Air Fryer Copycat Sister Schubert’s Rolls are amazing!

These easy, buttery, and delicious pull-apart dinner rolls are some of the best I have ever had, including at restaurants. But who can resist a great batch of homemade bread?

Air Fryer Copycat Sister Schubert's Rolls
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For extra goodness, as if you need more, I added some milk and honey to the batter, making for a sweet dinner roll. My kids love these, and after about 4 minutes or so, the pan was empty!

If you are looking for some great Air Fryer Baking Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER CHERRY HAND PIES, AIR FRYER PILLSBURY CORNBREAD SWIRLS, AIR FRYER OLIVE CHEESE BREAD, and AIR FRYER 2 INGREDIENT WEIGHT WATCHER FRIENDLY BAGELS.

What Are Sister Schubert’s Rolls?

Sister Schubert’s Rolls are famous pre-baked, frozen dinner rolls known for their homemade taste and quality. They were created by Patricia “Sister” Schubert, who began baking rolls in her kitchen in Alabama. The rolls gained fame for their rich, buttery flavor and soft, fluffy texture, akin to traditional homemade bread.

These rolls have become a staple in many households, especially during holidays and family gatherings, due to their ease of preparation and consistently high quality. The brand has grown in popularity over the years, becoming synonymous with comfort food and family traditions.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Copycat Sister Schubert’s Rolls

Making a copycat version of Sister Schubert’s Rolls in an air fryer requires simple, common baking ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful, buttery rolls:

Air Fryer Copycat Sister Schubert's Rolls (1)

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.

  • Active Dry Yeast: Key for leavening the rolls, making them rise and become fluffy.
  • Milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast and adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
  • Honey: Adds sweetness to the rolls and helps ferment the yeast.
  • Melted Butter: Essential for giving the rolls their characteristic buttery flavor and soft texture. Some of it is mixed into the dough, while the rest is used for brushing on top.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary ingredient for the rolls, providing structure and softness.

How To Cook Air Fryer Copycat Sister Schubert’s Rolls

Cooking copycat Sister Schubert’s Rolls in an air fryer is a delightful way to enjoy homemade rolls with that familiar, comforting taste. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Milk,  Honey and Yeast in Mixing Bowl

Prepare the Dough:

Mix the yeast, warm milk, and honey in a large mixing bowl. Leave for about 15 minutes until it starts to foam.

Flour, Butter added to the Yeast Mixture

Add the flour, melted butter, and salt to the yeast. Mix well until everything is well combined.

Air Fryer Dinner Rolls Yeast Mixture in Bowl

First Rise:

Once the dough has formed, knead for a few minutes, cover with a kitchen towel, and leave until it doubles for about 1 hour.

Dinner Rolls in Greased Pan

Form the Rolls:

Spray your pan with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray. Roll the dough into about 1-inch to 2-inch balls. Place your dough inside the coated pan.

Second Rise:

Cover with saran wrap and wait about 30 minutes.

Dinner Rolls in Greased Pan

Air Fry the Rolls

Set in the air fryer oven or basket at 310 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 12 minutes. After 12 minutes, check and see if the underside is done. If not, add about 2-4 minutes.

Air Fryer Copycat Sister Schubert's Rolls

Pro Tips

Creating copycat Sister Schubert’s Rolls in an air fryer can be a rewarding experience, and these pro tips will help ensure your rolls turn out perfectly:

  • Yeast Proofing: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. Proofing the yeast with warm milk and some sugar activates it and ensures that your dough will rise properly. The milk should be warm but not hot, as too high a temperature can kill the yeast.
  • Kneading the Dough: Proper kneading is crucial. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure and soft texture.
  • Consistent Roll Size: Make the rolls the same size when forming them. This ensures they cook evenly in the air fryer.
  • Allow Enough Rising Time: Be patient with the rising process. Depending on the ambient temperature, the dough should double in size, taking 1-1.5 hours. After shaping the rolls, the second rise is essential for that perfect fluffy texture.
  • Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer before cooking the rolls. This helps them start cooking immediately and evenly.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Place the rolls in the air fryer basket with enough space for air circulation. This might mean cooking in batches, but it’s essential for even browning and cooking.
  • Monitoring the Cooking Process: Air fryers can vary, so keep an eye on your rolls, especially if it’s your first time making them. Check for a golden-brown color and an internal temperature of around 190°F (88°C) for doneness.
  • Brushing with Butter: For that authentic Sister Schubert’s flavor, generously brush the rolls with melted butter as soon as they come out of the air fryer.
  • Serving Them Warm: These rolls are best served warm, so try to time them out of the air fryer just as you’re ready to eat.
  • Storing and Reheating Leftovers: Store them in an airtight container if you have leftovers. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back their freshness and warmth.

Following these tips will help you create delicious, fluffy, buttery rolls that closely match Sister Schubert’s, with the added satisfaction of being homemade.

Air Fryer Copycat Sister Schubert's Rolls

FAQ’S

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. The main difference is that instant yeast doesn’t need to be proofed in warm milk; it can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients.

How do I know if my yeast is active?

After combining the yeast with warm milk and some sugar, it should start to froth or bubble within 5-10 minutes. If it doesn’t, your yeast may be expired, or the milk might have been too hot or cold.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough, let it rise once, punch it down, and then refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature, form the rolls, and proceed with the second rise before air frying.

How long should I knead the dough?

Generally, knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. The exact time can vary depending on the method (by hand or with a stand mixer).

What if my air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function?

If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, just let it run empty for 3-5 minutes at the cooking temperature to warm up.

How can I ensure the rolls are cooked evenly in the air fryer?

Avoid overcrowding the basket and arrange the rolls in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches. Also, rotate or flip the rolls halfway through cooking if your air fryer doesn’t cook evenly.

What’s the best way to store leftover rolls?

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven to refresh them.

Can I freeze the cooked rolls?

Yes, once cooled, you can freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the air fryer or oven.

How do I achieve a softer crust on the rolls?

Brushing the rolls with melted butter before and after air frying can help keep the crust soft.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes, you can double the recipe, but you must cook the rolls in multiple batches unless you have a large-capacity air fryer.

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Air Fryer Copycat Sister Schubert's Rolls

Air Fryer Copycat Sister Schubert’s Rolls

5 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 16 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

One of the easiest bread recipes for the air fryer, I got a great batch of pull-apart bread rolls for dinner out of the recipes, and it was fabulous. Remember, if you are cooking baked goods in the air fryer, check to see if they are cooked through before removing them. 

Ingredients 

  • 1 package of active dry yeast, or 1/4 ounces
  • 1 1/4 cup milk, about 110–115 degrees
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/8 cup melted butter
  • 4 to 4 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, mix the yeast, warm milk, and honey. Leave for about 15 minutes until it starts to foam.
  • Add the flour, melted butter, salt to the yeast.
  • Mix well until everything is well combined. Once the dough has formed, knead for a few minutes, cover with a kitchen towel, and leave until it doubles for about 1 hour.
  • Spray your pan with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray.
  • Roll the dough into about 1 inch to 2 inch balls. Place your dough inside the coated pan.
  • Cover with saran wrap and wait about 30 minutes.
  • Set in the air fryer oven or basket at 310 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 12 minutes. After 12 minutes, check and see if the underside is done. If not, add about 2-4 minutes.
  • Plate, serve, and enjoy!

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Baking Pan
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 323kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 8gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 39mgPotassium: 136mgFiber: 2gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 58mgIron: 3mg

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