Air-Fried Cinnamon Rolls: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat, but they can be time-consuming to make. Air fryers offer a quicker and easier alternative to baking them in the oven. You can make cinnamon rolls from scratch or use a can of premade cinnamon rolls, such as Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls. The air fryer method takes less than 10 minutes and results in golden brown, soft, and fluffy cinnamon rolls.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 package (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ⅓ cup milk, warmed to 115°F
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons milk or cream

Method:

First, mix all the ingredients for the dough in a medium-sized bowl until it comes together in a shaggy ball. Turn it out onto the counter and knead it a few times until it is a smooth ball.

Place the dough ball in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and allow to rise in a warm place for 40 minutes until slightly risen.

While the dough is rising, combine the filling ingredients in a small bowl and stir until well mixed.

Turn the risen dough out onto a floured counter or pastry mat. Gently roll it out to an 8x8 square. Spread the cinnamon mixture over the dough, leaving about 1 inch at the top end.

Roll the dough up starting from the side closest to you, then cut into 6 equal portions.

Place the rolls in a 7-inch springform pan, leaving approximately 1 inch of space around them. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes.

Uncover the rolls, place the pan in the air fryer basket, and set the temperature to 320°F. Set the timer for 8 minutes. After 8 minutes, the rolls should be puffed up and golden brown.

While the rolls are cooking, make the icing by mixing the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until you have a smooth icing. You can add more milk if you prefer it thinner.

Remove the pan from the air fryer, let the rolls cool for about 5 minutes, then drizzle with icing and serve.

Tips:

• If your air fryer has an air fry and a bake setting, use the air fry setting for this recipe.
• You can use a regular cake pan if it fits in your air fryer, or you can line the bottom of your basket with parchment paper and cook the rolls directly in the basket.
• This recipe uses rapid-rise (instant) yeast, but you can replace it with traditional yeast. However, this will increase the rise time slightly.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls with Yogurt Frosting

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups self-rising flour
• 1 cup vanilla yogurt (Greek, coconut, or soy)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 ounces softened cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons softened butter
• 6 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Method:

• In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and yogurt and mix well until combined. If the dough is too thick, add more yogurt; if it's too thin, add more flour.
• Lightly flour a kitchen surface and transfer the dough onto it. Gently knead it several times, then roll it out into a large rectangular shape, around 1/2 inch in thickness.
• In a small bowl, add the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Using a spatula, spread the cinnamon mixture on top, reserving half an inch around the sides.
• Beginning at the long end of the dough, tightly roll it up into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into eight portions.
• Place 3 or 4 cinnamon rolls into an air fryer basket lined with parchment paper. Air fry at 350F for 7-8 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden brown.
• Remove the cinnamon rolls from the air fryer basket. Add the remaining cinnamon rolls and repeat the process until they are all cooked.
• Let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly, then add the frosting. To make the frosting, add the cream cheese and butter to a mixing bowl and beat together until combined. Finally, add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.

Tips:

• If you own an 8-inch cake tin and a large air fryer basket, you can bake the cinnamon rolls in the tin. This will also help them stick together.
• Do not overbake the cinnamon rolls, as they will dry out and become less fluffy. Remember that they will continue to cook a little as they cool.
• For aesthetic purposes, let the rolls cool to room temperature before adding the frosting.

Storage:

• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three days.
• To freeze, place the rolls in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to two months.
• To reheat, microwave the rolls for 20 seconds or reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.

Air Fryer Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

• 1 can Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls (8-count)
• Coconut oil cooking spray
• Icing (from the package)

Method:

Spray the basket of the air fryer with coconut oil cooking spray. Place the cinnamon rolls from the package evenly in the basket. Set the icing aside. Air fry the cinnamon rolls for 8 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep an eye on them and check in on them around the 7-minute mark to ensure they are cooking well. Once done, carefully remove and top with icing.

Tips:

• If the tops are browning well at the 4-5 minute mark, carefully flip the rolls over so they cook evenly on the other side.
• If you want them a bit more crispy, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• If you are using a different brand of cinnamon rolls, check on them after 6 minutes and adjust the time as needed.
• If you want to add a twist, you can top the cinnamon rolls with bacon.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 can (12.4 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Cinnamon Rolls with Original Icing (8 Count)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 oz (half of 8-oz package) cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 teaspoons milk

Method:

Cut an 8-inch round of cooking parchment paper. Place it in the bottom of the air fryer basket.

Separate the dough into 8 rolls. Cut each roll into 4 equal pieces; place 16 pieces in the bottom of the air fryer basket. Set icing aside.

Set the air fryer to 325°F; cook for 3 minutes. With tongs, turn over each piece; cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the air fryer. Repeat with the remaining 16 pieces.

Meanwhile, in a large resealable food storage plastic bag, mix cinnamon and granulated sugar. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in powdered sugar, reserved icing, and enough milk for dipping consistency.

Shake warm bites in cinnamon-sugar. Serve warm with dipping icing.

Tips:

• You can use a sugar substitute for the shake if you prefer.
• Bake in batches to avoid the pieces sticking together.
• If you are worried about them not all being warm when you serve them, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• You can use any pre-packaged cinnamon roll dough for this recipe.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups self-rising flour
• 1 cup vanilla yogurt (Greek, coconut, or soy)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 ounces softened cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons softened butter
• 6 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Method:

• In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and yogurt and mix well until combined. If the dough is too thick, add more yogurt; if it's too thin, add more flour.
• Lightly flour a kitchen surface and transfer the dough on top. Gently knead it several times, then roll it out into a large rectangular shape, around 1/2 inch in thickness.
• In a small bowl, add the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Using a spatula, spread the cinnamon mixture on top, reserving half an inch around the sides.
• Beginning at the long end of the dough, tightly roll it up into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into eight portions.
• Place 3 or 4 of the cinnamon rolls into an air fryer basket lined with parchment paper. Air fry at 180C/350F for 7-8 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden brown.
• Remove the cinnamon rolls from the air fryer basket. Add the remaining cinnamon rolls and repeat the process until they are all cooked.
• Let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly, then add the frosting. To make the frosting, add the cream cheese and butter to a mixing bowl and beat together until combined. Add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.

Tips:

• If you want the frosting to remain on top for aesthetic purposes, let the rolls cool to room temperature before adding it.
• To store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three days.
• To freeze: Place the rolls in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to two months.
• To reheat: Microwave the rolls for 20 seconds or reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently asked questions