Soft, fluffy and filled with warm spice, these air fryer hot cross buns are a simple twist on the Easter classic. If you want homemade hot cross buns without turning on the oven, this easy air fryer recipe is a great option. They have all the comforting flavour you’d expect from traditional hot cross buns, with a golden top, soft centre and glossy finish, but cook faster and more conveniently in the air fryer.
Perfect for Easter baking, weekend treats or a cosy afternoon bake, these easy air fryer hot cross buns are made with pantry staples like flour, yeast, milk, butter and spices. Studded with sultanas or raisins and finished with the classic flour cross and sticky glaze, they are ideal if you are after a homemade hot cross bun recipe that feels traditional but fits into a modern kitchen routine.
Ingredients
For the buns
3 1/2 cups plain flour
1/4 cup caster sugar
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon mixed spice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup warm water
60g butter, melted
1 egg
1 cup sultanas or raisins
For the crosses
1/2 cup plain flour
5 to 6 tablespoons water
For the glaze
2 tablespoons apricot jam
1 tablespoon hot water
Method
In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, caster sugar, instant yeast, cinnamon, mixed spice, nutmeg and salt. Stir through the sultanas or raisins so they are evenly distributed through the dry mixture.
In a separate jug or bowl, whisk together the warm milk, warm water, melted butter and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough begins to form.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for around 8 to 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a small amount of extra flour, but try not to overdo it as a softer dough will give you fluffier buns.
Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean tea towel or cling film, and leave it in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
Line the base of your air fryer basket or tray with baking paper. Arrange the dough balls close together, leaving a little space between them for the second rise. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in two batches.
Cover the buns loosely and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes, until they look puffy.
To make the crosses, mix the plain flour and water together until you have a thick but pipeable paste. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag or small zip-lock bag, snip the corner, and pipe a cross over each bun.
Preheat the air fryer to 160°C for a few minutes. Air fry the hot cross buns for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden on top and cooked through. Keep an eye on them, as different air fryer models can vary. If they begin to brown too quickly, place a piece of foil loosely over the top for the final few minutes.
To make the glaze, stir the apricot jam and hot water together until smooth. Brush the glaze over the buns while they are still warm for a shiny, bakery-style finish.
Serve warm with butter, or let them cool and toast them the next day.
Why you’ll love this recipe
These air fryer hot cross buns are perfect if you want the comfort of homemade Easter baking without the need for a full oven bake. The air fryer makes the process quicker and more convenient, while still giving you beautifully soft, fluffy buns with that classic golden finish.
You’ll also love how simple and approachable the recipe is. Made with everyday ingredients and easy steps, it is ideal for beginner bakers as well as anyone looking for a reliable homemade hot cross bun recipe. The warm spices and sweet dried fruit keep the flavour traditional, while the air fryer gives it a modern, fuss-free edge.
They are also a great small-batch baking option. If you do not want to make a huge tray in the oven, these easy air fryer hot cross buns are a lovely way to bake a manageable batch for Easter brunch, afternoon tea or a weekend treat.
Tips for success
Make sure your milk and water are warm, not hot, as too much heat can affect the yeast and stop the dough from rising properly.
Take the time to knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This helps create the soft, fluffy texture that makes homemade hot cross buns so good.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. The buns need a little room to rise and cook evenly, so it is often better to cook in batches if needed.
Keep an eye on the buns in the final few minutes of cooking, as air fryers can brown the tops quite quickly.
Brush the glaze over the buns while they are still warm so it melts slightly into the surface and gives them that glossy finish.
How to store and freeze
These air fryer hot cross buns are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made, but they will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To freshen them up, warm them slightly in the microwave, oven or toaster before serving.
If you want to freeze them, let the buns cool completely first. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature and warm through before serving.
FAQs
Can you cook hot cross buns in an air fryer? Yes, you can absolutely cook hot cross buns in an air fryer. It is a great way to make a smaller batch of homemade hot cross buns with less cooking time and no need to heat the whole oven.
How long do hot cross buns take in the air fryer? Air fryer hot cross buns usually take around 12 to 15 minutes at 160°C, depending on the size of the buns and your air fryer model.
Why are my air fryer hot cross buns browning too quickly? Air fryers can cook quite intensely from the top, so if your buns are browning too fast, loosely cover them with foil for the last few minutes of cooking.
Can I use bread flour instead of plain flour? Yes, bread flour can be used and may give the buns a slightly chewier texture. Plain flour still works very well and keeps the recipe simple.
Can I make air fryer hot cross buns without raisins? Yes, you can leave out the raisins or replace them with sultanas, currants or even chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavour.
Can I make the dough the night before? Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and leave it to rise in the fridge overnight. The next day, let it come closer to room temperature before shaping and continuing with the recipe.
How do I know when the buns are cooked through? The buns should look golden on top and feel firm but still soft to the touch. If you are unsure, you can carefully lift one and check that the underside looks cooked as well.
