Can I Bake Rolls in an Air Fryer Discover the Perfect Method

Yes, you can bake rolls in an air fryer—and they come out perfectly golden, fluffy, and ready in half the time of conventional ovens. With the right temperature (350°F) and a quick 8–12 minute cook time, your rolls will develop a crisp exterior while staying tender inside, making the air fryer a game-changer for fresh-baked bread lovers.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can bake rolls in an air fryer for a quick, crispy result with less oil.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even baking and optimal texture every time.
• Use a lower temperature (320°F–350°F) to prevent burning and ensure thorough cooking.
• Arrange rolls in a single layer with space between for proper air circulation and browning.
• Flip rolls halfway through cooking for uniform crispness and golden tops.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer to restore freshness.

Can I Bake Rolls in an Air Fryer? Discover the Perfect Method

Let’s face it—there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked rolls wafting through your kitchen. That golden crust, the soft, pillowy interior, and the way they seem to disappear before you even finish setting the table. But here’s the thing: what if you don’t have time to preheat the oven, wait for the dough to rise, or babysit a conventional baking process? That’s where the air fryer comes in. If you’ve ever asked, “Can I bake rolls in an air fryer?”, you’re not alone. I’ve been there—standing in my kitchen at 7 a.m., craving homemade rolls but dreading the hour-long oven ritual. So, I decided to experiment. Spoiler alert: yes, you absolutely can bake rolls in an air fryer, and with a few smart tweaks, they can be just as delicious (if not better) than oven-baked ones.

Over the past year, I’ve tested everything from store-bought dough to homemade sourdough rolls, frozen dinner rolls, and even gluten-free varieties in my air fryer. The results? Surprising, satisfying, and sometimes even a little magical. But it’s not as simple as tossing them in and hitting “start.” There are tricks to getting that perfect rise, golden crust, and soft center. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned—what works, what doesn’t, and how to adapt your favorite roll recipes for air fryer success. Whether you’re a busy parent, a small-space dweller, or just curious about this countertop wonder, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started.

Why Bake Rolls in an Air Fryer? The Benefits You Might Not Know

Faster Baking, Less Waiting

One of the biggest perks of using an air fryer for rolls is speed. Unlike a conventional oven, which can take 15–20 minutes to preheat and another 20–30 minutes to bake, an air fryer heats up in 2–3 minutes. For rolls, that means you can go from dough to golden perfection in under 15 minutes (depending on size and quantity). I’ve made emergency dinner rolls for guests arriving in 30 minutes—no stress, no oven preheating, just pop them in the basket and let the air fryer work its magic.

This is especially helpful for last-minute meals or when you’re cooking for one or two. No need to fire up a big oven just for a small batch. Plus, the air fryer’s compact size means it uses less energy, which is better for the planet and your utility bill.

Even Browning and a Crispy Crust

Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation (convection) to cook food evenly from all sides. This means your rolls get a consistent, golden-brown crust—no more “top-only” browning or uneven spots. I’ve noticed that air-fried rolls often have a slightly crispier exterior than oven-baked ones, which many people love. It’s like a hybrid between a soft roll and a slightly toasted one.

For example, I made a batch of buttermilk rolls last week. In the oven, they’d be soft all the way through. In the air fryer? The outside had a delicate crispness, while the inside stayed fluffy. My husband said, “It’s like they’ve been lightly grilled—but in a good way.”

Perfect for Small Batches and Leftovers

Got leftover rolls from last night’s dinner? Reheating them in the air fryer brings back that fresh-from-the-oven texture in just 2–3 minutes. No soggy microwave results or dried-out oven reheating. Just crisp outside, soft inside—like they were baked minutes ago.

And if you’re only making rolls for one or two people, the air fryer’s small basket is ideal. You’re not wasting energy heating a large oven for a tiny batch. I’ve even used my air fryer to reheat frozen dinner rolls (like the kind from the grocery store), and they came out better than when I baked them in the oven originally.

