Air-Fryer Cinnamon Rolls: A Quick, Crispy, And Delicious Treat!

Cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat, but they can be time-consuming to make. Air fryers offer a quick and easy way to cook them, with most recipes taking less than 10 minutes. You can use pre-made cinnamon roll dough, such as Pillsbury, or make your own dough from scratch. The air fryer gives the rolls a light, crispy texture and cooks them evenly, with no need to preheat. You can also get creative and add extras like heavy cream or bacon to your cinnamon rolls.

Cinnamon rolls in the air fryer: preparation and ingredients

Ingredients

You can make cinnamon rolls in an air fryer using either a pre-made can of cinnamon rolls, such as Pillsbury, or by making the dough from scratch.

Using a can of cinnamon rolls

• 1 can of Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls (8-count)
• Heavy cream (optional)
• Icing (usually included with the cinnamon rolls)

Making the dough from scratch

• Self-rising flour
• Vanilla yoghurt
• Butter (melted)
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)

Preparation

Using a can of cinnamon rolls

• Preheat the air fryer to 320°F and line the basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper.
• Place the cinnamon rolls in the basket and spread heavy cream on top (optional).
• Cook for 8 minutes. Check the rolls at the 6-7 minute mark as air fryers may vary.
• Warm the icing in the microwave for 15 seconds and spread on top of the rolls.

Making the dough from scratch

• Mix the flour and vanilla yoghurt until a thick dough is formed.
• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth.
• Roll the dough out into a large, rectangular shape.
• Mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl and spread on the dough, leaving a 1/4-inch gap around the sides.
• Tightly roll up the dough into a log shape and slice into 8-9 equal pieces.
• Place 3-4 cinnamon rolls in the air fryer basket, lined with parchment paper, and air fry at 350°F for 7-8 minutes.
• Let the cinnamon rolls cool and add frosting.

Tips

• If you are making the dough from scratch, you can use a cake tin to bake the cinnamon rolls in. This will help them stick together.
• Do not overbake the cinnamon rolls as they will dry out.
• For a vegan option, use vegan butter, cashew cream cheese, and almond/oat milk.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The cooking time and temperature for cinnamon rolls in an air fryer vary depending on the brand and size of the rolls, as well as the specific air fryer model being used. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed for optimal results.

For regular-sized Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the rolls for 8 minutes. This should result in cinnamon rolls that are fully cooked with golden brown tops. If using a different brand or smaller cinnamon rolls, it is suggested to start with a shorter cooking time of around 5 minutes and adjust as needed.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary in terms of how they heat and cook food. Therefore, it is recommended to check on the cinnamon rolls periodically during the cooking process to ensure they are not overcooking or burning. Additionally, some air fryer models may require flipping the rolls halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

For homemade cinnamon rolls, the air fryer temperature and cooking time can differ. One recipe suggests air frying the cinnamon rolls at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-8 minutes, while another recommends 390 degrees Fahrenheit for a total of 8 minutes. It is important to note that homemade cinnamon rolls may require a longer preparation and proofing time before they can be cooked in the air fryer.

In conclusion, the temperature and cooking time for cinnamon rolls in an air fryer will depend on the specific brand and size of the rolls, as well as the model of the air fryer. It is always a good idea to keep a close eye on the cinnamon rolls during the cooking process to ensure optimal results.

Air fryer basket preparation

• First, decide whether to use aluminium foil, parchment paper, or cooking spray to line your air fryer basket. All three options are safe to use and can help prevent sticking and make clean-up easier. If using foil or parchment paper, cut it to fit snugly in the bottom of your basket. If using cooking spray, coat the basket evenly.
• Place the cinnamon rolls in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the rolls in batches.
• If desired, add a splash of heavy cream to the top of each cinnamon roll before cooking. This helps keep them moist and gives them a more homemade texture.
• Set the air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually between 320-360 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not preheat the air fryer, as this is not necessary.
• Cook the cinnamon rolls for 7-9 minutes, checking on them regularly to ensure they don't overcook. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to flip the rolls halfway through to ensure even browning.
• While the cinnamon rolls are cooking, prepare the icing by transferring it to a microwave-safe bowl and heating it for about 15 seconds, or until it reaches a pourable consistency.
• Once the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and spread the icing evenly on top.
• Serve and enjoy!

Remember that every air fryer is different, so you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time slightly to get the best results. Always keep an eye on your cinnamon rolls while they're cooking to prevent overcooking or burning. With proper preparation and attention, your air fryer cinnamon rolls are sure to turn out delicious!

Cinnamon roll toppings

Cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat, but did you know that with a variety of toppings, you can take them to the next level? Here are some mouth-watering topping ideas to elevate your cinnamon rolls and impress your taste buds!

