Air-Fried Cinnamon Rolls: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat, but they can be time-consuming to make. Fortunately, air fryers offer a quick and easy way to cook them. You can make cinnamon rolls from scratch or use pre-made dough, such as Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls. The air fryer method is faster than traditional baking and results in warm, fluffy, and golden brown rolls. The cooking time varies depending on the air fryer model, but it typically takes around 6-10 minutes at 350-390°F. You can also add a creative twist to your cinnamon rolls by topping them with icing, cream cheese frosting, or even bacon!

Cinnamon roll preparation

Cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat, but they can take a lot of time, patience, and effort to prepare. However, using an air fryer can significantly speed up the process. Here is a step-by-step guide to making cinnamon rolls in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by proofing your dough. This is an essential step to ensure your cinnamon rolls are soft and fluffy. Proof the dough for at least an hour to give it time to rise. You can use the inside of your microwave to speed up this process. After proofing, knead the dough for around 5 minutes. Be careful not to over-knead, as this can affect how well the dough rises.

Step 2: Create the Filling

Prepare a cinnamon butter mixture and spread it evenly over the dough. Then, carefully roll up the dough from the long end, sealing the edge gently. This recipe typically yields 6-8 thick cinnamon rolls.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350-390°F. It is important to note that not all air fryers are the same, and you may need to adjust the temperature and timing based on your specific model.

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Line the basket of your air fryer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you don't have parchment paper, you can use aluminium foil or grease the basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.

Step 5: Place the Cinnamon Rolls in the Basket

Evenly space out the cinnamon rolls in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Step 6: Air Fry the Cinnamon Rolls

Place the basket in the air fryer and cook the cinnamon rolls for 5-8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model. The rolls should be golden brown and almost cooked through.

Step 7: Flip and Cook Again

Using a spatula, carefully flip the cinnamon rolls and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a golden colour on both sides.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

While the cinnamon rolls are cooking, prepare your frosting. You can make a simple frosting by mixing all the ingredients in a large bowl and beating them with a handheld electric mixer for 1-2 minutes until fluffy and smooth. Alternatively, you can make a cream cheese frosting for a more decadent touch.

Step 9: Remove, Frost, and Serve

Once the cinnamon rolls are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate or tray to cool slightly. Then, spread the frosting evenly on top and serve while they're still warm.

Storage and Reheating:

Leftover cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to two months. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes or microwave them for 20 seconds.

Using an air fryer is a convenient and quick way to prepare cinnamon rolls, and with these steps, you'll be able to enjoy warm, fluffy, and delicious cinnamon rolls in no time!

Air fryer settings

If you are using a pre-made or canned cinnamon roll, like Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls, the preparation is simple. Start by spraying the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray or coconut oil spray. Then, place the cinnamon rolls in the basket, leaving some space between each roll to allow for even cooking. If you are using a small air fryer, you may need to cook the rolls in batches. Set your air fryer to 350°F to 390°F and cook the cinnamon rolls for 6 to 9 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, especially after the 6-minute mark, to ensure they don't burn. The rolls are done when they are golden brown and cooked through the middle. If you prefer your cinnamon rolls with a crispy texture, you can cook them for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.

For homemade cinnamon rolls made from scratch, the preparation is a bit different. First, proof your dough for at least an hour to allow it to rise and activate the gluten. Then, roll out the dough, spread the cinnamon butter mixture, and roll it up. Cut the rolled-up dough into individual cinnamon rolls. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and line the basket with parchment paper. Place the cinnamon rolls in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook the rolls for about 5 minutes, and then flip them over. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until they are golden and cooked to your liking.

Remember that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it's important to keep an eye on your cinnamon rolls during the cooking process to avoid overcooking or burning.

Cooking time

The cooking time for cinnamon rolls in an air fryer varies depending on the brand of the cinnamon rolls, the size of the air fryer, and personal preferences for texture and taste.

For Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls, the cooking time is between 6 to 10 minutes at 350˚F to 360˚F. It is recommended to flip the rolls halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on both sides. Some recipes suggest cooking the rolls for 6 minutes at 350˚F, then flipping and cooking for an additional 4 minutes. Others recommend cooking at 360˚F for 8 minutes, with an option to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes for a crispier texture. It is important to note that air fryers heat differently, so it is advised to check on the rolls after 6 or 7 minutes to ensure they are cooking properly and to prevent burning.

For homemade cinnamon rolls, the cooking time may vary. One recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 390°F and cooking the rolls for about 5 minutes, flipping them, and then cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This recipe emphasizes the importance of not overlapping the rolls in the air fryer to ensure proper cooking.

The cooking time can be adjusted based on personal preferences for the texture and taste of the cinnamon rolls. For a softer and fluffier roll, a shorter cooking time may be preferred. For a crispier texture, cooking for a slightly longer duration may be desired. It is important to monitor the rolls closely during cooking to prevent overcooking or burning.

Icing the rolls

If you want to make your own icing, you can make a simple glaze using powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. You can blend these to your desired consistency for a sweet finish. If you want to add something a little different, consider toppings such as crushed nuts, chocolate chips, or cream cheese frosting.

You can also experiment with drizzle combinations like maple syrup or caramel. If you are reheating your cinnamon rolls, you may need to add more icing after the reheating process.

Storing leftovers

Cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them to enjoy later. If you plan to eat the cinnamon rolls within two days, you can store them at room temperature. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or place them in a plastic bag. This will prevent them from drying out and keep them fresh for up to two days.

If you want to keep the cinnamon rolls for a week, it is best to store them in the refrigerator. Place them in a plastic bag or wrap them tightly in foil, ensuring they are covered. This will preserve their freshness for up to a week.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the cinnamon rolls. Wrap them tightly in plastic freezer wrap or aluminium foil, or place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen cinnamon rolls can be stored for up to three months.

When you are ready to enjoy your frozen cinnamon rolls, simply thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If you froze them unbaked, you can then continue with the baking and icing process. If they were baked before freezing, warm them in the oven for a few minutes and ice them while they are still warm.

Frequently asked questions