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    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer

    Air Fryer Rock Cakes Recipe (Rock Buns)

    Published: Jun 5, 2023 by Beth Sachs · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 7 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Rock cakes pin image.

    If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make tea-time treat, then look no further than my air fryer rock cakes recipe (also known as rock buns)!

    Adapted from my Mum's recipe that she used in her Home Economics class, these rock cakes are baked to perfection in an air fryer, giving them a crispy exterior and a soft, crumbly interior.

    Two rock cakes on a blue and white plate with a glass of milk behind.

    Rock cakes are small, rustic-looking cakes that are studded with dried fruit and have a crumbly texture. They are typically made with flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and dried fruit such as currants or raisins.

    The stiff dough is scooped into small mounds and baked until golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside. Rock cakes are a classic British recipe that has been enjoyed for generations and are a popular choice for afternoon tea with a cup of tea or coffee.

    👩‍🍳 Love simple air fryer bakes? Try my air fryer scones or air fryer muffins next!

    Jump to:
    • ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!
    • 🛒 Ingredient notes
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 💭 Expert tips
    • 🍴 Serving suggestions
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🥡 Storage
    • ❓ Frequently asked questions
    • 😋More easy bakes to try!
    • More air fryer recipes
    • Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!

    • Easy to make: This recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it perfect for beginner bakers and children.
    • Delicious taste: The combination of dried fruit and sweet crumbly cake make these rock buns a delicious treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.
    • Adaptable: This recipe can be easily adapted to suit your preferences by adding different types of dried fruit or nuts.
    • Modern twist: By using an air fryer instead of a traditional oven, this recipe gives a modern twist to a classic British tea-time treat.
    • Faster cooking time: Air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens, which means you can have your rock cakes ready in no time.

    🛒 Ingredient notes

    Ingredients for rock buns.

    Self-raising flour - This type of flour contains baking powder, which helps the rock cakes rise and gives them a light texture.

    Pinch of salt - Salt is added to enhance the flavour of the rock cakes.

    Sugar - Caster sugar gives the rock buns a lovely subtle sweetness.

    Butter - Cold cubed butter is rubbed into the dry ingredients to create a crumbly texture in the rock cakes. You could also use block margarine (not spreadable).

    Dried fruit: - Dried fruit, such as raisins or currants, are added to the mixture to give the rock cakes a fruity flavour and added texture.

    Egg - The egg acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the mixture together.

    Milk - Mixed with egg to create a soft and moist texture in the rock cakes. Whole milk or semi-skimmed milk can be used.

    🔪 Instructions

    The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post

    One: Preheat the air fryer to 180C (350F) and either spray the air fryer basket with an oil spray, or line it with baking paper to prevent the rock buns from sticking. I like to cook them directly on the air fryer basket which helps the air circulate around them.

    Two: Place the self-raising flour, salt, sugar in a large mixing bowl and give it a mix. Rub the cold cubed butter into the flour mix until it resembles breadcrumbs.

    Three: Stir in the dried fruit until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

    Four: Beat the egg in a small bowl then mix it into the dough. Add the milk a tablespoon at a time (you may not need all of it) until you get a stiff dough (a fork should be able to stand up on its own).

    Five: Place mounds of dough directly into your air fryer basket and air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. This recipe makes 12 small rock cakes so you may need to air-fry them in two batches.

    Six: Allow the rock cakes to cool for a few minutes before removing them to a wire rack.

    💡Bake the rock buns in your oven instead at 190C (170 fan/ Gas 5/ 375F) for 15 minutes.

    Step by step photo instructions collage for making rock cakes in air fryer.

    💭 Expert tips

    • Cold butter is crucial for creating a crumbly texture in the rock cakes. Make sure to cube the butter before adding it to the mixture.
    • Overmixing the dough can result in tough, dense rock cakes. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
    • When shaping the dough into mounds, use a light touch to avoid compressing the mixture. This will help the rock cakes to rise and have a light texture.
    • Make sure to preheat the air fryer before adding the rock cakes. This will ensure that they cook evenly and have a crispy exterior.
    • Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent the rock cakes from sticking and make clean-up easier. Personally, I like to cook them directly on the air fryer basket but it's definitely a bigger clean-up afterwards!
    • Allow the rock cakes to cool for a few minutes in the air fryer basket before removing them. This will help them to set and maintain their shape.

