Ingredients:

2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast

1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)

1 tbsp sugar

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 cup powdered milk (optional, for a richer flavor)

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 large egg

1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)

1 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing after baking)

Instructions:

Preparing the Dough:

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and powdered milk (if using).

Add the wet ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the yeast mixture, vegetable oil, and the egg. Stir until the dough starts to come together.

Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-8 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.

First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Shaping the Pandesal:

Punch down the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Then, divide it into small, even portions (about 12-15 pieces). Roll each portion into a ball.

Coat with breadcrumbs: Roll each dough ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated. This will give the pandesal its signature crunchy exterior.

Second rise: Place the breadcrumb-coated dough balls in a parchment-lined air fryer basket or tray. Leave a little space between each ball to allow them to expand as they bake. Let them rise for another 20-30 minutes, or until they puff up.

Air Frying the Pandesal:

Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Air fry: Carefully place the pandesal balls in the preheated air fryer basket or tray. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the pandesal is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Brush with butter: Once they are done, remove the pandesal from the air fryer and immediately brush the tops with melted butter for an extra glossy finish and flavor.

Serving:

Serve the Hot Pandesal warm, and enjoy it on its own or with butter, jam, cheese, or your favorite filling.

Tips:

For softer pandesal, you can add a little more milk to the dough.

If you don’t have powdered milk, you can use regular milk instead of some of the water in the recipe.

Be sure to check your air fryer periodically while baking to avoid overcooking, as air fryer models can vary.