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

Cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat, but baking them can be a time-consuming and laborious process. Fortunately, air fryers provide a quick and easy alternative to baking, allowing you to enjoy warm, fluffy, and perfectly cooked cinnamon rolls in a fraction of the time. Whether you're using pre-made dough or making your own from scratch, air fryers simplify the cooking process and deliver mouth-watering results. So, if you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen, read on to discover how to make cinnamon rolls in an air fryer.

Cinnamon Rolls in the Air Fryer

Cinnamon roll dough preparation

Cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat, and making them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get them on the table. While you can use pre-made, canned cinnamon roll dough, making the dough from scratch is a rewarding experience. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing cinnamon roll dough for your air fryer:

Step 1: Mixing the Dough

In a medium-sized bowl, mix all the ingredients for the dough. You can use a variety of ingredients to make the dough, including milk, butter, cream cheese, and sugar. Mix until the ingredients form a shaggy ball.

Step 2: Kneading the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface or a pastry mat. Knead the dough gently for about 5 minutes until it forms a smooth ball. Be careful not to over-knead, as this can affect the dough's ability to rise properly.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough ball in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 40 minutes. This will give the dough time to relax and develop flavour.

Step 4: Roll and Fill

After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface again. Roll it out gently into an 8x8 square. Spread the cinnamon mixture over the dough, leaving about 1 inch uncovered at the top end.

Step 5: Rolling and Cutting

Starting from the side closest to you, gently roll up the dough. Cut the rolled dough into 6 equal portions. You can adjust the number of portions based on your preferred size.

Step 6: Second Rise

Place the cut rolls into a 7-inch springform pan, leaving about an inch of space around each roll. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for another 20 minutes. This will give them a fluffy texture.

Once the dough is prepared, you can move on to the next steps of placing the rolls in the air fryer, setting the temperature, and cooking them to golden perfection.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking cinnamon rolls in an air fryer depend on the number of rolls, the size of the rolls, and the desired level of browning.

For a can of five large cinnamon rolls, air fry at 350˚F for 6 minutes. Then, turn the rolls over and bake for another 4 minutes until they are nicely browned on top. If you are using a medium can with eight rolls, air fry at 350˚F for 5 minutes, then turn and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they are golden and cooked through.

For classic small Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, set the temperature to 320°F and the timer for 8 minutes. If you are using bigger Pillsbury Grands, increase the cooking time to 10–12 minutes and add more heavy cream to account for their larger size.

Some recipes recommend cooking cinnamon rolls at 360°F for 8 minutes, while others suggest preheating the air fryer to 390°F and cooking the rolls for 5 minutes, then flipping and cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model, so it is recommended to keep a close eye on the rolls to prevent burning.

Icing the cinnamon rolls

If you are using the ready-made icing that comes with some cinnamon roll dough, you can warm it up in the microwave for around 15 seconds, or until it reaches a pourable consistency.

Once your cinnamon rolls are baked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool. If you want the icing to seep into the dough, add the frosting while the rolls are still hot. If you would prefer the frosting to remain on top for aesthetic purposes, wait until the rolls have cooled to room temperature before adding the icing.

For an extra decadent treat, you can make your own cream cheese frosting. This can be made by mixing softened cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar.

Storing and reheating cinnamon rolls

Storing cinnamon rolls depends on how long you want to keep them and whether they are frosted or unfrosted. If your cinnamon rolls are unfrosted and you want to store them for up to 2 days, you can store them at room temperature. 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 they 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 can freeze them. Place the rolls on a tray lined with parchment paper in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours until firm and frozen. Then, wrap the frozen rolls with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and seal in an airtight container. The rolls can stay frozen for up to 2 months but it's recommended to eat them within a couple of weeks for the best results.

When it comes to reheating cinnamon rolls, you can use the oven or the microwave. Reheating rolls in the oven increases the likelihood that they'll dry out, so it is recommended to reheat them in the microwave. To reheat, place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat it to the desired temperature. Start slow, checking every 10 seconds or so, and adjust the time according to your desired temperature. You can also use a conventional oven to reheat the rolls. Place your thawed cinnamon rolls onto a baking pan or cookie sheet, cover them with aluminum foil, and bake them in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through. You can also place a cup of water in a shallow baking dish on a lower shelf of the oven to encourage a moist texture.

Cinnamon roll recipe variations

Dough

Making the dough from scratch typically involves mixing flour, sugar, and a liquid like milk or yoghurt. You can also add yeast to make the dough rise more quickly. If you're short on time, you can use pre-made dough, such as Pillsbury cinnamon roll dough.

Fillings

The classic cinnamon roll filling is a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar, but you can also add other ingredients like butter, chocolate chips, or pumpkin pie spice.

Toppings

You can top your cinnamon rolls with icing, frosting, or both! A popular frosting option is cream cheese frosting, which can be made with or without vegan substitutions. You can also add some crunch to your rolls by sprinkling bacon or chopped nuts on top.

Storage and Reheating

You can store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months. To reheat, microwave the rolls for 20-30 seconds or pop them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently asked questions