    🍴 Serving suggestions

    Rock cakes are a classic British tea-time treat and are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

    For a more indulgent treat, serve the rock cakes with clotted cream and jam, similar to how you would serve scones.

    A rock cake cut in half showing the light crumbly texture.

    📖 Variations

    • Add chocolate chips to the mixture for a delicious twist on the classic recipe.
    • Add some orange zest or orange extract to the mixture for a citrusy flavour. You could also use vanilla extract.
    • Add some chopped almonds to the mixture for a nutty flavour and crunch.
    • Replace the raisins with dried cranberries and add some white chocolate chips for a festive twist.
    • Add some lemon zest and poppy seeds to the mixture for a tangy and crunchy texture.
    • Bake them in the oven instead (190C/ 170 fan) for 15 minutes.

    🥡 Storage

    Store - Once the rock cakes have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

    Freeze - To freeze the rock cakes, allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw the frozen rock cakes, remove them from the freezer and let them come to room temperature for about 1-2 hours.

    Rock buns on a plate with a glass of milk behind.

    ❓ Frequently asked questions

    Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising flour?

    Yes, but you'll need to add 2 and a half teaspoons of baking powder in order for the rock buns to rise.

    Can I use any other fruit instead of dried fruits?

    It's best to use dried fruits as fresh fruits may release water and make the dough soggy.

    Can I use other types of dried fruit in the recipe?

    Yes, you can use any type of dried fruit you prefer, such as currants, cranberries, or chopped apricots.

    Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

    Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegan margarine, the milk with a plant-based milk, and the egg with a flax egg.

    Can I make the recipe without an air fryer?

    Yes, you can bake the rock cakes in a preheated oven at 190°C/375°F for 15 minutes, or until golden brown on the outside and cooked through.

    😋More easy bakes to try!

    • Victoria Scones
    • Fruit Scones
    • Date & Walnut Scones
    • Raspberry Flapjacks

    More air fryer recipes

    • Air fryer pizza bagels with slices of chorizo.
      Quick & Easy Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
    • Crispy air fryer chicken wing close up.
      Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Hot & Spicy!)
    • Gourmet air fryer panini on a wooden board.
      Easy Air Fryer Panini (Ham & Brie)
    • Air fried cheese on toast.
      Best Air Fryer Cheese on Toast Recipe
    Two rock cakes on a plate.

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    Recipe

    Rock cakes on a blue and white plate.
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    5 from 5 votes

    Air Fryer Rock Cakes (Rock Buns)

    Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make tea-time treat? Try this air fryer rock cake recipe! Made with simple ingredients and cooked to perfection in an air fryer, these traditional rock cakes are crispy on the outside and crumbly on the inside.
    Course Baking
    Cuisine British
    Keyword air fryer rock cakes, rock buns, rock cakes
    Prep Time 8 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 8 minutes minutes
    Total Time 16 minutes minutes
    Servings 12
    Calories 160kcal
    Author Beth Sachs
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Kitchen Scales
    • Mixing Bowl
    • Air Fryer

    Ingredients

    Metric - US Customary
    • 225 g Self Raising Flour
    • Pinch of Salt
    • 85 g Caster Sugar
    • 85 g Butter cold and cubed
    • 85 g Dried Fruit
    • 1 Egg
    • 2-3 tablespoon Milk

