Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls: Pillsbury's Easy, Quick Treat

Cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat, but heating up the oven to make them can be a chore. Luckily, you can make Pillsbury cinnamon rolls in an air fryer in under 10 minutes!

All you need is one ingredient: a can of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls. Separate the rolls and place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Set the icing aside. Then, air fry for 8-10 minutes at 320-360˚F. Flip the rolls halfway through if needed. Once they're done, remove them from the air fryer and enjoy!

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
• 1 package (2 ¼ tsp) of instant yeast
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons of butter (melted)
• ⅓ cup of milk (warmed to 115°F)
• 2 tablespoons of softened butter
• 3 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon
• ⅓ cup of powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons of milk or cream
• Cooking spray (optional)

Method:

First, mix all the ingredients for the dough in a medium-sized bowl until it forms a shaggy ball. Turn it out onto the counter and knead it a few times until it becomes a smooth ball.

Place the dough ball in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 40 minutes or until it is slightly risen. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by combining the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.

Next, roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into an 8x8 square. Spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving about 1 inch at the top end. Roll the dough up starting from the side closest to you, then cut it into 6 equal portions.

Place the rolls in a 7-inch springform pan, leaving some space around them. You can also place them directly in the air fryer basket if it is big enough. Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 20 minutes.

Set your air fryer to 320°F. Uncover the rolls and place the pan in the air fryer basket, or place the rolls directly in the basket if you prefer. Air fry for about 8 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed up and golden brown.

While the rolls are cooking, you can make the icing by mixing the powdered sugar and milk. You can adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.

Once the cinnamon rolls are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for about 5 minutes before drizzling with icing and serving.

Tips:

• You can use either active dry yeast or instant yeast. However, instant yeast will make the dough rise faster.
• If you don't have a springform pan, you can use any pan that fits in your air fryer, or even cook the rolls directly in the basket.
• For a vegan version, substitute the milk with full-fat oat milk, use vegan butter, and opt for vegan cream cheese and yogurt.
• If you want to add a twist, you can top the cinnamon rolls with bacon.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls cooking time

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls are a quick and easy way to make delicious cinnamon rolls without having to turn on your oven. The cooking time will vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, but generally, you can expect the rolls to be done in around 8-10 minutes.

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

• Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Parchment paper is especially useful if you plan to use cream or icing, as it will help to keep the air fryer clean.
• Some recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 310-325°F (155°C), while others suggest cooking the rolls without preheating.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

• Remove the cinnamon rolls from the can and set the icing aside.
• If desired, you can add a splash of heavy cream to each roll before cooking. This will help keep the rolls moist and gooey.

Step 3: Cook the Cinnamon Rolls

• Place the cinnamon rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 8-10 minutes at 320-360°F (160-182°C).
• Check the rolls periodically to ensure they are cooking evenly. Some air fryers may require you to flip the rolls halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Step 4: Prepare the Icing

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

Step 5: Serve the Cinnamon Rolls

• Once the cinnamon rolls are done, remove them from the air fryer and spread the icing evenly on top.
• If desired, you can add a sprinkle of salt or a pat of butter on top of each roll for extra flavor.
• Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Check your cinnamon rolls frequently while they are cooking to avoid burning.
• If your air fryer tends to cook unevenly, you may need to flip the rolls halfway through the cooking time.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the brand of cinnamon rolls and the model of your air fryer, so adjust the time as needed.
• For a more decadent treat, make your own cream cheese frosting instead of using the provided icing.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls temperature

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls are best cooked at a temperature of between 320°F and 360°F.

The cooking time is around 8 minutes, but this may vary depending on the air fryer model and brand of cinnamon rolls used. It is recommended to check on the cinnamon rolls during cooking to ensure they are not burning or overcooking.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer for around 3 minutes before adding the cinnamon rolls, while others suggest cooking from a cold air fryer.

The ideal temperature and cooking time will result in cinnamon rolls that are golden brown, fluffy, and fully cooked on the inside and outside.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls toppings

Cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat, and you can elevate them with various toppings. Here are some ideas for toppings to take your air fryer cinnamon rolls to the next level:

• Icing or Frosting: The classic choice. You can use the icing that comes with Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls or make your own cream cheese frosting. Warm up the icing before adding it to the warm cinnamon rolls for an extra gooey treat.
• Bacon: For a savoury twist, top your cinnamon rolls with crispy bacon bits.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: For a more decadent option, skip the icing and make a homemade cream cheese frosting.
• Melted Butter: Drizzle some melted butter on top of your cinnamon rolls for extra moistness.
• Fruit: Fresh berries, apple slices, or bananas can add a refreshing touch to your cinnamon rolls.
• Nuts: Chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds can provide a crunchy contrast to the soft dough.
• Sprinkles: Add some colourful sprinkles for a fun and festive touch.
• Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle some mini chocolate chips on top for an extra indulgent treat.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce over your cinnamon rolls for a sweet and sticky treat.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls storage

If you have leftover cinnamon rolls, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, you can put them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or put them back in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 minutes. You will need to add more icing after reheating.

Frequently asked questions