Air Fryer Hot Cross Buns

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

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What Are Hot Cross Buns?

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

Hot cross buns are a sweetened bread 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.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Hot Cross Buns

• Raisins or Cranberries (both dried)
• Hot Water
• Instant Yeast
• Milk
• Granulated Sugar
• Butter
• Eggs
• Salt
• All-Purpose Flour
• Ground Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ground Cloves
• Powdered Sugar
• Lemon Juice

How To Make Air Fryer Hot Cross Buns

Grease a small baking pan that will fit inside of 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.

In a small bowl, soak raisins in hot water for 10-15, then drain. In a separate small bowl or glass measuring cup, mix ¼ cup of the warm milk with the instant yeast and ½ teaspoon of sugar. Allow the mixture to rest for 10 minutes; the yeast should become foamy and double in size.

Add the remaining milk and 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. 

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.

Use a paper towel to dry the plumped raisins or cranberries, and mix 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 in size.

On a lightly floured surface, slice the dough in half. Split the halves, and then form 12 even balls from the dough. Cover the 12 dough balls with the damp cloth on a cutting board or pan and rise again for 30-40 minutes. 

Take six rolls and place them inside of your greased baking pan. Set your air fryer to 315F 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 another 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!

Recipe Notes:

How To Make These Gluten-Free:

You can easily change out 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 milk, lactose-free milk, or low-fat milk. The recipe will remain the same.

How Soft Should My Butter Be?

This is a recipe in that 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.

Can I Use Bread Flour?

Yes, I have made this recipe several times with all-purpose flour and bread flour. There is no difference. Either will work for this recipe.

Make-Ahead Instructions:

You can make the dough ahead of time or make and store them. Either will work.

Storing Overnight:

Prepare your hot cross buns overnight, and then place them into a lightly greased baking pan. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, and put them into the refrigerator. When you are ready to bake them in your air fryer, place them on the counter until they become room temperature. Then air fry as directed.

Freezer Instructions:

These freeze rather well. You can prepare the dough and then wrap the dough balls individually with saran wrap. Then place it into a large Ziploc freezer bag.

When ready to cook them up, place them into the refrigerator overnight to defrost and cook as directed below.

Storage Instructions:

You can place any leftovers into an airtight container, which will last for about 2 to 3 days.

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