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

Cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat, but they can be time-consuming to make. However, you can make them in an air fryer in under 10 minutes! This guide will teach you how to make perfect cinnamon rolls using an air fryer, with tips and tricks for the best results.

Preparation

How to Make Cinnamon Rolls in an Air Fryer

Air fryer cinnamon rolls are a quick and easy treat that can be made from scratch or using pre-made dough. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing cinnamon rolls in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

If making the dough from scratch, mix flour and vanilla yogurt in a large bowl until a thick dough forms. You can also add more yogurt or flour as needed to adjust the consistency. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it several times until it becomes smooth.

For a quicker option, you can use canned cinnamon roll dough, such as Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough

Roll the dough out into a large rectangle. In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread this mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small gap around the edges.

Starting from a long end, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into equal pieces, typically between 6-9 pieces, depending on the size of the log.

Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil. Some recipes also suggest spraying the basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. Preheat the air fryer to around 320-360°F (160-182°C).

Step 4: Cook the Cinnamon Rolls

Place the cinnamon rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Cook the cinnamon rolls for around 7-9 minutes, checking on them regularly to avoid overcooking. Some recipes suggest flipping the rolls halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Step 5: Prepare the Icing

While the cinnamon rolls are cooking, prepare the icing by mixing cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. You can also use the pre-made icing that comes with canned cinnamon rolls.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

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

Cooking

Ingredients

Depending on the recipe you choose to follow, you will need the following ingredients:

• Cinnamon rolls (store-bought or homemade)
• Heavy cream (optional)
• Aluminium foil or parchment paper
• Cooking spray (optional)
• Icing (store-bought or homemade)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) or 360°F (182°C).
• Line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper.
• Place the cinnamon rolls in the basket in a single layer.
• (Optional): Spread heavy cream on top of the cinnamon rolls.
• Air fry for 7-9 minutes at the set temperature. Check on the cinnamon rolls halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are not burning.
• (Optional): Flip the cinnamon rolls halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Remove the cinnamon rolls from the air fryer and top with icing.

Tips

• If you are making your own cinnamon rolls from scratch, you will need additional ingredients such as flour, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and milk.
• You can use any brand of store-bought cinnamon rolls, but Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls are mentioned most often in the sources.
• If you are using heavy cream, line the basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper to avoid a mess.
• Check on the cinnamon rolls regularly to ensure they are not burning.
• If the tops of the cinnamon rolls are browning too quickly, you can flip them over halfway through the cooking time.

Frosting

There are many different ways to make frosting for cinnamon rolls, but a popular option is cream cheese frosting. Here is a simple recipe for cream cheese frosting that you can make at home:

Ingredients:

• Cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• Butter, softened
• Powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)

Instructions:

• Add the softened cream cheese and butter to a mixing bowl.
• Beat together until well combined.
• Add the powdered sugar to the mixture.
• Mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
• Spread the frosting on the cinnamon rolls while they are still warm, or let the rolls cool to room temperature if you want the frosting to remain on top.

You can also experiment with different flavours and ingredients to make your frosting unique. For example, you could try adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the frosting mixture. Alternatively, you could substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

Variations

Cream Cheese Frosting

Top your air-fried cinnamon rolls with a decadent, homemade cream cheese frosting to make them feel more indulgent and homemade. To make the frosting, simply mix together softened cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.

Bigger Cinnamon Rolls

If you prefer your cinnamon rolls with a bakery-style, big, and fluffy texture, opt for Pillsbury Grands instead of the classic small Pillsbury cinnamon rolls. Adjust the cooking time to 10-12 minutes and add more heavy cream to account for the larger size.

Lining the Air Fryer Basket

When preparing your air fryer, you can line the basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier, especially if you're using heavy cream, which tends to drip off the cinnamon rolls. If you're skipping the heavy cream, a light coating of cooking spray will suffice.

Checking on the Cinnamon Rolls

Although the recommended cooking time is around 8 minutes, it's important to check on your cinnamon rolls halfway through as air fryer models and temperatures can vary. This will help ensure that your cinnamon rolls are cooked to perfection, with a soft and golden-brown texture.

Adding Heavy Cream

A splash of heavy cream on top of your cinnamon rolls before cooking can help keep them moist, gooey, and soft. This is especially beneficial if you find that store-bought cinnamon roll dough tends to be on the drier side.

Warming the Icing

For an extra touch of decadence, warm up the icing before adding it to your warm cinnamon rolls. This will allow the icing to spread more evenly and reach all the crevices, enhancing the overall taste and texture of your treat.

Keeping the Air Fryer Temperature Low

Cooking your cinnamon rolls at a lower temperature, around 320°F, will give you the best results. This slower cooking method ensures that the exterior of the cinnamon rolls becomes crispy while the interior remains fully cooked, fluffy, and doughy.

Tips

Making cinnamon rolls in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious treat. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results:

• Prepare your air fryer: Line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper. This will make clean-up easier and help to ensure even cooking. Some recipes also suggest spraying the basket with cooking spray or coconut oil to prevent sticking.
• Preheat your air fryer: Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to a temperature between 320°F and 390°F.
• Use a single layer of cinnamon rolls: Place your cinnamon rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is small.
• Check on them regularly: All air fryers are different, so it's important to keep an eye on your cinnamon rolls as they cook. Check on them regularly to ensure they don't burn or undercook.
• Flip your cinnamon rolls: Depending on your air fryer, you may need to flip your cinnamon rolls halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
• Adjust the temperature and cooking time: If your cinnamon rolls are browning too quickly, try lowering the temperature or reducing the cooking time. Conversely, if they are not browning enough, you may need to increase the temperature or cook them for longer.
• Make your own icing: While some people use the icing that comes with canned cinnamon rolls, others prefer to make their own cream cheese frosting for a more decadent treat.
• Experiment with different brands: Some people find that certain brands of cinnamon rolls work better in the air fryer than others. It may take some experimentation to find your favourite.
• Try making them from scratch: If you're feeling adventurous, you can make your cinnamon rolls from scratch using simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon. This gives you more control over the ingredients and cooking process.
• Add some extras: Get creative with your cinnamon rolls by adding extras like heavy cream, bacon, or different types of icing or frosting. You can also try making them with different flavours like pumpkin spice or cardamom.

Frequently asked questions