Air Fryer Pineapple Bun Recipe (Chinese) | Easy and Delicious

The Air Fryer Pineapple Bun Chinese Recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy this beloved Hong Kong-style pastry. Traditionally, pineapple buns have a sweet, crunchy topping and soft, fluffy interior. By using an air fryer, you can recreate the crispy top and soft base without deep frying, making it a healthier option. To start, prepare a simple dough with flour, sugar, yeast, and butter, letting it rise until it doubles in size. For the topping, mix butter, sugar, and flour until it forms a smooth paste. Roll the dough into small balls, then flatten them, adding a layer of the sweet topping. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes, until golden and fragrant. The result is a perfect balance of crunch and softness, making this Air Fryer Pineapple Bun Chinese Recipe a great treat for any occasion.

Air Fryer Pineapple Bun Recipe (Chinese) | Easy and Delicious

Pineapple bun, or “Bolo Bao,” is a beloved pastry in Chinese bakeries, particularly popular in Hong Kong. Despite its name, the bun doesn’t contain pineapple—it’s named after its crispy, sugary, pineapple-like topping. This treat is soft and slightly sweet with a crunchy topping that provides a delightful contrast in texture. Traditionally, Pineapple Buns are baked in an oven, but with the rise in popularity of air fryers, this recipe has been adapted to suit the quicker, more energy-efficient method of cooking. This Air Fryer Pineapple Bun recipe allows you to enjoy the delicious taste and texture of the traditional pastry in less time, making it a perfect snack or dessert for busy days.

Cuisine: Chinese, Hong Kong, Cantonese

Course: Dessert, Snack

Servings: 8 Buns

Calories (per serving): 280 calories (approx.)

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Ingredients:

For the Bun:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup water (adjust as needed)

For the Pineapple Topping:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 egg yolk
• A few drops of yellow food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bun Dough:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve the sugar and yeast, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
   • Add the flour, melted butter, salt, and egg to the yeast mixture. Stir until the ingredients come together to form a dough.
   • Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
2. Make the Pineapple Topping:
   • In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the flour, baking powder, salt, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. The dough should be firm and smooth.
   • If you want the topping to be yellow like a real pineapple, you can add a few drops of yellow food coloring.
   • Once the topping is ready, transfer it to a piece of parchment paper and roll it into a log. Cut the log into 8 equal pieces, and set them aside.
3. Shape the Buns:
   • Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions.
   • Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a sheet of parchment paper or an air fryer-safe tray.
   • Flatten each dough ball slightly to form a disc shape.
   • Take one piece of the pineapple topping and flatten it into a disc, then place it on top of each bun. Press it gently so that the topping sticks to the dough.
4. Air Fry the Buns:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 330°F (165°C).
   • Arrange the buns in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s enough space for them to expand without touching each other.
   • Air fry the buns for 10-12 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and slightly cracked. The buns should be soft and golden on the bottom.
   • If necessary, you can air fry in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once the buns are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. These buns are best enjoyed warm, and they make for a delicious afternoon snack or dessert.

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Nutrition (per serving, approx.):

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 160mg

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Prep Time: 15 minutes

Active Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 1 hour (for dough rise)
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

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Equipment:

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or hand mixer (for the topping)
• Rolling pin
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Parchment paper or air fryer-safe tray

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Tips for the Best Pineapple Buns:

• Use fresh yeast: Ensure the yeast is fresh for the best rise in the dough. If the yeast mixture doesn’t become frothy after 5 minutes, it could mean that the yeast is no longer active.
• Adjust the consistency: If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour. If it’s too dry, add a little more water.
• Topping texture: The pineapple topping should be slightly firm but not too hard. Be sure not to overmix the topping ingredients, as this can lead to a tough texture.
• Air fryer variations: Depending on your air fryer model, cooking time may vary. Keep an eye on the buns, and check for golden brown color on the topping.

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Why Make Air Fryer Pineapple Buns?

Making pineapple buns in an air fryer has several benefits. First, it cuts down on baking time, making this recipe a faster alternative to the traditional oven method. Second, it uses less energy, which is perfect for those who want to avoid using a full oven. Air frying gives the buns a beautifully crisp topping while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. It’s also a great way to achieve a similar texture to the bakery version without the hassle of using a conventional oven.

Additionally, this air fryer version of the Pineapple Bun maintains the signature sweet and buttery flavor, ensuring it remains an irresistible treat with fewer steps and less waiting time.

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Conclusion:

The Air Fryer Pineapple Bun recipe is a fun and easy twist on a traditional Chinese bakery favorite. With its airy, sweet bun and crunchy topping, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and is perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert. The air fryer makes this recipe quicker and more convenient, while still delivering that classic taste and texture. Enjoy it with a cup of tea, and indulge in this delightful treat!