Air Fryer Dinner Rolls

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Air fryer dinner rolls are a delicious and convenient way to make soft, fluffy dinner rolls without an oven. They cook up with the best texture and golden brown exterior in a fraction of the time making perfect dinner rolls for any occasion.

A glass dish of air fryer dinner rolls on the table with a bowl of butter.

Whether you're serving dinner rolls for a special occasion or a weeknight meal, your air fryer can transform simple ingredients into mouthwatering, warm, and aromatic rolls.

If you like making homemade bread, try my grandma's homemade white bread and this swirled cinnamon raisin bread next!

Why You Will Love This Air Fryer Rolls Recipe

Quick Cooking Method. The air fryer allows you to have fresh, warm dinner rolls in less than 10 minutes.
Perfect Texture! Using circulating air, the air fryer ensures a golden-brown color and crisp outside of the rolls while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
Customizable. You can personalize your dinner rolls by adding various toppings or mix-ins, including herbs, seeds, or grated cheese.

Ingredients

Here's a look at the basic ingredients you need to make these fluffy dinner rolls in the air fryer. Be sure to check the full list and measurements in the recipe card.

Milk: We will be using regular whole milk for a richer flavor. Warm it slightly to avoid slowing down the yeast activation.
Granulated Sugar and Instant Dry Yeast: The sugar is necessary to activate and proof your yeast while the yeast is what will make your dinner rolls nice and fluffy.
Eggs and Oil: Promote tenderness and flavor in the simple dough.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives your rolls the structure and texture needed. You can use bread flour instead for a chewier roll or swap half of the flour for whole wheat flour instead. This creates a slightly denser, heartier roll.
Salt: Added to limit yeast production and add flavor.
Egg Wash: Gives your dinner rolls a beautiful shine and a lovely golden-brown color once baked. If you prefer a softer crust, you can brush the rolls with melted butter instead for a rich flavor and sheen but a more delicate texture.

Dinner Roll Variations

Here are a few variations you can make using the base recipe for this dinner rolls air fryer recipe.

Spicy: Add a bit of chili pepper flakes, diced jalapeno pepper, our jalapeno powder, smoked jalapeno powder, or chipotle powder to the dough for a bit of heat.
Add Flavor: Consider adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, or onion powder to your dough.
Add Seeds: A sprinkling of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything-bagel seasoning onto the egg-washed rolls before baking for a nutty flavor and a little crunch.
Add Cheese: Mix in some grated Parmesan to your dough or add a sprinkling on top in the last minute or so of cooking.

How to Make Air Fryer Dinner Rolls

Let's get to baking in the air fryer! Here's a look at the quick steps involved in making this recipe.

Add the warm milk, sugar, and yeast to a large bowl (or the stand mixer). Allow it to proof for 2 minutes.
Beat the eggs and oil into the milk.

Add the flour gradually and salt to the bowl while mixing.
Mix until a nice dough forms. Just note it may be a bit sticky.

Dough in the mixing bowl after mixing together.

Use a kneading hook to knead the dough for about 10 minutes (about 15 to 20 minutes by hand) until a nice dough ball forms.

PRO TIP: If the dough is too sticky as you are kneading, gradually add a little flour at a time until it no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl.

Shape it into a ball, place it back in the bowl, and cover it with a towel. Let it sit in a warm spot to rise until it doubles in size.

Punch the dough down after it's doubled in size.
Turn the dough onto a surface and divide into 8 equal parts.

Dinner roll dough punched down in the middle.

Spray a small pan that will fit inside your air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Place the dough balls evenly spaced in the pan. Cover and allow to double in size for about 30 minutes.
Beat the egg and water together and gently brush over the rolls.

Glass dish inside air fryer basket and brushing with egg wash.

Cook at 350° F for 3 minutes. Then remove the pan and cover it tightly with tinfoil. Cook for 15 minutes longer. Check for doneness and cook longer if needed.

Cooked air fryer dinner rolls still in the air fryer basket with golden brown tops.

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy our cheesecake factory brown bread.

Storage

Storing: Cool completely and then store your dinner rolls in an airtight container or bag at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the dough before the second rising. Shape the rolls and lay them on a cookie sheet. Freeze for 1 hour then place the frozen dough balls in a resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and allow to double in size before baking. You can also freeze the baked rolls after they have cooled completely in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheat: You can reheat dinner rolls in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.

A glass pan of dinner rolls on a white napkin on the table in front of an air fryer.

What to Serve with Dinner Rolls

Air fryer dinner rolls are a versatile and comforting addition to any meal. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy them.

Try serving them with a warm and hearty soup like our Chili Relleno Soup or Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup.
Use it to soak up gravy from your favorite Stovetop Pot Roast or Salisbury Steak.
Enjoy them next to a fresh salad with delicious casseroles like this Hobo Casserole or Cheesy Tuna Casserole.

Tips

Add the Flour Slowly. You may not need as much flour as the recipe calls for. Humidity and altitude can play a part in the amount of flour you need.
Be Watchful During Cooking. Every air fryer cooks a little differently. You will cook uncovered for the first 3 minutes just to lightly brown the rolls. Then gently cover with tin foil, making sure you don’t deflate the rolls. This will ensure the inside of the rolls bakes and the outside doesn’t overbrown.
Preheat the Air Fryer. This ensures even cooking and helps your rolls achieve a nice crust on the outside.
Use Fresh Yeast. Make sure to store the yeast in a cool, dry place to ensure it remains alive and active.
Proofing the Dough. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place such as a cool oven or the microwave.
Shaping the Rolls. To ensure even cooking, keep the rolls approximately the same size.

Brushing the top of the rolls with the egg wash.

Recipe FAQ

How do I know my yeast is still active?

To check if your yeast is still active, you can test its vitality by mixing it with lukewarm water and a small amount of sugar. If the yeast starts foaming, it's still active.

How can I get a shiny, golden crust on my dinner rolls?

Brush the rolls with an egg wash (whisked egg and 1 tablespoon of water) before air frying to achieve a glossy, golden crust.

How do I know when my dinner rolls in the air fryer are done?

Your dinner rolls are done when they have a golden-brown crust, and their internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C) using a food thermometer.

A spoon drizzling honey over the top of a split dinner roll with a pat of butter inside.

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Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.