Classic Sweet Toppings

The most well-known and beloved topping for cinnamon rolls is the cream cheese frosting. This frosting strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess, with a creamy texture that beautifully complements the warm, gooey rolls. It's a versatile choice that serves as a blank canvas for other toppings. To make it, simply mix cream cheese and softened butter, gradually adding powdered sugar until you achieve the desired consistency.

Another classic option is a vanilla glaze. This simple glaze adds a subtle sweetness and an irresistible shine to your cinnamon rolls. It's easy to make by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle it over freshly baked rolls for a delightful treat.

For those who crave a deeper flavour, a caramel drizzle is an excellent choice. This topping adds a buttery richness and a gooey, sticky texture to your cinnamon rolls. Simply heat store-bought caramel sauce or make your own by melting ingredients like butter, cream, and sugar in a pan.

Nutty and Crunchy Toppings

If you're a fan of texture and flavour contrast, consider adding some nutty and crunchy toppings to your cinnamon rolls. Toasted nuts and seeds, such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds, not only provide a delightful crunch but also a subtle smoky flavour. To enhance their flavour, you can mix them with honey or maple syrup before toasting.

For a sweet and nutty twist, toasted coconut flakes are a perfect choice. Baked until golden brown, these flakes add a crunchy surprise to every bite.

Fruity and Fresh Toppings

Fruity toppings bring a refreshing twist to your cinnamon rolls. A fresh fruit compote, made by cooking sliced fruit with lemon juice, adds a burst of flavour and a beautiful contrast in texture. Berries, apples, or peaches are excellent choices for this topping.

For a bright citrusy kick, try an orange glaze. This glaze is made by mixing fresh orange juice, powdered sugar, and cornstarch, then drizzling it over warm cinnamon rolls. The tangy flavour pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the rolls.

Savory and Surprising Toppings

If you're feeling adventurous, try some savoury and surprising toppings that will take your cinnamon rolls to the next level. Maple bacon crumbles add a fun contrast of salty and crispy bacon with the sweet and sticky maple syrup.

For a unique and fragrant experience, chai spice icing is a wonderful choice. This topping combines spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves, enhancing the natural warmth of the cinnamon rolls.

Easy and Delicious Toppings

Sometimes, simplicity is key. A dusting of powdered sugar on slightly cooled cinnamon rolls can add a sweet and elegant touch without overwhelming the flavours.

For a cool and creamy contrast to the warm rolls, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a perfect pairing. As the ice cream melts, it creates a sweet sauce that blends beautifully with the cinnamon flavour.

Storing and reheating cinnamon rolls

Cinnamon rolls can be stored in a few different ways depending on whether they have been baked or iced, and how long you plan to store them. Here is a comprehensive guide to storing and reheating cinnamon rolls.

Storing Cinnamon Rolls

Storing Unbaked Cinnamon Rolls

• Store in the refrigerator (loosely covered, not airtight) overnight.
• For longer storage, freeze the unbaked rolls for up to a month. Place the rolls on a tray lined with parchment paper in the freezer for 1-2 hours until frozen, then wrap with plastic and seal in an airtight container.

Storing Baked Cinnamon Rolls

• Unfrosted cinnamon rolls can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Wrap tightly in plastic and seal in an airtight container or a layer of aluminium foil, keeping them out of direct sunlight.
• For longer storage, place the rolls in the fridge for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Seal the rolls tightly with plastic wrap and then in an airtight container.

Reheating Cinnamon Rolls

Using an Air Fryer

• Preheat the air fryer to 300°F or 350°F.
• Place the cinnamon rolls in the air fryer basket, either directly on a piece of aluminium foil or on a baking pan/parchment paper liner.
• Reheat for 2-3 minutes, checking regularly to ensure they don't burn.

Using a Microwave

• Place the cinnamon rolls on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel.
• Reheat for 20-30 seconds for one roll, or 30-60 seconds for multiple rolls.

Using an Oven

• Preheat the oven to 275°F or 350°F.
• Place the cinnamon rolls in a baking dish and add a small amount of water (about 1 teaspoon) per roll.
• Cover the dish with aluminium foil and reheat for 10-15 minutes.

Tips

• Cinnamon rolls are best stored unfrosted. If you plan to frost the rolls, do so just before serving.
• Always allow frozen cinnamon rolls to thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before reheating.
• To keep cinnamon rolls moist, pour a bit of heavy cream (1/4 to 1/2 cup for every 6 rolls) over the unbaked rolls before putting them in the oven.
• To prevent cinnamon rolls from drying out when reheating, add a small amount of water or butter to the rolls.

Frequently asked questions