How to Bake Rolls in an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide

Choose the Right Rolls and Dough

Not all rolls are created equal for air fryer baking. Here’s what works best:

• Store-bought dough: Refrigerated crescent roll dough, frozen dinner rolls (like Rhodes or Pillsbury), or pre-shaped rolls. These are great for quick, no-fuss baking.
• Homemade dough: Soft dinner rolls, cinnamon rolls, garlic knots, or even pizza dough rolls. Just make sure the dough is shaped and risen before baking.
• Gluten-free or vegan rolls: Yes, these work too! I’ve made vegan cinnamon rolls in the air fryer, and they held up surprisingly well.

Avoid overly large rolls (like giant sourdough boules) or rolls with delicate fillings (like custard or cream) unless you’re experienced. The air fryer’s intense airflow can dry out or overcook them.

Prep the Air Fryer Basket

Here’s where many people go wrong: they skip the liner or overcrowd the basket. To avoid sticking and ensure even cooking:

• Use parchment paper liners: Cut to fit the bottom of the basket. Parchment is heat-safe up to 400°F (204°C), which covers most air fryer temps.
• Or use silicone liners: Reusable and easy to clean. Just make sure they’re food-safe and fit your model.
• Lightly grease: If you’re not using a liner, brush the basket with oil or cooking spray. I use avocado oil—it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.

Pro tip: Leave space between rolls. Overcrowding blocks airflow and leads to uneven cooking. For most air fryers, 2–4 rolls fit comfortably in a single layer.

Set the Right Temperature and Time

Here’s the golden rule: lower and slower than you might think. Air fryers cook faster and hotter than ovens, so you need to adjust:

• Temperature: 325°F to 350°F (163°C to 177°C). For soft rolls, start at 325°F. For crispier crusts, go up to 350°F.
• Time: 6–12 minutes, depending on size. Small dinner rolls: 6–8 minutes. Larger rolls (like cinnamon rolls): 10–12 minutes.

Start checking at 6 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with soft crumbs, they’re done. If the outside is browning too fast, cover the rolls loosely with foil (yes, foil works in air fryers!).

Monitor and Flip (If Needed)

Most air fryers cook rolls evenly without flipping, but for extra insurance, you can flip them halfway through if your model doesn’t circulate air from the bottom. I’ve only needed to do this with very thick rolls (like stuffed garlic knots).

Use tongs or a silicone spatula to avoid tearing the dough. And don’t open the basket too often—every time you do, you lose heat and extend cooking time.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Overcrowding the Basket

I’ve made this mistake more times than I’d like to admit. I’ll see a batch of 8 mini rolls and think, “Sure, they’ll fit!” But then they steam instead of crisp, and the ones in the middle stay doughy. The fix? Bake in batches. It takes a few extra minutes, but the results are worth it.

For example, I once tried to bake 6 cinnamon rolls at once. The outer ones were perfect, but the center ones were undercooked. Next time, I baked 3 at a time, and they all came out golden and gooey.

Setting the Temperature Too High

Air fryers can easily scorch delicate dough. I learned this the hard way when I baked a batch of brioche rolls at 375°F. The outside was dark brown, but the inside was still raw. Now I stick to 325°F–350°F and check early.

Rule of thumb: If your rolls are browning in under 5 minutes, lower the temp or reduce the time.

Skipping the Liner or Greasing

Nothing ruins a batch of rolls faster than them sticking to the basket. I once forgot to use parchment and had to chisel the rolls out with a spatula. Not fun. Always use a liner or grease the basket, especially with sticky doughs like cinnamon rolls or honey-sweetened rolls.

Not Accounting for Dough Rise

If you’re using homemade dough, make sure it’s fully risen before baking. I’ve rushed the rise time (because I was hungry) and ended up with dense, chewy rolls. The air fryer won’t fix under-proofed dough. Let it rise until it’s puffy and springs back slowly when poked.

Creative Roll Recipes You Can Make in an Air Fryer

Classic Buttermilk Dinner Rolls

Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup buttermilk, 2 tbsp butter (melted).

Method: Mix dry ingredients. Add buttermilk and butter. Knead 5 minutes. Let rise 30 minutes. Shape into 8 balls. Air fry at 325°F for 8 minutes. Brush with melted butter after baking.

