Hot cross bun air fryer brownies were born after I had leftover buns sitting on the counter the day after Easter. I didn’t want another toasted bun, so I chopped them into brownie batter as an experiment. My first batch dried out because I baked them too hot. After testing this three ways, lower temperature, smaller pan, and soaking the bun pieces, I finally cracked it. Soaking the hot cross bun cubes keeps the brownies extra moist while adding that warm spiced flavor.
Why This Hot Cross Bun Air Fryer Brownies Recipe Works
Traditional brownies bake at 350°F, but air fryers cook faster and can overbake the edges. I discovered that lowering the temperature to 320°F (160°C) creates a fudgy center without drying the top.
The key is lightly soaking the chopped hot cross buns in milk before folding them into the batter. This prevents dry pockets and blends the cinnamon-raisin flavor into the chocolate base. The result is a rich, gooey brownie with subtle spiced sweetness, perfect for using up Easter leftovers.
Timing for Hot Cross Bun Air Fryer Brownies
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 15–18 minutes
Ingredients for Hot Cross Bun Air Fryer Brownies
A simple brownie base with a festive twist.
Brownie Batter:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Add-In:
- 1 hot cross bun, cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons milk (for soaking bun pieces)
Optional Toppings:
- White chocolate drizzle (to mimic cross)
- Extra chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar dusting
How to Make Hot Cross Bun Air Fryer Brownies
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes.
- Cut the hot cross bun into small cubes and toss with 2 tablespoons milk. Let sit for 3–5 minutes to soften.
- In a bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined.
- Stir in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just incorporated.
- Fold in the softened hot cross bun cubes gently.
- Pour batter into a greased 6-inch air fryer-safe pan lined with parchment.
- Place pan in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 10–12 minutes. The edges should look set while the center remains slightly soft. Internal temperature should reach about 180–190°F (82–88°C) for fudgy brownies.
- Let cool at least 10 minutes before slicing. Brownies firm up as they rest.
- Drizzle white chocolate on top to create decorative crosses if desired.
Tips for Perfect Hot Cross Bun Air Fryer Brownies
- Lower temperature is key: Prevents overbaked edges.
- Soak bun pieces: Keeps brownies moist.
- Use small pan: Promotes even cooking.
- Don’t overbake: Slight jiggle in center is ideal.
- Cool before slicing: Enhances fudgy texture.
- Add spice boost: Sprinkle extra cinnamon for more bun flavor.
Storing and Reheating Hot Cross Bun Air Fryer Brownies
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze slices for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes for warm, gooey texture.
Variations:
- Add orange zest for brightness.
- Mix in dark chocolate chunks.
- Swirl in cream cheese before cooking.
- Use chocolate hot cross buns for extra richness.
Conclusion
Hot cross bun air fryer brownies are one of my favorite creative leftover bakes. The warm spice from the buns pairs perfectly with rich chocolate, and the air fryer keeps them perfectly fudgy. It’s an easy Easter twist that feels totally new.
