I first tried Sister Schubert rolls at a holiday dinner. They were soft, buttery, and full of comfort. Years later, I found them frozen at the store and tried something new. I learned how to cook Sister Schubert rolls in air fryer, and it changed everything. No oven. No mess. Just warm, golden rolls in minutes. This method is quick, easy, and perfect for beginners. You don’t need anything fancy. Even the best air fryers under $50 get great results. If you love fast, cozy food that feels homemade, keep reading. I’ll show you exactly how to do it right.
Why Use an Air Fryer for These Rolls?
There’s a reason I reach for the air fryer every time I make these rolls. It gives them a crisp top while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. The texture is spot on—better than most ovens, and faster too.
No need to wait for preheating. No heating up the whole kitchen. Just set it, drop in the rolls, and go. From frozen to golden in under 10 minutes. That’s the kind of magic I like.
Another plus? Air fryers use less power than big ovens. That means lower bills and less time spent cooking. Even the best air fryers under $50 can handle this with ease. I’ve tested it myself, using both a fancy model and a budget one. Both gave the same mouthwatering result.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
You don’t need much to get started. That’s the beauty of this recipe. Just a few simple tools, and you’re ready to go.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Frozen Sister Schubert rolls – Any variety works. Keep them frozen until cooking.
- An air fryer – Basket-style or tray-style, both do the job well.
- Butter or oil spray – Optional, but great for a golden finish.
Even budget-friendly models, like the best air fryers under $50, work great for this recipe. I’ve used one myself and was surprised by how well it crisped the rolls. So don’t worry about having the fanciest model—just a reliable one.
Follow these simple steps:
01. Preheat your air fryer
Set it to 325°F (160°C). Preheating helps the cook evenly and gives a nice golden top. Let it run for 2–3 minutes before adding.
02. Arrange the rolls in the basket
Take them straight from the freezer. Place them in a single layer with a little space between each one. This lets the hot flow all around.
03. Air fry the rolls
Cook at 325°F for 6 to 8 minutes. Check them around the 6-minute mark. They should be warm in the center and lightly browned on top.
04. Optional: Add butter or spray
Once cooked, brush the tops with melted butter or spray a bit of oil. This adds flavour and gives it a perfect, soft shine.
That’s it. No flipping. No guesswork. Just warm, fluffy in minutes—straight from freezer to table.
Pro Tips From My Kitchen
I’ve made these more times than I can count. Along the way, I picked up a few tricks that make a big difference.
Don’t overcrowd the basket.
Give each roll its own space. That helps the air move and makes the tops golden, not soggy.
Rotate the basket halfway through.
Some air fryers cook hotter in the back. A quick turn helps every roll brown evenly.
Try one roll first.
Not all fryers work the same. Cook a single roll to test your timing. Once it looks right, you’ll know how long to cook the rest.
Use butter for a glossy top.
A little melted butter after cooking adds shine and flavor. It also makes the rolls feel more homemade.
I’ve tested these tips in my own kitchen. They save time, prevent waste, and lead to better results—every single batch.
Serving Ideas to Try
These are more than just a side—they can round out any meal. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve them:
Pair with eggs for breakfast.
Slice a roll and stuff it with scrambled eggs and cheese. Add a slice of bacon or sausage for a quick breakfast sandwich.
Serve with soup or stew.
The warm, soft center soaks up broth like a dream. Try them with chicken soup, beef stew, or even chili.
Turn into mini sliders.
Add pulled pork, sliced turkey, or meatballs. They’re perfect for snacks, game days, or casual dinners.
Can I Use a Cheap Air Fryer? Yes, You Can!
You don’t need a high-end to get great results. I’ve made these rolls using one of the best air fryers under $50, and they turned out just as good as with my pricier model.
Here are a few simple tips to make it work:
- Preheat manually.
Many low-cost don’t have a preheat button. Just run it empty for 2–3 minutes before cooking. - Cook in small batches.
Cheaper models often have smaller baskets. Give each roll enough space to brown evenly. - Watch the time.
Some budget run hotter or cooler. Start with 6 minutes and check early.
That’s all it takes. No stress, no special tools. Just good food made easy.
FAQs
Do I thaw the rolls first?
Nope! Keep them frozen. That’s part of what makes this method so easy. Just place the frozen rolls straight into your preheated.
What if my air fryer doesn’t go to 325°F?
Use the closest setting—like 320°F or 330°F. Start with 6 minutes and check early. You’ll still get great results.
Can I reheat leftovers in the air fryer?
Yes! Pop the rolls back in at 300°F for 2–3 minutes. They’ll warm up fast and stay soft inside.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to cook is one of those small wins that make life easier. It’s quick, it’s simple, and the result is always delicious. No oven. No long wait. Just warm, buttery rolls in minutes.
Even if you’re new to air frying, don’t worry. This method works well with any model—even the best air fryers under $50. I’ve tried it myself, and the results were just as tasty as with higher-end machines.
