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

Cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat, but they can take a long time to bake in the oven. Luckily, if you have an air fryer, you can make them in a fraction of the time! Depending on the air fryer model and the size of the cinnamon rolls, the cooking time will vary, but on average, it takes around 8-10 minutes to cook cinnamon rolls in an air fryer.

How to make cinnamon rolls in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 can of Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls (you can also use other brands)
• Non-stick cooking spray, a dish, or parchment paper
• Heavy cream (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 320-360 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Prepare the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray, a dish, or parchment paper.
• Place the cinnamon rolls inside the basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each roll.
• Set the cooking time for 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of your cinnamon rolls and your air fryer model. The rolls are ready when they are fully cooked and golden brown on top.
• Remove the cinnamon rolls from the air fryer and top them with icing while they are still hot. Serve immediately.

Tips:

• If you are using a different brand of cinnamon rolls or smaller-sized rolls, consider running a test batch first and setting the cooking time for 5-6 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• Preheating the air fryer is recommended for optimal results. It ensures that the rolls are cooked evenly and golden brown.
• If using parchment paper, add it to the air fryer after preheating, not before.
• For an extra decadent touch, make your own cream cheese frosting instead of using the provided icing.
• To reheat, place the cinnamon rolls back into the air fryer basket and heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The cooking time and temperature for cinnamon rolls in an air fryer will depend on the brand and size of the rolls, as well as the model of the air fryer. For example, the cooking time for Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls is 8 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit, while the cooking time for Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls is 10-12 minutes at 320 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and browning. Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically for about 3-5 minutes before adding the cinnamon rolls. However, some recipes suggest that preheating is not necessary for this dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket or Pan

Line the air fryer basket or a pan that fits into the air fryer with non-stick cooking spray, aluminium foil, or parchment paper. You can also use a small amount of coconut oil or canola oil. This will prevent the cinnamon rolls from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Place the Cinnamon Rolls in the Air Fryer

Place the cinnamon roll dough in the air fryer in a single layer, leaving a little space between each roll. If using a pan, you may need to stagger the rolls to fit them all in.

Step 4: Set the Cooking Time and Temperature

For regular-sized Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls, set the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 8 minutes. If using a different brand or smaller cinnamon rolls, set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and start with a cooking time of 5-6 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are cooking evenly. For larger cinnamon rolls, such as Pillsbury Grands, increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes.

Step 5: Check for Doneness and Adjust as Needed

Depending on your air fryer and the brand of cinnamon rolls, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature. Check the cinnamon rolls after the initial cooking time and adjust as needed. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can try lowering the temperature or covering the rolls with aluminium foil. If the bottoms are not cooked through, you may need to cook them for a few minutes longer or flip them halfway through the cooking process.

Step 6: Remove from the Air Fryer and Serve

Once the cinnamon rolls are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and top them with the included icing while they are still hot. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Air fryer basket preparation

Before you begin cooking your cinnamon rolls, you will need to prepare your air fryer basket. First, line the basket with either aluminium foil or parchment paper. If you don't have either of these, you can grease the basket with cooking spray or a little cooking oil on some paper towel.

Next, place your cinnamon rolls in the basket, leaving a little space between each roll. If you are using a pan that fits inside your air fryer, you can place the rolls in the pan instead.

Now you are ready to cook your cinnamon rolls! Simply follow the timings and temperatures outlined in the method section of your chosen recipe.

Cinnamon roll preparation

Ingredients

To make cinnamon rolls in an air fryer, you will need the following:

• 1 can of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls (you can also use other brands, such as Aldi or Great Value)
• Non-stick cooking spray, such as coconut oil or canola oil spray
• Heavy cream (optional)
• Salted butter (optional)
• Parchment paper or aluminium foil

Method

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to between 320-360 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also choose not to preheat your air fryer, as some people find that this makes the cinnamon rolls brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw on the inside.

Step 2: Prepare your air fryer basket by spraying it with a non-stick cooking spray, or lining it with parchment paper or aluminium foil.

Step 3: Place the cinnamon rolls inside the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each roll. You can also add a splash of heavy cream to the top of each roll at this stage, to keep them moist.

Step 4: Air fry the cinnamon rolls for 8-10 minutes. You may need to adjust this time depending on your air fryer model and the size of your cinnamon rolls. For smaller cinnamon rolls, 5-6 minutes may be enough. Keep a close eye on the rolls as they cook, and flip them over halfway through if necessary.

Step 5: While the cinnamon rolls are cooking, transfer the icing to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave for around 15 seconds, or until it reaches a pourable consistency.

Step 6: Once the cinnamon rolls are golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and top them with the icing. You can also add a pat of salted butter to each roll for extra flavour.

Tips

• If you are using a different brand of cinnamon rolls, or smaller cinnamon rolls, it is recommended to run a test batch first and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• To reheat any leftover cinnamon rolls, pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes, or microwave them for around 30 seconds.
• If you are using heavy cream, it is recommended to line the bottom of your air fryer basket to prevent dripping and mess.
• Every air fryer is different, so be sure to check on your cinnamon rolls regularly to ensure they are cooking evenly and not burning.
• If you want your cinnamon rolls to be extra crispy, increase the cooking time by a minute or two.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat at any time of day. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Coffee or tea
• Fresh fruit, such as berries, apple slices or bananas
• Eggs, such as scrambled, fried or jammy eggs
• Breakfast meat, such as chicken sausage, bacon or ham
• Yogurt and granola

Cinnamon roll toppings

Cinnamon rolls are a versatile treat that can be topped with a variety of sweet and indulgent toppings. Here are some ideas for cinnamon roll toppings to elevate your air-fried cinnamon rolls:

Frosting or Glaze

A traditional topping for cinnamon rolls is a sweet and creamy frosting, often made with buttercream or cream cheese. This topping can be slathered on the rolls while they are still warm, allowing it to melt into the crevices and creating an extra layer of decadence. Alternatively, a glaze, which is less fluffy and has a lower sugar content, can be drizzled over the cinnamon rolls. It will seep into the rolls and enhance the cinnamon flavour without being too overwhelming.

Nuts and Seeds

Toasted nuts and seeds, such as pecans, walnuts, cashews or pumpkin seeds, can add a crunchy texture and a subtle savoury flavour to balance the sweetness of the cinnamon roll. They can be sprinkled on top of the rolls or mixed into the centre for an unexpected crunch.

Fresh Fruit and Whipped Cream

Fresh fruit, such as diced apples, pears, strawberries or bananas, can be a refreshing topping for cinnamon rolls. The fruit can be paired with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting and a sprinkling of powdered sugar for a light and fruity treat.

Streusel

A streusel topping made with flour, sugar, butter and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg can add an extra layer of texture and flavour to cinnamon rolls. It provides a crumbly, crispy element that pairs perfectly with the soft, fluffy dough.

Chocolate Sauce

Drizzling chocolate sauce over cinnamon rolls adds another layer of richness. You can use plain chocolate sauce or get creative by mixing it with caramel sauce, powdered sugar, chopped nuts or even candied bacon.

Ice Cream

For an indulgent treat, serve your cinnamon rolls with a scoop of ice cream. Classic vanilla or more adventurous flavours like peanut butter fudge crunch can be paired with the warm cinnamon rolls for a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.

Powdered Sugar

Sometimes, keeping it simple is best. A light dusting of powdered sugar on top of a cinnamon roll adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the cinnamon flavour without overwhelming it. It's an easy way to make your cinnamon rolls look a little fancier, too.

Frequently asked questions