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

Cinnamon rolls are a beloved treat for many, but not everyone has the time or energy to make them from scratch. Fortunately, air fryers offer a quick and easy way to cook cinnamon rolls, with some recipes taking less than 10 minutes. You can use store-bought cinnamon roll dough, such as Pillsbury, or make your own dough with a variety of recipes available online. Once you have your dough, simply place the rolls in the air fryer basket, set the temperature and timing according to your air fryer model and preferences, and enjoy freshly cooked cinnamon rolls!

Air-fried Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon roll brands for air frying

Cinnamon rolls can be made in an air fryer using pre-made dough or from scratch. Some popular pre-made cinnamon roll brands that can be cooked in an air fryer include Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls, Aldi Cinnamon Rolls, and Publix Cinnamon Rolls.

To cook Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls in an air fryer, first, remove the dough from the can and separate the rolls. Place a parchment paper in the air fryer basket or grease it with cooking spray. Place the rolls in the basket, air fry at 350°F for 6 minutes, and then flip and cook for another 4 minutes. If you have a can with 8 rolls, air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes, then turn and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Top the cinnamon rolls with icing while they are still warm.

For Aldi Cinnamon Rolls, one user recommends cooking them in the air fryer for 8 minutes at 350°F. Similarly, Publix Cinnamon Rolls can be cooked in the air fryer for 8 minutes at 360°F, flipping them halfway through.

If you want to make cinnamon rolls from scratch, one recipe suggests using flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, milk, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour. The dough is made in one bowl and kneaded by hand, then cooked in the air fryer for 8 minutes.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Air fryers are a great way to cook cinnamon rolls quickly and conveniently. The cooking time will vary depending on the model of your air fryer, the number of rolls you are cooking, and your preferred level of browning. However, as a general rule of thumb, cinnamon rolls typically take between 6 to 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

For example, if you are cooking a small can of 8 rolls, it is recommended to cook them for 5 minutes, turn them over, and then cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until they are golden brown. If you are cooking a larger batch, you may need to cook them for a little longer, around 7 to 9 minutes in total. It is important to keep an eye on the rolls during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they reach the desired level of doneness.

In terms of temperature, most sources recommend setting your air fryer to 350°F for cooking cinnamon rolls. However, some sources suggest a lower temperature of 320°F, which allows the rolls to cook more slowly and evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and a fully cooked, fluffy interior.

Additionally, it is worth noting that preheating the air fryer is generally not necessary when cooking cinnamon rolls. Preheating may cause the rolls to brown on the outside while the inside remains raw. However, some recipes do suggest preheating the air fryer to around 320°F before adding the rolls.

Air fryer basket preparation

Preparing the air fryer basket for cinnamon rolls is a simple process. First, decide if you want to use parchment paper or cooking spray. If you are using parchment paper, cut it to fit the basket, with holes for air circulation if necessary. If you are using cooking spray, spray the basket lightly, ensuring an even coating. Some air fryer baskets may not need this step, as they are already non-stick.

Next, separate the cinnamon rolls. If you are using canned cinnamon rolls, twist to open and remove the dough from the can. Place the rolls in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between each roll to allow for expansion. If you are using a recipe that calls for heavy cream, spread it on top of the rolls before placing them in the basket.

Finally, set your air fryer to the correct temperature and time. The temperature and time will depend on the size of your cinnamon rolls and the brand of your air fryer. For larger cinnamon rolls, you may need to increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes. For Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls, air fry at 350˚F for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 4 minutes. For smaller cinnamon rolls, air fry at 350˚F for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for 2-3 minutes. If you are using a different brand of cinnamon rolls, check on them after 6 minutes to adjust the time as needed.

Cinnamon roll toppings

Cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat, but choosing the right toppings can take them to the next level. Here are some mouth-watering ideas for cinnamon roll toppings to tickle your taste buds:

Classic Sweet

For those with a sweet tooth, a classic vanilla glaze is a perfect choice. It adds a subtle flavour enhancement and an irresistible shine to your cinnamon rolls. If vanilla is not your favourite, a simple sugar glaze is a straightforward and light alternative. You can also try a cream cheese frosting, which is a versatile topping that pairs well with many other flavours. To make it even more indulgent, add some orange zest to the icing.

Nutty and Crunchy

If you're looking for a crunchy texture, try a caramel drizzle with nuts, such as pecans. You can also experiment with a brown butter frosting or a honey butter glaze for a unique flavour profile.

Fruity and Fresh

Apple and cinnamon are a match made in heaven. Try cooking some chopped apples to top your cinnamon rolls, or use melted apple jelly as a glaze.

Savory and Surprising

For a unique twist, try a lemony sugar-glaze on your cinnamon rolls. It's similar to the glaze on donuts, but with a tangy citrus kick.

Easy and Delicious

A quick and easy option is to simply use butter and sugar in the bottom of your baking pan. The result will be a caramelised sugar topping that is heat and humidity resistant. You can also experiment with different sugars and add honey and almond extract for a unique flavour.

So, there you have it! These topping ideas will surely elevate your cinnamon rolls and impress your family and friends.

Storing and reheating cinnamon rolls

Storing cinnamon rolls depends on whether they are frosted or not. If your cinnamon rolls are unfrosted, you can store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic and seal them in an airtight container or a layer of aluminum foil, leaving the rolls at room temperature but out of direct sunlight.

If you want to store the rolls for up to 3 to 4 days, or if the rolls are already iced, it's best to store them in the fridge. Before refrigerating, seal the rolls tightly with plastic wrap and then in an airtight container. The rolls can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days before reheating and enjoying.

If you wish to store cinnamon rolls for more than just a few days, you'll want to freeze them. Wrap the rolls well with plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil before sealing in an airtight container and freezing for up to 2 months (one month if already iced).

To reheat cinnamon rolls, you can use an oven, microwave, or air fryer. Reheating rolls in the oven increases the likelihood that they'll dry out, so it is recommended to reheat cinnamon rolls in the microwave. The rolls stay soft and plush when reheated in the microwave. To reheat, simply place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat to the desired temperature. Every microwave is different, so start slow, checking every 10 seconds or so, until you find what works best in your microwave.

If you want to reheat cinnamon rolls in the oven, preheat the oven to 275F and place a cup of water in a shallow baking dish on a lower shelf of the oven. Place the cinnamon roll on a baking pan and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the roll is warmed through.

You can also reheat cinnamon rolls in an air fryer. Place the rolls in an airtight container in the fridge 24 hours before reheating. The next day, warm your cinnamon rolls in the air fryer at 350˚F for a few minutes until warm.

Frequently asked questions