Air Fryer Hamburger Buns Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Learn how to easily make fluffy, golden-brown hamburger buns right in your air fryer without heating up your kitchen!

Prep Time15

Cook Time10

Proofing Time2

Total Time2 25

Course: Bread

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 292kcal

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, warm water, and butter. Mix these ingredients until they come together to form a cohesive dough.
Knead the dough on a floured surface, ensuring it is smooth and elastic. This step is crucial in developing the bun’s texture, so don’t skimp on kneading. Aim for a dough that is slightly tacky but not sticky.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean tea towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place. This allows the dough to double in size, about 1.5 hours depending on the room temperature. The ideal temperature is 86-90°F (30-32°C)
After the dough has risen, gently deflate it and divide it into 4 equal portions (4 ounces/113 grams each). Shape each portion into a smooth ball, ensuring they are uniform in size for even baking.
Place the shaped buns in the air fryer basket that has been lined with parchment paper or brushed with oil. Do not turn on the air fryer, simply place the basket inside and allow the dough to rise until doubled.
Brush the tops with half of the melted butter (or egg wash). Set air fryer to 300°F (150°C) using the Bake setting, for 8 to 10 minutes, and allow it to preheat with the buns inside.
When buns are golden brown, and internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C), remove buns from air fryer basket and place on a wire cooling rack.
Brush the tops with additional melted butter and allow to cool before slicing and serving.

The dough should double in size during the first rise, which typically takes 1-2 hours. You can test it by gently pressing two fingers into the dough; if the indentation remains, it’s ready.
Lightly press down on the top of each bun with your hand if you prefer flatter, wider buns than I made.
If you want to add toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse salt, an egg wash acts as a glue, helping these toppings stick to the surface of the dough during baking.
Egg Wash: Whisk one egg yolk or egg white with 2 tablespoons of cold water or milk.
Store leftover buns in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag, at room temperature up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating the buns, as this can dry them out quickly.