Air Fryer Recipe: Soft Tiger Skin Buns with Buttermilk Filling

 

Air Fryer Soft Tiger Skin Buns with Buttermilk Filling

Air Fryer Soft Tiger Skin Buns with Buttermilk Filling

These air fryer buns offer a delightful combination of a soft, slightly chewy texture with a beautifully crackled tiger skin and a tangy, creamy buttermilk filling. They're quicker to make than oven-baked versions and deliver a unique and satisfying treat.

Yields: 6 buns

Prep time: 35 minutes (plus rising time)

Cook time: 15-18 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Buns:

  • 250g (2 cups) bread flour
  • 5g (1 1/2 tsp) instant yeast
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 150ml (2/3 cup) warm milk
  • 30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 small egg, lightly beaten

For the Tiger Skin Topping:

  • 40g (1/3 cup) rice flour
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 40-50ml (3-4 tbsp) warm water

For the Buttermilk Filling:

  • 180ml (3/4 cup) buttermilk
  • 40g (2 tbsp) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment:

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Parchment paper
  • Air fryer

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Bun Dough:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
    • Add the warm milk, softened butter, and egg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
    • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6-8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
    • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 45-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  2. Make the Tiger Skin Topping:
    • While the dough is rising, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
    • Add the sesame oil and gradually add the warm water, mixing until you have a smooth, spreadable paste.
  3. Prepare the Buttermilk Filling:
    • In a small saucepan, whisk together the buttermilk, sugar, egg yolk, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and salt.
    • Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Do not boil.
    • Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  4. Assemble and Air Fry:
    • Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air.
    • Divide the dough into 6 equal portions.
    • Shape each portion into a ball. Gently flatten each ball slightly and create a small well in the centre for the filling.
    • Spoon the cooled buttermilk filling into the centre of each bun.
    • Carefully brush the tiger skin paste evenly over the top of each bun, trying to cover the filling as much as possible.
    • Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper. Place the filled and topped buns in the air fryer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
    • Air fry at 160°C (320°F) for 15-18 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the tiger skin is nicely cracked.
    • Carefully remove the buns from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Success:

  • Warm Milk: Ensure the milk is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
  • Kneading: Knead the dough sufficiently to develop gluten for a soft and chewy texture.
  • Topping Consistency: Adjust the water in the tiger skin topping to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency similar to thick paint.
  • Filling Thickness: Cook the buttermilk filling until it's thick enough to hold its shape during baking but still creamy.
  • Air Fryer Placement: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and browning.
  • Cooling: Allow the filling to cool completely before assembling to prevent it from melting during air frying.

A Bite of Delight You Won't Regret:

Trust me on this one – these Air Fryer Soft Tiger Skin Buns with Buttermilk Filling are an absolute treat. The contrast between the soft, slightly sweet bun, the tangy and creamy burst of the buttermilk filling, and the satisfyingly crackled, savoury tiger skin is simply divine. The air fryer makes the process surprisingly easy and quick. This unique combination of textures and flavours makes these buns utterly irresistible and definitely worth the little bit of effort to bake. Prepare to be amazed!

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