Olivia Carter
Hot Cross Buns have long been a beloved Easter treat, but did you know that you can easily make them in an air fryer? This modern twist on a classic recipe gives you all the traditional flavors and textures, but with a faster and more convenient cooking method.
Air fryers are a great kitchen appliance to have on hand, as they allow you to cook your favorite dishes with less oil and shorter cooking times. This makes them a perfect choice for making hot cross buns, as they turn out beautifully golden and perfectly baked in just a fraction of the time.
The air fryer creates a hot and circulating air flow that quickly cooks the buns, giving them a fluffy interior and a slightly crunchy exterior. The heat is distributed evenly, ensuring that each bun is cooked to perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll love how easy it is to achieve bakery-quality hot cross buns in your air fryer.
So, if you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to celebrate Easter or simply want to enjoy these tasty treats any time of the year, give this air fryer hot cross buns recipe a try. You’ll be amazed at how simple and quick it is to create these classic buns with a modern twist!
Hot Cross Buns in Air Fryer: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Recipe
Hot cross buns are a beloved Easter treat, traditionally baked in the oven. However, using an air fryer can add a fun and convenient twist to this classic recipe. Air fryers offer a quick and efficient way to achieve a deliciously crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
To make hot cross buns in an air fryer, you’ll need to start with a basic dough recipe. Combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and spices in a mixing bowl. Slowly add milk, melted butter, and beaten egg to the mixture, and knead until a smooth dough forms. Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
Next, divide the dough into equal portions and shape them into balls. Place the buns in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave enough space between each bun for them to expand. Preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 350°F (175°C).
While preheating the air fryer, you can prepare the cross mixture. Combine flour and water in a small bowl until it forms a smooth paste. Transfer the mixture into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a small hole cut in one corner.
Once the air fryer is preheated, gently pipe a cross shape on top of each bun with the flour mixture. Place the basket in the air fryer and cook the buns for about 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
While the hot cross buns are cooking, you can prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, heat apricot jam or honey over low heat until it becomes runny. Once the buns are done, brush the glaze over the tops while they are still warm.
Allow the hot cross buns to cool slightly before serving. These air fryer hot cross buns are perfect for a quick and delicious Easter breakfast or snack. The air fryer gives them a unique texture with a slightly crispy crust that complements the warm and spiced interior perfectly.
So, why not give this modern twist on a classic recipe a try this Easter? Your family and friends will be impressed with the delicious hot cross buns made in the air fryer!
Preparing the Dough for Hot Cross Buns
Before you can cook hot cross buns in your air fryer, you need to prepare the dough. Follow these steps to create the perfect dough for your buns.
Gather Ingredients
First, gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need:
- 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1/2 cup of warm milk
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- 1/4 cup of warm water
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup of raisins
- 1/4 cup of candied citron or orange peel
Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix well using a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer.
In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, warm water, and beaten egg. Mix until well blended. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough begins to form.
Add the raisins and candied citron or orange peel to the dough. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, either by hand on a floured surface or using the dough hook attachment on a stand mixer.
Let the Dough Rise
Once the dough is well kneaded, place it in a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
After the dough has risen, it is ready to be shaped into buns and cooked in the air fryer.
Note: If you don’t have candied citron or orange peel, you can omit it from the recipe or substitute it with additional raisins.
Cooking Hot Cross Buns in an Air Fryer
If you love hot cross buns but don’t want to turn on your oven, cooking them in an air fryer is a great alternative. Air fryers have gained popularity for their ability to cook food quickly and evenly while giving it a crispy texture. In this article, we will guide you on how to cook hot cross buns in an air fryer.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Hot cross buns
- Butter or cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket or tray with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the hot cross buns in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between them for even cooking.
- Cook the buns in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and have a golden brown crust.
- Remove the buns from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
Optional: To enhance the flavor, you can brush the hot cross buns with melted butter while they are still warm. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar on top or serve them with jam or cream cheese.
