the crosses onto the tops of each bun. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Ingredient Notes

• How To Make These Gluten-Free: You can easily change the ingredients for gluten-free options, including gluten-free flour. The amounts of the ingredients will remain the same.
• Milk Temperature: The milk will need to be between 100 to 110 degrees F. You can use any milk alternative, including oat, lactose-free, or low-fat milk. The recipe will remain the same.
• How Soft Should My Butter Be? This is a recipe in which you should use room-temperature butter; it’s easily mixed into the other ingredients. The result will be a soft and buttery hot cross bun.
• Salted or Unsalted Butter? Although you can use either, omit the salt from the recipe if you use salted butter. Otherwise, your hot cross buns will be too salty.

Recipe Variations

Creating Air Fryer Hot Cross Buns offers the perfect canvas for experimentation, allowing you to tailor the classic recipe to your tastes or the occasion. Here are several delicious variations to inspire your next batch:

• Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns: Substitute half of the dried fruit with chocolate chips for a delightful twist. The chocolate melts slightly as the buns bake, creating gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite.
• Apple Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns: Add diced dried apples and extra cinnamon to the dough. This variation is perfect for those who love the classic combination of apples and cinnamon, offering a fruity and spicy flavor.
• Lemon and Blueberry Hot Cross Buns: Incorporate fresh lemon zest and dried blueberries into the dough for a burst of citrus and sweet flavors. The lemon adds a refreshing note that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the blueberries.
• Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour to make the buns suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
• Vegan Hot Cross Buns: Substitute the milk with almond or soy milk, use vegan butter, and replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit until thickened) for a vegan-friendly version.
• Cheese and Herb Hot Cross Buns: Add grated cheese and mixed dried herbs into the dough for a savory take. Omit the dried fruit and sugar glaze. These buns are perfect as an accompaniment to soups or salads.
• Coffee and Walnut Hot Cross Buns: Incorporate finely ground coffee and chopped walnuts into the dough for a nutty flavor with a hint of coffee. This variation is ideal for coffee lovers looking for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
• Cranberry and Orange Hot Cross Buns: Use dried cranberries instead of traditional currants or raisins, and add orange zest to the dough. The tartness of the cranberries complements the sweet and aromatic dough beautifully.
• Spelt Hot Cross Buns: Substitute spelt flour for all-purpose flour to add a nutty flavor and denser texture to the buns. Spelt flour is a slightly sweeter and nuttier ancient grain than wheat flour.
• Saffron Infused Hot Cross Buns: Add a pinch of saffron strands soaked in warm milk to the dough for a luxurious and aromatic flavor. This exotic spice adds a beautiful golden hue and a rich aroma to the buns.

Each of these variations allows you to explore new flavors and textures while still enjoying the festive tradition of Hot Cross Buns. Feel free to mix and match ingredients to create your signature version.

Pro Tips

Crafting the perfect batch of Air Fryer Hot Cross Buns can elevate this traditional treat to new heights of deliciousness. Here are some professional tips to ensure your buns turn out beautifully every time:

• Proofing is Key: Allow ample time for the dough to proof until it’s doubled in size. The warm environment speeds up the yeast activity, but don’t rush this step, as proper proofing is crucial for fluffy, light buns.
• Check Dough Hydration: Depending on the flour used and environmental factors, you may need to adjust the liquid amount slightly. The dough should be tacky but not overly sticky. If it’s too dry, add a little more milk; if it’s too wet, add a bit more flour.
• Uniform Size: When dividing the dough into portions for individual buns, aim for uniformity in size. This ensures they all cook at the same rate, preventing some from being over or undercooked.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer ensures that the buns start cooking at the optimal temperature, leading to a better rise and texture.
• Use Parchment Paper: To prevent the buns from sticking and to make clean-up easier, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Just make sure there’s enough airflow around the edges.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Place the buns in the air fryer with enough space between them for expansion. They will puff up and spread out a bit as they cook. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Air fryers can vary greatly in how they cook. Start checking your buns a few minutes before the recipe’s suggested cooking time ends. They should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
• Applying the Cross: For the traditional cross on top, use a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner snipped off to pipe the flour paste. Do this carefully to ensure clean, distinct lines.
• Glaze While Warm: Brushing the buns with a simple syrup or apricot jam glaze while they’re still warm gives them a shiny, sticky finish. This not only makes them look more appealing but also adds a layer of sweetness.
• Cool on a Wire Rack: Once cooked, transfer the buns to a wire rack to cool. This prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy, maintaining the perfect texture throughout.

By following these pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to making exceptional Air Fryer Hot Cross Buns that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat, capturing the essence of this beloved Easter tradition with every bite.

Faq’s

Can I make Hot Cross Buns in the air fryer without a specific air fryer pan? Yes, you can make Hot Cross Buns in the air fryer without a specific pan. Use parchment paper to line the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal. Just ensure there’s enough space for air circulation.

How do I know when the Hot Cross Buns are fully cooked? Hot Cross Buns are fully cooked when they have a golden-brown color and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read around 190°F (88°C).

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast. The conversion is typically 1:1, and you can add it directly to your dry ingredients without needing to dissolve it in warm liquid first.

Why did my Hot Cross Buns come out dense? Dense Hot Cross Buns can result from not proofing the dough long enough, using old yeast that isn’t active, or adding too much flour to the dough. Ensure your yeast is fresh and follow the recipe’s guidelines for proofing times.

Can I add other dried fruits to the buns? Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Hot Cross Buns with a variety of dried fruits such as cranberries, apricots, or cherries. Chop larger fruits into smaller pieces to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.

How long can I store Air Fryer Hot Cross Buns? Store Hot Cross Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.

How can I make my Hot Cross Buns vegan? To make vegan Hot Cross Buns, substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative, use vegan butter, and replace the egg with a flax egg or commercial egg replacer. Ensure your sugar is vegan as well.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, punch down the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Allow the dough to come to room temperature and proceed with shaping and the second rise before air frying.

Why aren’t the crosses on my buns pronounced? The crosses may not be pronounced if the paste is too runny or if it’s applied too thinly. Ensure the flour-water paste for the crosses is thick enough to hold its shape when piped and apply a generous amount.

Is it necessary to glaze the buns? While not strictly necessary, glazing the buns with a simple syrup or warmed apricot jam adds sweetness, shine, and helps to keep the buns moist. It’s a traditional finishing touch that enhances the flavor and appearance.

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