Air Fryer Raspberry Buns
Air Fryer Raspberry Buns are a traditional British bake, they are really easy to make and perfect for baking in your air fryer. The buns are sweet and crumbly with a centre of oozing raspberry jam. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or a glass of milk.
What are Air Fryer Raspberry Buns?
These delicious little buns are a traditional and economical British bake. They are a bit like a rich sweet scone with some raspberry jam baked in the middle.
I’ve been making Raspberry Buns since I was about 12 years old as these buns are an easy bake for older children to make on their own. If I was bored in the evening I would often bake and these were my Dad’s favourites.
Why should I bake Raspberry Buns in my Air Fryer?
The air fryer is really convenient for small quantities. Compared to your oven, an air fryer will heat up quickly due to the smaller size and the fan. And cooking in an air fryer is about half the cost of cooking in a standard oven even when you bake in two batches. These buns bake best at quite a high heat and the circulating heat in the air fryer helps to ensure they bake evenly all over.
What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a bit like a mini oven and has the potential to cook and bake all kinds of foods. Air fryers were originally sold for their ability to create ‘fried’ food with less fat. The heating element is at the top of the air fryer and it uses a powerful fan to circulate the heat. This combination of intense heat and circulation means that food crisps up quickly.
What kind of Air Fryer can I use to make Raspberry Buns?
I have two different air fryers, a single-drawer air fryer and a larger air fryer that has shelves like an oven. You can make the Raspberry Buns in most air fryers although you may need to adjust the times and temperatures. The only kind of air fryer that would not be suitable is one with a rotating paddle.
Can I bake the Raspberry Buns in the oven?
Yes, you can bake Raspberry Buns in the oven. I have included instructions for this in the notes section of the recipe card at the end of this article.
What ingredients do I need to make Air Fryer Raspberry Buns?
You will have most of the ingredients you need in your larder and fridge. Here is what you need:
- self-raising flour
- salt
- butter
- sugar
- egg
- milk
- raspberry jam
A full list of the ingredients and the required quantities is found in the recipe card at the end of this article.
I don’t have any self-raising flour what can I substitute?
This recipe uses 225g of self-raising flour, you can use 225 g of plain (all purpose) flour and 2 1/4 tsp of baking powder.
Why do I need salt in a sweet recipe?
Salt enhances and balances flavours, even sweet flavours. Even a pinch of salt can make a big difference to the taste of your buns.
Can I use non-dairy spread instead of butter?
I make this recipe with butter because I think it adds to the flavour of the buns. However, if you wish to use a non-dairy spread then make sure it is a full fat version that is suitable for baking. I have not tested the recipe with a dairy-free spread and cannot guarantee the results.
What kind of sugar should I use?
I use caster (superfine) sugar in the Raspberry Buns but you can use standard granulated sugar if you don’t have any. The texture will be slightly more granular but they will still be delicious.
What kind of milk can I use?
I use whole milk or semi-skimmed milk for the Raspberry Buns. However, you can use any milk that you have in the fridge.
Although I have not tried plant milk in this recipe, there is no reason why it should not work just as well as dairy milk. I recommend that you try out different milk to find your own favourite as the flavour and richness of the milk will influence the taste of the scones.
I don’t have any raspberry jam, can I use another type of jam?
Raspberry jam is the traditional jam for these buns and gives them their name. You can use homemade raspberry jam or store bought jam. If you don’t have any raspberry then you can use other types of jam.
The buns are delicious with blackcurrant jam, or apricot jam. Choose a jam that doesn’t have large pieces of fruit in it as it will be more difficult to divide between the buns. Check out all my jam recipes there are lots that would be delicious to include in a bun.
How much jam do I put in each Raspberry Bun?
It is absolutely crucial that you only put 1/4 tsp in each bun. I did try making them with more jam, but it overflowed and then burned onto the top of the buns.
Can I make Air Fryer Raspberry Buns ahead of time?
Raspberry Buns are better eaten on the day they are made. You can store them in an airtight container for a day or two but they do dry out quickly. A quick blast in the microwave will help to freshen them up if you find that they have become a little dry.
Can I freeze Air Fryer Raspberry Buns?
Freeze the buns as soon as they are cool and store in the freezer in a freezer proof container or freezer bag. Defrost them on a cooling tray covered by a clean tea towel.
Vegetarian
Air fryer Raspberry Buns are suitable for vegetarians.
Gluten Free
This recipe contains wheat flour and is not suitable for a gluten free diet.
For more information regarding any dietary information provided on this website, please refer to my Nutritional Disclaimer.
How should I serve Air Fryer Raspberry Buns?
I like to serve these buns when they are still a little warm. The texture is somewhere between a soft cookie and a scone and they go particularly well with a cup of tea or coffee. Children love the raspberry jam centre and will enjoy both making and eating them.
More Air Fryer Bakes
PIN FOR LATER
Air Fryer Raspberry Buns Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- weighing scales
- Measuring spoons
- blunt knife
- Large bowl
- small bowl or measuring jug
- Whisk or fork
- baking parchment
- Cooling tray
Ingredients
- 225 grams (1¾ cups) self-raising flour
- 1 pinch salt
- 85 grams (⅓ cups) butter
- 85 grams (⅓ cups) caster sugar
- 1 medium egg
- 1 tbsp milk
- 3 tsp raspberry jam
For the glaze
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp caster sugar
Instructions
- Put 225 g (1¾ cups) self-raising flour into a large bowl.
- Cut the 85 g (⅓ cup) butter into small pieces add to the flour and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until it looks like fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the 85 g (⅓ cup) caster sugar.
- Break the medium egg into a bowl or jug and add 1 tbsp milk. Beat together then add to the flour and bring the mixture together with a knife and then your hands until you have a firm ball of dough.
- Place a piece of parchment paper in the base of your air fryer.
- Divide the dough into 10 pieces and roll each into a ball. Place 5 or 6 of the dough balls onto the parchment. Use your thumb or finger to make a hole in the centre of each dough ball and put ¼ tsp of raspberry jam in the hole in each bun.
- Then squeeze the dough up around the jam so only little shows in the centre.
- Brush the buns with milk and sprinkle with caster sugar to glaze.
- Bake the Raspberry Buns at 180C for 12 minutes.
- Once the buns are baked, open the air fryer and leave the buns for 2 minutes before removing to a cooling tray.
- Make, glaze and bake the second batch of Raspberry Buns.
- Cool the buns then serve and eat as soon as possible.
I can’t beleive I’d never heard of these before – they’re like an all in one rich scone and I’m totally here for it!
I’m delighted to have introduced a new bake for you!
These were so easy to bake in the air fryer and ready in no time. I enjoyed mine warm with a cup of tea and they were delicious.
Thanks, Lesley. They are definitely best eaten like that 🙂
These reminded me of bigger thumbprint cookies so I knew I wanted to try them as soon as I saw them. So delicious and simple to make, I’ll be making these time and time again.
It’s a very similar style to a thumbprint cookie but more scone like. I’m glad you enjoyed the buns.