Air Fryer Star Bread
Description
Soft cinnamon-sugar star bread made with an easy yeast dough and baked golden in the air fryer, with oven instructions and Christmas variations.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup milk, 240 ml whole milk, warmed to 105–110°F (40–43°C)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast, 6 g
- ¼ cup granulated sugar, 50 g
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, 375 g
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, 1 stick / 113 g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
Filling
- ½ cup packed brown sugar, 100 g
- ½ cup granulated sugar, 100 g
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, optional, helps the filling stick
Egg wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
Brown sugar glaze
- ¼ cup brown sugar, 50 g
- 2 tablespoons water, or orange juice
For serving: powdered sugar
Instructions
- Warm the milk to 105–110°F (40–43°C).
- In a stand mixer bowl, stir the yeast and ¼ cup sugar into the warm milk. Cover and let sit 10 minutes until foamy.
- Warm the oven to 170°F (77°C) for 10 minutes, then turn it off and keep the door closed.
- Add the flour, salt, butter, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix with the dough hook 3–4 minutes until smooth, then form into a ball.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in the warm (off) oven about 2 hours, until doubled. Press out the air. Optional: chill a few hours or overnight for easier shaping.
- Stir together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each into an 8-inch (20 cm) circle (10 inches / 25 cm for the oven).
- Place one circle on parchment, brush with melted butter if using, and sprinkle with 3–4 tablespoons filling. Repeat with two more layers, then top with the last plain circle.
- Press a small glass in the center to mark it. Cut 16 strips from the mark outward, leaving the center uncut.
- Twist each pair of strips away from each other twice and pinch the ends into a point.
- Let rest 15–20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 330°F (165°C) and whisk the egg and cream.
- Brush with egg wash. Air fry on the parchment 12–15 minutes, until golden and 190°F (88°C) in the center.
- Stir the glaze ingredients until the sugar dissolves (microwave 15–20 seconds if needed). Brush over the hot bread and dust with powdered sugar.
Equipment
- Air fryer (5.8-quart or larger basket, or air fryer oven)
- stand mixer with dough hook
- Instant-read thermometer
- Rolling Pin
- 8-inch plate or bowl (for cutting circles)
- Small glass
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Parchment Paper
- Pastry Brush
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Baking sheet (oven method only)
Notes
- Oven method: Bake at 350°F (175°C) on a parchment-lined sheet for 20–25 minutes, until golden and 190°F (88°C) in the center.
- Instant yeast: Use the same amount and mix it straight into the flour; skip the 10-minute proof.
- Air fryer ovens: Bake on the lowest rack.
- Christmas version: See the Stollen-Inspired Christmas Star Bread variation in the post.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 496kcalCarbohydrates: 77gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 442mgPotassium: 159mgFiber: 2gSugar: 40gVitamin A: 589IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 3mg