If you're craving a fresh batch of hot cross buns this easter, but don't want the hassle of turning your kitchen into a bakery all day, this hack might be just for you. A clever new air fryer method means you can have beautifully golden, fluffy hot cross buns with minimal fuss, and no need to switch on the oven. Food blogger Farmersgirlkitchen has shared her go-to recipe for small-batch buns made entirely in the air fryer.

While the full process, including rising, takes around two and a half hours, the actual baking time is just 15 minutes, making this the ultimate shortcut for busy home bakers. “These air fryer hot cross buns are soft, spicy, and absolutely perfect for Easter,” says creator Janice Pattie. “They don’t have any preservatives like the supermarket versions, and taste so much better fresh.”

After a simple knead and a good rise, the dough is divided into four buns, piped with traditional flour crosses, and baked at 160°C in the air fryer for 15 minutes, plus 2 more if needed for extra colour.

Once out, a sugar-milk glaze gives them that bakery-style sheen. They’re best enjoyed warm, slathered with butter, and maybe a bit of jam if you’re feeling indulgent.

And while this isn't a "five-minute recipe," the use of the air fryer drastically cuts down baking time and energy use, delivering freshly baked buns faster than traditional methods.

Perfect for a cosy Easter breakfast or a mid-afternoon treat, these buns prove that the air fryer isn’t just for chips, it can be used for baking too.