Air frying hot cross buns is not only convenient but also a healthier option compared to baking them in the oven. The air fryer requires less oil, resulting in a lighter and less greasy finished product. Plus, using an air fryer means you can enjoy hot cross buns all year round, not just during the Easter season.
So, the next time you’re craving hot cross buns, give your air fryer a try. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how delicious and easy they are to make!
Making the Crosses and Glaze for Hot Cross Buns
Once your hot cross buns have finished baking in the air fryer, it’s time to make the signature crosses on top and add a glaze for a delicious finishing touch.
To make the crosses, start by mixing together plain flour and water to create a thick paste. You can use a fork or spoon to combine the ingredients until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Transfer the paste into a piping bag fitted with a small round nozzle or a zip-top bag with a small corner cut off. Gently squeeze the bag to pipe the crosses onto each bun. Start from one end of the bun and drag the piping bag or zip-top bag diagonally across the surface to create a cross. Repeat this process for all the buns.
For the glaze, you can choose between a sugar glaze or a sticky apricot glaze. For a simple sugar glaze, whisk together icing sugar and a few tablespoons of water until smooth. If you prefer a sticky apricot glaze, heat apricot jam or marmalade in a small saucepan until it becomes runny and easy to brush on the buns.
Using a pastry brush, generously brush the glaze over the hot cross buns while they are still warm. The glaze will add a beautiful shine and a touch of sweetness to the buns.
Allow the buns to cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy these homemade hot cross buns with a cup of tea or coffee. They are delightful treats for any time of the year, not just for Easter!
Serving and Enjoying Hot Cross Buns from the Air Fryer
Once your hot cross buns are perfectly cooked and have a golden brown crust, it’s time to serve and enjoy them. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat, these delicious buns will surely be a hit. Here are some ideas on how to serve and enjoy your hot cross buns from the air fryer:
1. Fresh out of the air fryer: Hot cross buns are best served warm. Take them out of the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Cutting them open while they are still warm will reveal the soft and fluffy texture inside.
2. Butter and jam: Spread some creamy butter and your favorite jam on a freshly baked hot cross bun. The combination of the warm bun, melted butter, and sweet jam creates a heavenly bite that is irresistible.
3. Cream cheese icing: For a decadent twist, drizzle some cream cheese icing over your hot cross buns. This adds a creamy and tangy element that complements the spices in the buns perfectly.
4. Toasted with a cup of tea: If you prefer a firmer texture, try toasting your hot cross buns before enjoying them. The toasting process will enhance the flavors and give them a slightly crispy exterior. Pair your toasted bun with a hot cup of tea for a delightful tea-time treat.
5. Customize with your favorite toppings: Get creative and customize your hot cross buns with your favorite toppings. You can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar, chopped nuts, or even some dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins. These additional toppings will add extra flavors and textures to your buns.
6. Share them with friends and family: Hot cross buns are best enjoyed when shared with loved ones. Invite your friends and family over for a cozy gathering, and serve them your delicious air-fried hot cross buns. The aroma of the freshly baked buns will fill your home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Remember, hot cross buns are not only delicious but also hold a symbolic meaning for many. Traditionally served on Good Friday, they are a symbol of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. So, as you savor each bite of your hot cross bun, take a moment to appreciate the history and significance behind this timeless treat.
Questions and Answers
How long does it take to cook hot cross buns in an air fryer?
It usually takes about 10-12 minutes to cook hot cross buns in an air fryer.
What temperature should I set the air fryer to for cooking hot cross buns?
You should preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) before cooking hot cross buns.
Can I use frozen hot cross buns in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen hot cross buns in the air fryer. Just increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
Do I need to oil the air fryer basket before cooking hot cross buns?
No, you don’t need to oil the air fryer basket. The hot cross buns will not stick to the basket during cooking.
Can I make my own hot cross buns from scratch for cooking in the air fryer?
Yes, you can make your own hot cross buns from scratch and cook them in the air fryer. Just follow a basic hot cross bun recipe and adjust the cooking time as needed.
