Servings: 8–10 dinner rolls
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Calories per Roll: Approximately 130–160 kcal
Macros (Approx. per Roll):
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 22–25g
Fat: 4–6g
Fiber: 1g
Introduction
Soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden, these air fryer dinner rolls are an easy way to enjoy homemade bread without turning on a large oven. With a tender texture, buttery finish, and lightly golden crust, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, dinner sides, or special family meals.
This simple dinner roll recipe uses everyday ingredients like flour, yeast, milk powder, and oil to create bakery-style bread right in your air fryer. The result is warm, pillowy rolls that are soft inside and delicious with butter, jam, soups, curries, or your favorite main dishes.
Whether you are new to bread making or looking for a quick homemade bread recipe, these easy air fryer dinner rolls are a reliable recipe that delivers soft and satisfying results every time.
Look at the Recipe
- Soft & Fluffy Texture: Proper kneading and yeast rising create light, airy dinner rolls.
- Quick Air Fryer Method: Enjoy fresh homemade bread with less cooking time.
- Perfect Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with breakfast spreads, soups, dinners, and holiday meals.
Ingredients Needed
For the Dinner Roll Dough
- ⅔ cup water, lukewarm
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp milk powder
- 1 tsp yeast
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp oil
For Brushing
- Milk, as needed
- Butter or oil, for finishing
How to Make Our Air Fryer Soft Dinner Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Prepare the yeast mixture. In a mixing bowl, combine lukewarm water, sugar, milk powder, and yeast.
Let it rest. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes until the yeast begins to activate.
This step helps create soft and airy dinner rolls.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Add dry ingredients. Add all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture.
Mix the dough. Add oil and begin kneading until everything comes together.
Knead until smooth. Continue kneading for 5–7 minutes until the dough becomes soft, smooth, and slightly elastic.
Avoid adding too much flour, as a softer dough creates fluffier rolls.
Step 3: First Dough Rise
Rest the dough. Lightly coat the dough with oil and cover the bowl.
Allow it to rest for 30 minutes in a warm place until slightly expanded.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Divide the dough. After resting, gently release air from the dough and divide it into equal portions.
Shape into balls. Roll each portion into a smooth round ball by tucking the edges underneath.
Arrange in the air fryer. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and place the dough balls inside, leaving space between them for expansion.
Step 5: Air Fry the Dinner Rolls
Brush with milk. Lightly brush the tops of the rolls with milk.
Bake in the air fryer. Cook at 150°C (300°F) for approximately 15 minutes, or until the tops become golden brown.
Finish with butter. While the rolls are still warm, brush them with butter or oil for a soft, shiny finish.
Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage: Store leftover dinner rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Warm in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes or microwave briefly to restore softness.
Freezing: Freeze baked rolls for up to 1 month. Thaw and warm before serving.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with butter, honey, jam, soups, stews, grilled meats, curries, or breakfast spreads.
