Gluten-free Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 125 g gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
• 25 g tapioca starch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar

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Wet Ingredients

• 120 ml warm milk (~40°C, dairy or plant-based)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ packet active dry yeast (≈3.5 g)

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Optional Topping

• 1 small egg, beaten (egg wash)
• Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse salt

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Equipment Needed

• Air fryer with at least 20 cm basket
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Small spoon or cookie scoop
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Small brush for egg wash

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Part 1: Activating the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar.
2. Sprinkle yeast on top.
3. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Tip: Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.

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Part 2: Mixing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, tapioca starch, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk the egg, melted butter, apple cider vinegar, and activated yeast.
3. Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients.
4. Mix with a spatula until fully combined. Dough will be thick and sticky, like thick batter.

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Part 3: First Rise

1. Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap.
2. Let sit in a warm, draft-free place for 30–45 minutes until slightly puffed.

Tip: Gluten-free dough doesn’t double, but look for a slightly airy texture.

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Part 4: Shaping Rolls for Air Fryer

1. Cut or scoop dough into even portions (≈50–60 g each for small rolls).
2. Lightly grease your hands or spoon with oil to prevent sticking.
3. Arrange rolls close together but not touching on a parchment-lined air fryer basket.
   • You may need to cook in batches depending on basket size.
4. Optional: brush tops lightly with oil or egg wash.

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Part 5: Second Rise

1. Cover loosely with a towel.
2. Let rise 15–20 minutes while air fryer preheats.

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Part 6: Air Frying

Step 1: Preheat Air Fryer

• Preheat to 160°C (320°F) for 3–5 minutes.

Step 2: Cooking Rolls

1. Place basket in air fryer.
2. Air fry at 160°C (320°F) for 12–15 minutes.
3. Check after 10 minutes for browning.
4. Optional: brush tops with egg wash halfway through for extra gloss.

Tip: Cover lightly with foil if tops brown too fast.

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Step 3: Checking Doneness

• Rolls should be golden brown on top.
• Interior should be soft and slightly springy.
• Test by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

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Part 7: Cooling and Serving

1. Remove rolls carefully using a spatula or tongs.
2. Let cool 5 minutes in basket.
3. Serve warm for the classic pull-apart effect.

Tip: Rolls continue to firm slightly as they cool.