    Instructions

    • Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and either spray the air fryer basket with an oil spray, or line it with baking paper to prevent the rock buns from sticking. I like to cook them directly on the air fryer basket which helps the air circulate around them.
    • Place the self-raising flour, salt, sugar in a large mixing bowl and give it a mix. Rub the cold cubed butter into the flour mix until it resembles breadcrumbs.
      225 g Self Raising Flour, Pinch of Salt, 85 g Caster Sugar, 85 g Butter
    • Stir in the dried fruit until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
      85 g Dried Fruit
    • Beat the egg in a small bowl then mix it into the dough with a wooden spoon. Add the milk a tablespoon at a time (you may not need all of it) until you get a stiff dough (a fork should be able to stand up on its own).
      1 Egg, 2-3 tablespoon Milk
    • Place mounds of dough directly into your air fryer basket and air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. This recipe makes 12 small rock cakes so you may need to air-fry them in two batches.
      💡Bake the rock buns in your oven instead at 190C (170 fan/ Gas 5/ 375F) for 15 minutes.
    • Allow the rock cakes to cool for a few minutes before removing them to a wire rack.

    Notes

    Expert Tips:
    • Cold butter is crucial for creating a crumbly texture in the rock cakes. Make sure to cube the butter before adding it to the mixture.
    • Overmixing the dough can result in tough, dense rock cakes. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
    • When shaping the dough into mounds, use a light touch to avoid compressing the mixture. This will help the rock cakes to rise and have a light texture.
    • Make sure to preheat the air fryer before adding the rock cakes. This will ensure that they cook evenly and have a crispy exterior.
     
    Variations:
    • Add chocolate chips to the mixture for a delicious twist on the classic recipe.
    • Add some orange zest or orange extract to the mixture for a citrusy flavour. You could also use vanilla extract.
    • Add some chopped almonds to the mixture for a nutty flavour and crunch.
    • Replace the raisins with dried cranberries and add some white chocolate chips for a festive twist.
    • Add some lemon zest and poppy seeds to the mixture for a tangy and crunchy texture.
     
    Storage:
    Store - Once the rock cakes have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
    Freeze - To freeze the rock cakes, allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. 
     
    Nutrition:
    The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
     
    Nutrition Facts
    Air Fryer Rock Cakes (Rock Buns)
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    160
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    4
    g
    6
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    0.002
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    0.2
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    0.2
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    14
    mg
    5
    %
    Sodium
     
    8
    mg
    0
    %
    Potassium
     
    81
    mg
    2
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    27
    g
    9
    %
    Fiber
     
    1
    g
    4
    %
    Sugar
     
    11
    g
    12
    %
    Protein
     
    4
    g
    8
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    29
    IU
    1
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    0.3
    mg
    0
    %
    Calcium
     
    28
    mg
    3
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Snap a pic and tag @effortlessf00d on Instagram or Twitter

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sarah Caldwell

      June 05, 2023 at 11:02 am

      Would like to makes these. I have a Ninja AF400, when you say cook directly in basket, does that mean directly in the drawer or on the crisper plate insert. Thank you

      Reply
      • Beth Sachs

        June 05, 2023 at 12:15 pm

        Hi Sarah. I would bake them on the crisper plate insert (brushed with a little oil).

        Reply
    2. Gina

      June 05, 2023 at 12:52 pm

      5 stars
      Another win for the air fryer! Love to have a little bite with my tea and this recipe is right up my alley! LOVE

      Reply
    3. Tara

      June 05, 2023 at 12:56 pm

      5 stars
      Oh yum! Such a delicious teatime treat. I love how you made these rock cakes in the air fryer.

      Reply
    4. SW

      June 05, 2023 at 1:07 pm

      5 stars
      You can't go wrong with a rock cake - especially those cooked in an air fryer. What a winner!

      Reply
    5. Holley

      June 05, 2023 at 2:07 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious little cakes! Easy-to-make and goes perfectly with my morning tea!

      Reply
    6. TAYLER ROSS

      June 05, 2023 at 2:28 pm

      5 stars
      This was my first time trying to make rock cakes, and now I wish I would've started sooner! They were delicious and I'll definitely be making them again!

      Reply

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    Beth Sachs

    Hi, I’m Beth, a Mum of three (and one crazy dog), living in Cornwall, UK. I love creating easy, delicious and fuss-free recipes, perfect for busy families, just like my own.

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