Air-Fryer Canned Cinnamon Rolls: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Canned cinnamon rolls can be made in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. This is a quick and easy way to make a delicious breakfast or dessert. The rolls are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket, which has been sprayed with a non-stick cooking spray or lined with aluminium foil or parchment paper. They are then cooked for around 8 minutes at 320-360°F, before being topped with icing.

How to make cinnamon rolls in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 can of cinnamon rolls (e.g. Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls)
• Non-stick cooking spray (or coconut oil/canola oil/olive oil spray)
• Heavy cream (optional)
• Parchment paper or aluminium foil

Method:

• Prepare the air fryer by spraying the basket with a non-stick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper or aluminium foil.
• Preheat the air fryer to 320-360 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the cinnamon rolls inside the basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each roll.
• If using, spread a thin layer of heavy cream on top of the cinnamon rolls.
• Air fry for 6-10 minutes, checking regularly to ensure they are not burning.
• While the cinnamon rolls are cooking, transfer the icing to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for around 15 seconds, or until it is pourable.
• Once the cinnamon rolls are golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and spread the icing on top.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• If you are using a different brand of cinnamon rolls, or smaller cinnamon rolls, consider running a test batch first and setting the cook time to 5 minutes.
• You can cook the cinnamon rolls directly on the air fryer basket grate, or on top of parchment paper.
• If using parchment paper, preheat the air fryer without the paper and add it when you are adding the cinnamon rolls.
• To reheat, place the cinnamon rolls back into the air fryer basket and heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 minutes. You will need to add more icing after reheating.

How long to cook cinnamon rolls in the air fryer

The cooking time for cinnamon rolls in an air fryer will depend on the brand of the air fryer, the brand of cinnamon rolls, and whether you are cooking them as they come or cutting them into smaller pieces.

For a full-sized, regular Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll, 8 minutes in the air fryer at 360°F should be enough to cook them through. However, some recipes suggest cooking them for 10 minutes at 350°F, and others suggest cooking them for 6-7 minutes. If you are cooking smaller cinnamon rolls, 5 minutes should be enough.

If you are cooking Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Bites, you should cook them for 3 minutes, turn them over, and then cook for another 2-3 minutes.

If you are cooking cinnamon rolls from scratch, you should air fry them for 7-8 minutes at 180°C/350°F.

It is recommended to preheat the air fryer before cooking cinnamon rolls. However, if you are using parchment paper, do not preheat with the paper inside, as it may blow up and burn.

Air fryer temperature for cinnamon rolls

The air fryer is a great way to make cinnamon rolls with minimal effort and time. The ideal temperature for cooking cinnamon rolls in an air fryer is between 325°F and 390°F. At this temperature, the cinnamon rolls should be cooked in 6 to 10 minutes.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

• Spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray or brush with avocado oil to prevent sticking.
• Place the cinnamon rolls in the air fryer basket, leaving a small gap between each roll.
• Set the air fryer to the desired temperature, between 325°F and 390°F.
• Cook the cinnamon rolls for 6 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked to your liking.
• Remove the cinnamon rolls from the air fryer and place them on a serving plate.
• Spread the icing or frosting over the cinnamon rolls and serve while they are still warm.

Tips for Making Cinnamon Rolls in an Air Fryer

• Check the cinnamon rolls regularly while they are cooking to ensure they do not burn.
• If using a different brand of cinnamon rolls, check on them after 6 minutes and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• If the cinnamon rolls are browning too quickly, try reducing the temperature or cooking time.
• For crispier cinnamon rolls, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• If your air fryer basket has enough clearance, you may not need to flip the cinnamon rolls during cooking.
• You can use aluminium foil or parchment paper in the air fryer, but make sure it is air fryer-safe to avoid burning.

Air fryer basket preparation

Before you start preparing your cinnamon rolls, it is important to prepare your air fryer basket. This will ensure that your cinnamon rolls don't stick to the basket and make a mess, as well as help with the cooking process. Here are the steps to prepare your air fryer basket:

Step 1: Line the Basket

You can line your air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper. This will make cleaning up easier and help to ensure that your cinnamon rolls don't stick. If using parchment paper, do not preheat the air fryer with the paper inside, as it may blow up into the fan and burn. Instead, add the parchment paper when you are ready to add your cinnamon rolls.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 320-360 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating your air fryer will help to ensure that your cinnamon rolls cook evenly and have a nice golden colour. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for preheating, which is usually around 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Basket

Spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray or a light coating of oil. This will further help to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. You can also use a light coating of heavy cream, which will help to keep your cinnamon rolls moist.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

Open your can of cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside for later. Place the desired number of cinnamon rolls into the basket, leaving a little space between each one. If you are making cinnamon roll bites, cut each roll into four equal pieces and place them in the basket.

Step 5: Cook the Cinnamon Rolls

Air fry your cinnamon rolls for around 8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Check on them regularly to ensure they don't burn, as different air fryers may have different cooking times. If making cinnamon roll bites, cook for 3 minutes, then turn over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare the Icing

While your cinnamon rolls are cooking, prepare the icing by transferring it to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for around 15 seconds or until it reaches a pourable consistency. You can also add melted butter to make it extra gooey!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

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

Cinnamon roll toppings

Cinnamon rolls are a treat, and you can elevate them with a variety of toppings. Here are some ideas for cinnamon roll toppings to take your treats to the next level:

Classic Icing

A standard cinnamon roll icing can be made with four staple ingredients: powdered sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla. You can adjust the consistency by adding more milk. This icing can be drizzled or spread over the rolls and is perfect for those who like a sweet glaze.

Cream Cheese Icing

For a tangier, richer option, cream cheese icing is a popular choice. This type of icing typically includes cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. It's a thicker, more indulgent topping that pairs well with the cinnamon rolls.

Sweet Glazes

If you're feeling creative, you can experiment with different glazes for your cinnamon rolls. For example, a simple glaze can be made by mixing together powdered sugar, butter, and milk. Or, for a citrus twist, you can add in some orange juice and zest. These glazes can be drizzled over the rolls for a beautiful presentation.

Savory Toppings

While cinnamon rolls are typically associated with sweet toppings, you can also explore savory options. For instance, crumbled bacon bits or a sprinkle of sea salt can add a savory contrast to the sweetness of the rolls. Some people even like to top their cinnamon rolls with crispy fried bacon strips for a unique flavor combination.

Fruit and Nut Toppings

Adding fresh or dried fruit to your cinnamon rolls can bring a burst of flavor and a contrasting texture. Try using raspberries, blueberries, or chopped nuts like pecans or hazelnuts. You can also incorporate fruit preserves or jams, such as orange marmalade or raspberry jam, for a more intense fruity flavor.

Frequently asked questions