Air-Fryer Cinnamon Rolls: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat, but baking them in an oven can be time-consuming. Luckily, you can use an air fryer to make Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls in under 15 minutes!

Here's what you need to do: First, remove the dough from the can and set the icing aside. Place the cinnamon rolls in the air fryer basket. You can preheat your air fryer to around 320-325°F, but this isn't necessary for all models. Air fry the rolls for around 8-10 minutes, checking regularly to avoid burning. If needed, flip the rolls and air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes. Once they're done, let them cool for a few minutes, add some icing, and enjoy!

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in ensuring your cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly. While some recipes suggest a preheat temperature of 320°F, others recommend 325°F or even as low as 310°F. The ideal temperature for your air fryer will depend on the model and its unique characteristics. It's important to refer to your air fryer's instructions or user manual to determine the optimal preheat temperature and duration.

During the preheating process, you can prepare the cinnamon rolls by separating them and placing them in a single layer within the air fryer basket. If desired, you can add a splash of heavy cream on top of each roll to enhance their moisture and flavour. However, this step is optional and can be omitted if preferred.

Once the air fryer has reached the desired preheat temperature, you can proceed with the cooking process. Set the timer according to the recipe you are following, and keep a close eye on the cinnamon rolls to prevent overcooking or burning. Depending on your air fryer and the number of rolls you are cooking, the cooking time may vary, so it's important to monitor them closely.

If you are using a basket-style air fryer, it is generally not necessary to flip the cinnamon rolls during cooking. However, if you find that the bottoms are undercooked, you can try flipping them over and cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Prepare the cinnamon rolls

Preparing the cinnamon rolls is a simple and quick process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 320°F or 325°F. The preheating temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and personal preference. Preheating ensures that your cinnamon rolls cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper. This step is optional but recommended to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. If using parchment paper, cut a circle that fits snugly in the bottom of your basket. Poke a few holes in the parchment paper or foil to allow for proper air circulation. Alternatively, you can spray the basket with a light coating of cooking spray or coconut oil.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

Remove the cinnamon rolls from the packaging and set the icing aside. Place the desired number of cinnamon rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each roll to allow for even cooking.

Step 4: Optional – Add Heavy Cream

For an extra moist and decadent treat, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the top of each cinnamon roll before cooking. This step is entirely optional but can help achieve a homemade feel.

Step 5: Air Fry the Cinnamon Rolls

Close the air fryer and set the temperature to 320°F to 360°F. Air fry the cinnamon rolls for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the cinnamon rolls. For larger cinnamon rolls, such as Pillsbury Grands, increase the cooking time to 10 to 12 minutes.

Check on the cinnamon rolls periodically during the cooking process, especially if this is your first time making them in the air fryer. Some air fryers may require you to flip the cinnamon rolls halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and cooking.

Step 6: Prepare the Icing

While the cinnamon rolls are cooking, prepare the icing by transferring it to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the icing for about 15 seconds or until it reaches a pourable consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cinnamon rolls are done to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and spread the icing evenly on top. Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy the delicious treat!

Tips and Tricks:

• Always keep the cinnamon rolls refrigerated until you are ready to cook them.
• Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the cinnamon rolls in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
• Every air fryer is different, so monitor the cinnamon rolls closely the first time you make them to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
• If you find that the cinnamon rolls are sticking to the basket, try using parchment paper or aluminium foil, or adjust the cooking time and temperature.
• For a more decadent treat, make your own cream cheese frosting instead of using the provided icing.
• You can also get creative and add toppings like bacon or fruit to your cinnamon rolls.

Air fry for 8-10 minutes

Air frying your Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls for 8-10 minutes is the final step in this quick and easy recipe. The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer, so it's important to keep an eye on your rolls to avoid burning them. Some air fryer models may require you to flip the rolls halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

The ideal air fryer temperature for Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls is between 320-360 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, your cinnamon rolls should be ready in around 8 minutes, though you may need to add an extra minute or two for a crispier texture.

Once the rolls are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before applying the icing. Now you're ready to enjoy your freshly baked treat!

Warm the icing

Warming the icing is an important step in making Pillsbury cinnamon rolls in the air fryer. While the cinnamon rolls are being cooked in the air fryer, the icing can be warmed in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until it reaches a pourable consistency. Warming the icing helps it spread more evenly over the warm cinnamon rolls and reach all the crevices in the rolls for maximum deliciousness.

If you want to get creative, you can even make your own icing. A cream cheese frosting would be a delicious and decadent option. To make it, simply beat cream cheese and softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Then, beat in powdered sugar, reserved icing, and enough milk to reach your desired consistency.

Serve and enjoy

Once your cinnamon rolls are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them on a serving platter. You can frost them with the enclosed icing or sprinkle with powdered sugar. You can also add a dollop of frosting in the centre of each roll.

These rolls are best enjoyed warm, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

You can serve these rolls with a number of sides, depending on your preference. You could serve them with a hot drink, like tea or coffee, or with fresh fruit like berries, apple slices, or bananas. If you're looking for something more savoury, you could pair them with scrambled, fried, or jammy eggs, or some chicken breakfast sausage, bacon, or ham.

Frequently asked questions