The Best Light Air Buns Recipe
These Light Air Buns are so much better than any typical bun you’d find at the grocery store. They are the perfect addition to Thanksgiving dinner or any special occasion where you really want to impress your guests.
Out of all the great recipes my grandmother left me with, this has always been one of my favorites. There really aren’t too many things better in life than homemade warm buns fresh out of the oven.
They were always such a special treat growing up. Whenever I’d go visit my grandmother I could always count on fresh buns at any given time.
She would typically also have a batch of her Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls or her Heart Shaped Jam Thumbprint Cookies.
Many people seem to be intimidated to make homemade dinner rolls, which is completely understandable. After the first time you make them the process seems a lot less scary.
All you need is a few dry ingredients, butter, eggs, a greased bowl, an oven and the right recipe. This recipe doesn’t require a hand mixer as I’ve continued to make it exactly how my grandmother used to, without any fancy kitchen tools.
Table of Contents
THE INGREDIENTS FOR THE BEST HOMEMADE DINNER ROLLS
You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the bread dough (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):
- TRADITIONAL ACTIVE DRY YEAST
- WHITE SUGAR
- WATER
- BUTTER
- SALT
- WHITE VINEGAR – this is the secret ingredient in these air buns. The vinegar keeps the yeast happy and helps it to work better, resulting in the buns expanding.
- PASTURE-RAISED EGGS
- ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR – you could substitute whole wheat flour to make whole wheat bread, although it’s not near as good as white homemade buns.
FOOL-PROOF AIR BUN RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS
ACTIVATE THE YEAST
Start by warming water on the stove, or simply add lukewarm water from the tap, approximately 115 degrees F. I rarely use a thermometer, I just ensure that the water is warm to the touch.
If the water is too hot, it will kill the yeast. If the water is too cold, it won’t activate the yeast.
In a small bowl, dissolve the tsp sugar into the water. Add the active dry yeast to water (do not mix).
Put the bowl in the oven with light on (without heat) or in another warm place, and let stand until foamy. If it does not foam up, throw it away and start again.
BEGIN MAKING THE DOUGH
Add the melted butter to a large mixing bowl. Then add sugar, salt, vinegar and warm water.
Add eggs, ensuring the mixture is not too hot or the eggs will begin to cook (this step is optional). Then add the yeast mixture.
Begin adding one cup of flour at a time. Once you have added about 5 cups, the mixture may be too tough to mix with a spatula.
Switch to using your hands, and begin to knead and punch dough. Knead for approximately 8 minutes, until the dough looks smooth and doesn’t fall through your fingers while holding it.
LET DOUGH RISE
Grease a large bowl all around the sides (bowl must be at least 3 times the size of the dough). Put a clean tee towel over the bowl and put in the oven with the oven light on (again, no heat).
Let rise for 1.5-2 hours, until doubled in size.
MAKE DOUGH BALLS
Cut off small pieces of dough, about the size of an egg, and shape them into small balls. Then place them into a greased baking pan or cookie sheet.
You will want each dough ball approximately 1 inch apart. Then cover and let rise for another hour.
BAKE THE AIR BUNS
Bake at 400 degrees F for 14-18 minutes until golden brown. Watch your oven as temperatures may vary.
Let cool for 5-10 minutes, then brush with more butter.
HOW TO STORE LEFTOVER BUNS
Air buns stay god at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
You can also store them in the freezer for up to 2 months by wrapping them in plastic wrap and putting them in an airtight container. Warm them slightly in the microwave when ready to serve, keeping in mind they will not be as good as fresh from the oven.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS DELICIOUS RECIPE
- Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast Recipe
- Easy Low Carb Spinach Dip Recipe
- Copycat Starbucks Egg White Bites
- Gluten Free Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
The Best Light Air Buns Recipe
These Light Air Buns are so much better than any typical bun you'd find at the grocery store. They are the perfect addition to Thanksgiving dinner or any special occasion where you really want to impress your guests.
Ingredients
YEAST MIXTURE
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 package traditional active dry yeast
FOR AIR BUN DOUGH
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted. And more for brushing over the buns once they're fresh out of the oven
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 3 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 eggs
- 9 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
ACTIVATE THE YEAST
- Warm the water on the stove or add lukewarm water from the tap. If the water is too hot it will kill the yeast, if it's too cold it will not activate the yeast. Should be around 115 degrees F, and warm to the touch.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the water. Then sprinkle the yeast on the top of the water mixture. Do not mix.
- Put the bowl in the oven with the light on (without heat) or in another warm place and let stand till foamy. If it does not foam up, throw away and start again.
BEGIN MAKING THE DOUGH
- Add melted butter to a large mixing bowl. Then add the sugar, salt, white vinegar, and warm water. Once water has cooled slightly, add eggs. You do not want to add the eggs while the water is hot or it could cook the eggs. Then add yeast mixture.
- Begin adding one cup of flour at a time. Once you have added about 5 cups, the dough may be too sticky and tough to mix with a spatula. Switch to mixing with your hands, and begin to knead the dough. Knead for approximately 8 minutes or until the dough looks smooth and doesn't fall through your fingers while holding it.
LET DOUGH RISE
- Grease a large bowl all around the sides (bowl should be at least 3 times the size of the dough). Put a clean tee towel over the bowl and put in the oven with the oven light on (again, no heat). Let rise for 1.5-2 hours or until doubled in size.
MAKE DOUGH BALLS
- Cut off small pieces of dough, about the size of an egg, and shape them into small balls. Then place them in a greased baking pan. You want each dough ball approx 1 inch apart. Then cover and let rise for another hour or so.
BAKE THE AIR BUNS
- Bake at 400F for 14-18 minutes until top are golden brown. Watch closely as temperatures may very from oven to oven. Remove from oven and brush with more melted butter. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
35Serving Size:
1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 121Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 99mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 3g
The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.
Amazing!!!!!!!
How many eggs?
Hi Jim,
Thank you for catching that! It’s two eggs, just updated the recipe card!