What is the best way to serve air fryer hot cross buns? They are delicious served warm with butter, but you can also toast them the next day and enjoy them with jam or even a little extra spice butter.
Soft, fluffy and filled with warm spice, these air fryer hot cross buns are a simple twist on the Easter classic. If you want homemade hot cross buns without turning on the oven, this easy air fryer recipe is a great option. They have all the comforting flavour you’d expect from traditional hot cross buns, with a golden top, soft centre and glossy finish, but cook faster and more conveniently in the air fryer.
Perfect for Easter baking, weekend treats or a cosy afternoon bake, these easy air fryer hot cross buns are made with pantry staples like flour, yeast, milk, butter and spices. Studded with sultanas or raisins and finished with the classic flour cross and sticky glaze, they are ideal if you are after a homemade hot cross bun recipe that feels traditional but fits into a modern kitchen routine.
Ingredients
For the buns
For the crosses
For the glaze
Method
In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, caster sugar, instant yeast, cinnamon, mixed spice, nutmeg and salt. Stir through the sultanas or raisins so they are evenly distributed through the dry mixture.
In a separate jug or bowl, whisk together the warm milk, warm water, melted butter and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough begins to form.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for around 8 to 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a small amount of extra flour, but try not to overdo it as a softer dough will give you fluffier buns.
Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean tea towel or cling film, and leave it in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
Line the base of your air fryer basket or tray with baking paper. Arrange the dough balls close together, leaving a little space between them for the second rise. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in two batches.
Cover the buns loosely and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes, until they look puffy.
To make the crosses, mix the plain flour and water together until you have a thick but pipeable paste. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag or small zip-lock bag, snip the corner, and pipe a cross over each bun.
Preheat the air fryer to 160°C for a few minutes. Air fry the hot cross buns for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden on top and cooked through. Keep an eye on them, as different air fryer models can vary. If they begin to brown too quickly, place a piece of foil loosely over the top for the final few minutes.
To make the glaze, stir the apricot jam and hot water together until smooth. Brush the glaze over the buns while they are still warm for a shiny, bakery-style finish.
Serve warm with butter, or let them cool and toast them the next day.
Why you’ll love this recipe
These air fryer hot cross buns are perfect if you want the comfort of homemade Easter baking without the need for a full oven bake. The air fryer makes the process quicker and more convenient, while still giving you beautifully soft, fluffy buns with that classic golden finish.
You’ll also love how simple and approachable the recipe is. Made with everyday ingredients and easy steps, it is ideal for beginner bakers as well as anyone looking for a reliable homemade hot cross bun recipe. The warm spices and sweet dried fruit keep the flavour traditional, while the air fryer gives it a modern, fuss-free edge.
They are also a great small-batch baking option. If you do not want to make a huge tray in the oven, these easy air fryer hot cross buns are a lovely way to bake a manageable batch for Easter brunch, afternoon tea or a weekend treat.
Tips for success
Make sure your milk and water are warm, not hot, as too much heat can affect the yeast and stop the dough from rising properly.
Take the time to knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This helps create the soft, fluffy texture that makes homemade hot cross buns so good.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. The buns need a little room to rise and cook evenly, so it is often better to cook in batches if needed.
Keep an eye on the buns in the final few minutes of cooking, as air fryers can brown the tops quite quickly.
Brush the glaze over the buns while they are still warm so it melts slightly into the surface and gives them that glossy finish.
How to store and freeze
These air fryer hot cross buns are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made, but they will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To freshen them up, warm them slightly in the microwave, oven or toaster before serving.
If you want to freeze them, let the buns cool completely first. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature and warm through before serving.
FAQs
Can you cook hot cross buns in an air fryer?
Yes, you can absolutely cook hot cross buns in an air fryer. It is a great way to make a smaller batch of homemade hot cross buns with less cooking time and no need to heat the whole oven.
How long do hot cross buns take in the air fryer?
Air fryer hot cross buns usually take around 12 to 15 minutes at 160°C, depending on the size of the buns and your air fryer model.
Why are my air fryer hot cross buns browning too quickly?
Air fryers can cook quite intensely from the top, so if your buns are browning too fast, loosely cover them with foil for the last few minutes of cooking.
Can I use bread flour instead of plain flour?
Yes, bread flour can be used and may give the buns a slightly chewier texture. Plain flour still works very well and keeps the recipe simple.
Can I make air fryer hot cross buns without raisins?
Yes, you can leave out the raisins or replace them with sultanas, currants or even chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavour.
Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and leave it to rise in the fridge overnight. The next day, let it come closer to room temperature before shaping and continuing with the recipe.
How do I know when the buns are cooked through?
The buns should look golden on top and feel firm but still soft to the touch. If you are unsure, you can carefully lift one and check that the underside looks cooked as well.
What is the best way to serve air fryer hot cross buns?
They are delicious served warm with butter, but you can also toast them the next day and enjoy them with jam or even a little extra spice butter.
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