Air Fryer Hot Cross Buns

Ingredients

For the Buns

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¾ cup warm whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup raisins or sultanas
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped candied orange peel

For the Crosses

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons water

For the Glaze

• 2 tablespoons apricot jam
• 1 tablespoon hot water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Begin by combining the warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes .
2. The milk should be warm rather than hot. Very hot liquid can damage the yeast and prevent the buns from rising properly.
3. Add the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Stir until the ingredients are roughly combined.
4. Add the egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.

2. Knead the Dough

1. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 8–10 minutes .
2. The dough should become smooth and elastic. It may feel slightly sticky at first, but avoid adding too much extra flour because a very dry dough can produce dense buns.
3. You can also knead the dough using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Knead on low to medium speed until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

3. Add the Fruit

1. Gently knead the raisins or sultanas and chopped candied orange peel into the dough.
2. Try to distribute the fruit evenly throughout the dough so every bun contains plenty of delicious fruit.
3. If your raisins are particularly dry, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes , then drain and pat them dry before adding them to the dough.

4. First Rise

1. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
3. Place the bowl somewhere warm and allow the dough to rise for approximately 60–75 minutes , or until it has doubled in size.
4. The exact rising time will depend on your kitchen temperature. A warm environment will generally speed up the process, while a cooler room may require additional time.

5. Shape the Buns

1. Once the dough has doubled, gently press it down to remove excess air.
2. Transfer it to a lightly floured work surface and divide it into 10 equal portions .
3. Shape each portion into a smooth round ball by pulling the edges toward the center and rolling the dough gently underneath your palm.
4. Try to make the buns similar in size so they cook evenly.

6. Second Rise

1. Line your air fryer basket or air fryer-safe baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough room around the edges for air to circulate.
2. Arrange the buns close together but not tightly packed. They should have a little room to expand.
3. Cover them loosely and allow them to rise for another 30–40 minutes .
4. The buns should look noticeably puffy before cooking.

7. Make the Cross Mixture

1. While the buns are rising, prepare the mixture for the traditional crosses.
2. Combine the flour and water in a small bowl. Mix until you have a smooth, thick paste.
3. Transfer the mixture into a piping bag or a small zip-top bag. If using a zip-top bag, snip off a tiny corner.
4. Once the buns have finished their second rise, carefully pipe one long line across each bun in one direction, followed by another line crossing it to create the traditional cross.

8. Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for approximately 3–5 minutes , if your model requires preheating.
2. Air fryers vary considerably in size and power, so you may need to adjust the temperature slightly depending on your appliance.

9. Air Fry the Buns

1. Carefully place the prepared buns into the air fryer.
2. Cook at 320°F (160°C) for approximately 10–14 minutes .
3. Check the buns after about 8–9 minutes. If the tops are becoming too dark before the centers are fully cooked, loosely cover them with a small piece of foil.
4. The buns are ready when they are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Because air fryer baskets vary in capacity, you may need to cook the buns in batches. Avoid overcrowding because the hot air needs space to circulate around each bun.

10. Prepare the Glaze

1. While the buns are cooking, combine the apricot jam and hot water in a small bowl.
2. Stir until smooth.
3. As soon as the buns come out of the air fryer, brush the warm glaze gently over their tops.
4. The glaze gives the hot cross buns their characteristic shiny finish and adds a subtle fruity sweetness.

11. Cool and Serve

1. Allow the buns to cool for approximately 10 minutes before serving.
2. They are especially delicious while still warm. Slice them in half and spread with butter, or serve them with jam, honey, or cream cheese.

Notes

Store completely cooled hot cross buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days . For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months . To reheat, place a bun in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for approximately 2–3 minutes . This helps restore some of the softness and warmth without drying the bun out.

Nutrition

Calories: 235 kcal · Protein: 6 g · Fat: 6 g · Carbohydrates: 40 g · Saturated Fat: 3 g · Fiber: 2 g · Sugar: 13 g · Sodium: 185 mg