Air Fryer Hot Cross Buns (Toast in 3 Minutes)

I love making air fryer toast, and that love extends to all kinds of bread - including hot cross buns, which are always in our kitchen at this time of year. Easter wouldn’t be the same without them! That's why I love making these air fryer hot cross buns. Toasted and slathered in butter, they're absolute perfection!

Delicious Hot Cross Buns - The Easy Way

Making your own hot cross buns is a fun baking project, but when I’m short on time, I happily grab ready-made buns from the store. A quick slice, a few minutes in the air fryer at 390°F (200°C), and you’ve got a beautifully toasted hot cross bun, crisp on the outside and soft inside—ready for plenty of butter.

New Ideas for Hot Cross Buns

When I was growing up, there was only one kind of hot cross bun—and honestly, that was just fine because they were delicious in their simplest form. But these days? Supermarkets are bursting with varieties: chocolate hot cross buns, gluten-free options, even sourdough and brioche versions!

While I’ll always be loyal to the classic, I love experimenting. And if you want to turn them into a dessert, why not make hot cross bun bread and butter pudding? Trust me, it’s next-level good.

A Toasty Trip Down Memory Lane

These buns bring back so many happy memories—from singing the hot cross buns song in school (scroll down for a reminder of the words!) to learning to play the tune on the recorder.

Why Air Frying is the Best Way to Toast Hot Cross Buns

The air fryer toasts them to perfection in just 3 minutes—without the risk of burning like a grill or broiler. Plus, if you’ve ever tried stuffing a hot cross bun into a regular toaster, you’ll know it’s a bit of a squeeze! The air fryer gives you plenty of space, making it ideal for toasting thicker breads like hot cross buns.

And the best part? You can toast two at once—or more in batches! Perfect if you’re making breakfast for the whole family.

How Long Do Hot Cross Buns Take in an Air Fryer?

Just 3 minutes at 390°F (200°C)—quick, easy, and foolproof!

BONUS: Easter Treat – Words to the Hot Cross Buns Song

If, like me, you cannot remember all of the words in the Hot Cross Buns Song, here they are! 😊

Hot cross buns,
Hot cross buns,
One a penny,
Two a penny,
Hot cross buns.

If you have no daughters,
Give them to your sons,
One a penny,
Two a penny,
Hot cross buns.

If your sons don’t like them,
They’re the only ones,
One a penny,
Two a penny,
Hot cross buns.

Get them while they’re hot
and eat them by the ton,
One a penny,
Two a penny,
Hot cross buns.

Using Up Leftover Hot Cross Buns

I find it hard to believe that anyone could have leftover hot cross buns - but if you do, why not use them up as the basis for a tasty dessert? For a decadent treat, you could add chocolate spread to create a tasty chocolate hot cross bun. Or turn them into a hot cross bun bread and butter pudding or the base for a festive trifle.

Have you tried toasting hot cross buns in an air fryer? What other Easter treats do you enjoy Let me know by leaving a ⭐star rating and a comment below. I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for visiting!