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

Cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat, but they can be time-consuming to make. However, you can use an air fryer to make them in under 10 minutes. This guide will show you how to make perfect cinnamon rolls using an air fryer, so you can enjoy a quick and easy treat any time you want!

How to make cinnamon rolls in the air fryer

Ingredients

• 1 can of cinnamon rolls (Pillsbury or other brand)
• Heavy cream (optional)
• Avocado oil (or other oil)
• Salted butter (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer: Line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper and preheat to 320°F. If you don't have foil or paper, spray the basket with a little cooking oil to prevent sticking.
• Add the rolls: Place the cinnamon rolls in the preheated air fryer in a single layer, with the cinnamon bits facing up. If you want the rolls to be crispier, place them further apart in the basket.
• Add cream (optional): Spread a little heavy cream on top of the cinnamon rolls. This will help keep them moist.
• Air fry: Cook the cinnamon rolls for 6-10 minutes at 320-360°F. Check on them regularly to make sure they don't burn. If you need to, turn the rolls over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Warm the icing: While the rolls are cooking, transfer the icing to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for around 15 seconds, or until it reaches a pourable consistency.
• Ice the rolls: Remove the cinnamon rolls from the air fryer and spread the icing on top.
• Serve: Enjoy your freshly baked cinnamon rolls!

Tips

• Check on the rolls regularly to make sure they don't burn.
• If you want crispier edges, place the rolls further apart in the basket and reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
• Rotate the basket halfway through cooking, if possible, to ensure even browning.
• Don't overcook the rolls or they will become dry and tough.

Air fryer cinnamon rolls recipe variations

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls are a quick and easy breakfast treat that can be made in under 10 minutes. Here are some variations to the basic recipe that you can try:

Cream Cheese Frosting

Instead of using the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls, you can make your own cream cheese frosting. This will give the rolls a more decadent and homemade feel.

Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls

The recipe typically uses classic small Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, but you can use bigger Pillsbury Grands for a more bakery-style experience. Just increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes and add more heavy cream to account for the larger size.

Lining the Air Fryer Basket

It is recommended to line the bottom of the air fryer basket, especially if you are using heavy cream, as it tends to leak and drip. You can use aluminum foil or parchment paper. If you are skipping the heavy cream, cooking spray can be used instead.

Checking on the Cinnamon Rolls

It is a good idea to check on the cinnamon rolls halfway through the cooking process, as different air fryers may have varying cooking times. The rolls should be soft and golden brown when done.

Adding Heavy Cream

Adding a splash of heavy cream to each roll before cooking can help keep them moist, gooey, and soft. This is especially helpful if you find that store-bought cinnamon roll dough tends to be dry.

Warming the Icing

For an extra gooey treat, warm up the icing before adding it to the warm cinnamon rolls. This will help it spread more easily and reach all the crevices in the rolls. You can also add melted butter on top for extra moistness.

Keeping the Air Fryer Temperature Low

Cooking the cinnamon rolls at a lower temperature, such as 320F, will give the best results. This ensures that the rolls get crispy on the outside while still cooking through to fluffy, doughy perfection on the inside.

Storing Pillsbury air fryer cinnamon rolls

Storing Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or place them back in the air fryer (although this may dry them out).

How to reheat cinnamon rolls in the air fryer

Reheating cinnamon rolls in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy them the next day. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat cinnamon rolls in an air fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
• Place a layer of foil in the air fryer basket (optional). This will make cleaning up easier but is not necessary.
• Place the cinnamon rolls in the air fryer basket. If you are reheating more than four cinnamon rolls, you may need to do this in batches.
• (Optional) Spray the cinnamon rolls with a little extra virgin olive oil. This will help prevent them from drying out and give them a crispy texture.
• Reheat the cinnamon rolls at 350°F for 6 minutes.

Note: Reheating cinnamon rolls in the air fryer will melt the icing.

Other Tips for Reheating Cinnamon Rolls:

• Cinnamon rolls are best consumed within three days of purchase. The longer they are left, the staler the bread becomes.
• Cinnamon rolls can be frozen and then thawed the night before you want to reheat and eat them.
• To prevent cinnamon rolls from drying out when reheating, add moisture by adding a little water or butter.
• Cover the cinnamon rolls when reheating to trap steam and keep them soft. Use aluminium foil for the oven or air fryer, and a damp paper towel for the microwave.

Can I use aluminium foil in the air fryer basket?

Yes, you can use aluminium foil in an air fryer, but it is not recommended for use in the basket of a countertop air fryer as it may obstruct airflow and cause the machine to overheat. Aluminium foil is best used in an air fryer that is also a full-sized oven, where you can place a foil-lined baking sheet or aluminium baking dish on the rack below the air fryer basket. This will help to simplify cleanup, but make sure to leave space between the basket and the baking sheet to allow for proper airflow.

If you do use aluminium foil in the basket of your air fryer, only put a layer of foil at the bottom of the basket where your food sits, not on the bottom of the air fryer itself. Air fryers work by circulating hot air, which originates at the bottom of the fryer, so lining it with foil can constrict the airflow and your food won't cook properly. Also, make sure the foil is not directly touching a heating element and is weighted down by food to avoid it getting sucked into the heating element and burning.

Frequently asked questions