How to Make Crispy French Rolls in the Air Fryer

The pão francês (French roll) is a staple in Brazilian households, cherished for its golden, crispy crust and soft, airy interior. It is the heart of every breakfast table. Now, you can recreate this iconic treat at home with our easy Air Fryer French Roll recipe. It is faster, more convenient, and absolutely delicious. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients for Air Fryer French Rolls:

• 4 3/4 cups (600g) all-purpose flour;
• 2 1/4 tsp (10g) active dry yeast;
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil;
• 1 tsp salt;
• 1 1/4 cups (300ml) ice-cold water.

How to Make French Rolls in the Air Fryer:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, yeast, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, prepare your ice-cold water.
3. Add the oil to the dry flour mixture.
4. Gradually add the cold water (leaving the ice cubes behind).
5. Mix the dough thoroughly by hand.
6. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead well until smooth and elastic.
7. Adjust the consistency with a little more water or flour if the dough is too sticky or too dry.
8. Once the dough is smooth and non-sticky, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm place for 30 minutes.
9. After resting, return the dough to a floured surface.
10. Roll out the dough using a rolling pin.
11. Divide the dough into small portions, approximately 1.75 oz (50g) each.
12. Flatten each portion, then roll it up tightly to form the characteristic French roll shape.
13. Place the rolls into the air fryer basket (keep the machine off). Let them proof for 3 hours.
14. Once proofed, set the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and bake for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as air fryer models vary.
15. Once they are golden brown and crispy, remove and serve warm!
16. Enjoy!

Pro Tips:

To speed up the proofing process, you can preheat your air fryer for a minute or two before placing the dough inside. Also, be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the rolls bake evenly and achieve that perfect crunch.

Did You Know?

The pão francês is often called “salty bread” in some parts of Brazil. Despite the name, it didn’t actually originate in France! It was created in Brazil, inspired by traditional French techniques but adapted to local tastes. Today, it is the most popular bread in the country and a cornerstone of Brazilian food culture.

Did you like this recipe? Share it with your friends! We have plenty more delicious bread recipes on our site.