Air fryer honey buns are a beloved treat that combines a crispy, golden crust with a soft and sweet interior.
Unlike many traditional Chinese buns, which are often steamed and have a pale, white surface, these buns are baked in an air fryer, giving them a unique golden color and a slightly different texture.
If you’re interested in traditional Chinese buns, take a look at these links:
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to make air fryer honey buns.
Ingredients
- Whole milk: 120g (for moisture and creaminess in the dough)
- Egg: 1 (for added nutrition and dough elasticity)
- Sugar: 20g (to sweeten the buns)
- Salt: 2g (to enhance flavor)
- Cooking oil: 20g (for a moist texture)
- Instant yeast: 3g (for dough fermentation)
- All-purpose flour: 260g (the main dough ingredient)
- Honey: as needed (for a honey glaze)
- White sesame seeds: as needed (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine 120g whole milk, 1 egg, 20g sugar, 2g salt, 20g cooking oil, and 3g yeast. Stir well.
- Gradually add 260g all-purpose flour, mixing until a rough dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size and honeycombed inside.
2. Shape the Buns
- Once risen, gently press the dough to release any air bubbles.
- Divide the dough into small portions based on your preferred bun size (30-50g each is ideal).
- Shape each portion into a small ball and place them on a baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Let the dough balls rest for 20 minutes to rise again.
3. Bake the Buns
- Preheat the air fryer to 160°C (320°F).
- Brush the tops of the buns with milk for a glossy finish.
- Place the buns in the air fryer and bake at 160°C for 10 minutes.
- Remove the buns, brush with a honey-water mixture (1:1 ratio of honey to water), and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Return the buns to the air fryer for another 8 minutes, or until golden and fragrant.
Features
1. Rich Flavor and Texture
- These buns are deliciously soft inside with a crisp outer crust. The honey glaze adds a sweet aroma, blending beautifully with the milk-rich dough.
2. Simple to Make
- This recipe uses an air fryer, making it accessible and straightforward without needing a traditional oven. The ingredients are basic pantry staples, easy to find and prepare.
3. Healthier Choice
- Compared to deep-fried buns, these air-fried honey buns use less oil, making them a healthier option without compromising on flavor. Perfect for all ages!
Try these honey air fryer buns at home and enjoy a delicious, crispy, and soft bun that everyone will love!
Air Fryer Honey Buns
Air fryer honey buns are a beloved treat that combines a crispy, golden crust with a soft and sweet interior. Unlike many traditional Chinese buns, which are often steamed and have a pale, white surface, these buns are baked in an air fryer, giving them a unique golden color and a slightly different texture.
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Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Whole milk: 120g for moisture and creaminess in the dough
- Egg: 1 for added nutrition and dough elasticity
- Sugar: 20g to sweeten the buns
- Salt: 2g to enhance flavor
- Cooking oil: 20g for a moist texture
- Instant yeast: 3g for dough fermentation
- All-purpose flour: 260g the main dough ingredient
- Honey: as needed for a honey glaze
- White sesame seeds: as needed for garnish
Instructions
Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine 120g whole milk, 1 egg, 20g sugar, 2g salt, 20g cooking oil, and 3g yeast. Stir well.
- Gradually add 260g all-purpose flour, mixing until a rough dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size and honeycombed inside.
Shape the Buns
- Once risen, gently press the dough to release any air bubbles.
- Divide the dough into small portions based on your preferred bun size (30-50g each is ideal).
- Shape each portion into a small ball and place them on a baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Let the dough balls rest for 20 minutes to rise again.
Bake the Buns
- Preheat the air fryer to 160°C (320°F).
- Brush the tops of the buns with milk for a glossy finish.
- Place the buns in the air fryer and bake at 160°C for 10 minutes.
- Remove the buns, brush with a honey-water mixture (1:1 ratio of honey to water), and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Return the buns to the air fryer for another 8 minutes, or until golden and fragrant.
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