Tip: For extra softness, wrap in a clean kitchen towel right after baking.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls (from Scratch)

Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1 packet yeast, 1/2 cup warm milk, 1 egg, 2 tbsp butter (melted), 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp cinnamon, 2 tbsp softened butter (for filling).

Method: Make dough and let rise 1 hour. Roll out, spread with butter, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Roll up, slice into 8 pieces. Air fry at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. Drizzle with cream cheese frosting.

Note: For faster results, use store-bought crescent roll dough as a base.

Garlic Parmesan Rolls

Ingredients: 2 cups pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), 3 tbsp butter (melted), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1/4 cup Parmesan (grated), 1 tsp parsley.

Method: Roll dough into 8 balls. Brush with garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. Serve warm.

Bonus: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls

Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum), 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup warm water, 1 tbsp honey, 1 egg, 2 tbsp oil.

Method: Mix and shape into 6 rolls. Let rest 20 minutes. Air fry at 325°F for 10 minutes. The key? Use a high-quality gluten-free flour (I like King Arthur’s blend).

Air Fryer vs. Oven: A Side-by-Side Comparison

To answer the big question—how do air-fried rolls compare to oven-baked ones?—I ran a little experiment. I baked the same batch of buttermilk rolls in my oven (375°F, 18 minutes) and air fryer (325°F, 8 minutes). Here’s what I found:

Factor	Oven-Baked Rolls	Air-Fried Rolls
Time (prep + bake)	40 minutes (20 preheat + 20 bake)	15 minutes (3 preheat + 12 bake)
Energy Use	High (large oven)	Low (small appliance)
Crust Texture	Soft, uniform	Slightly crisp, golden
Interior Texture	Fluffy, moist	Fluffy, slightly denser (if overcooked)
Best For	Large batches, special occasions	Quick meals, small portions, reheating
Cleanup	Oven racks, pans	Easy (liner or basket wash)

As you can see, the air fryer wins on speed, energy, and cleanup. The oven still has an edge for large batches and ultra-soft crusts, but for everyday use, the air fryer is a game-changer.

Final Thoughts: Should You Bake Rolls in an Air Fryer?

So, can you bake rolls in an air fryer? Absolutely. And if you do it right, they can be just as delicious—sometimes even better—than oven-baked ones. The key is understanding your air fryer’s quirks and adapting your method accordingly. Use the right temperature, don’t overcrowd, and always prep the basket properly.

From quick weeknight dinner rolls to sweet cinnamon buns for weekend brunch, the air fryer opens up new possibilities for fresh-baked bread without the fuss. I now use mine for rolls more than I do my oven. It’s faster, cleaner, and—let’s be honest—more fun. There’s something satisfying about pulling a hot, golden roll out of that little basket and watching it steam as you break it open.

That said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re making 20 rolls for a holiday dinner, the oven is still your best bet. But for everyday baking, reheating leftovers, or experimenting with new recipes? The air fryer is your new best friend. Give it a try, start simple, and don’t be afraid to tweak the process. Before you know it, you’ll be answering the question, “Can I bake rolls in an air fryer?” with a confident, “Yes—and here’s how.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake rolls in an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake rolls in an air fryer! The circulating hot air creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Just adjust the time and temperature for best results.

What temperature should I use to bake rolls in an air fryer?

For most rolls, preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C) and bake for 8–12 minutes. Thicker rolls may need a slightly lower temperature or extra time to cook through evenly.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer before baking rolls?

Yes, preheating ensures even cooking and a better rise. Preheat for 3–5 minutes before placing the rolls in the basket for optimal texture and browning.

Can I use frozen dinner rolls in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Bake frozen rolls at 320°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes, checking halfway. No thawing needed—just add a minute or two if they’re extra large.

How do I prevent rolls from drying out in the air fryer?

Brush rolls with butter or milk before baking and avoid overcooking. For extra moisture, add a small oven-safe dish of water to the air fryer basket during baking.

Can I bake homemade dough rolls in an air fryer?

Yes, air fryers work great for homemade rolls. Shape and proof the dough first, then bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10–12 minutes. The result is golden, bakery-style rolls in less time than an oven.