Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls: The Perfect Time?

Air fryers are a great way to make cinnamon rolls, and Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls can be made in under 10 minutes. The air fryer takes much less time than a conventional oven, and you don't need to preheat it. You can also add a twist by topping the rolls with bacon.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls: preparation method and cooking time

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls are a quick and easy treat to make for breakfast or dessert. They are best served warm, straight out of the fryer, and can be made in under 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls (8-count)
• Cooking spray (coconut oil or other)
• Icing (optional)
• Heavy cream (optional)

Method:

Firstly, remove the dough from the can and set the icing aside. Place the cinnamon rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you are using heavy cream, spread it on top of the rolls now.

Next, set your air fryer to 320-360˚F and cook for 8-10 minutes. Check on the rolls after 6-7 minutes, as some air fryers may cook faster than others. If the tops are browning well at the 4-5 minute mark, carefully flip the rolls over so they cook evenly on the other side.

If you want your rolls a little crispier, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Once done, carefully remove and leave to cool for 5 minutes. If desired, apply salted butter for extra flavor.

Finally, if you have chosen to use icing, warm it in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or until it reaches a pourable consistency. Spread the icing evenly on top of the rolls and serve.

Tips:

• If you want to add a twist, you can top the rolls with bacon.
• If you are using a different brand of cinnamon rolls, check on them after 6 minutes to adjust the time if needed.
• If you want to use aluminum foil or parchment paper in the air fryer, cut an 8-inch round of parchment paper and place it in the bottom of the air fryer basket before adding the rolls.
• No preheating or flipping is required, but you may need to adjust the temperature and timing depending on your air fryer model.
• If you are making a different topping for your cinnamon rolls, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Preheat and cook settings

Preheat Settings:

• First, line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper. This step is crucial to ensure even cooking and easy cleanup.
• Next, preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature for preheating varies across different sources and air fryer models. Some recommend preheating at 320°F (160°C), while others suggest 325°F (163°C) or even as low as 310°F (155°C). It's important to refer to your air fryer's instructions and adjust the temperature accordingly.

Cook Settings:

• Once preheated, it's time to place the cinnamon rolls inside the air fryer. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they have some space between them.
• Depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of rolls, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Now, it's time to add a delicious touch: spread a small amount of heavy cream on top of each cinnamon roll. This step is optional but highly recommended, as it keeps the rolls moist and adds a decadent touch.
• Close the air fryer and set the timer. The cooking time may vary, but most sources recommend cooking the rolls for 8 minutes at the preheated temperature. However, it's crucial to monitor the rolls during the cooking process.
• Check on your cinnamon rolls at the 6-7 minute mark to ensure they don't overcook or burn. Each air fryer is unique, so slight adjustments to the timing may be necessary.
• If needed, you can flip the rolls halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on both sides.
• Finally, when the rolls are golden brown and cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before indulging.

Remember, every air fryer is different, so you may need to experiment with the temperature and timing settings to find the perfect combination for your device. Always keep a close eye on your cinnamon rolls during the cooking process to avoid overcooking or burning. Enjoy your freshly cooked Pillsbury cinnamon rolls!

Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites: a variation on the recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can (12.4 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Cinnamon Rolls with Original Icing (8 Count)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 oz (half of 8-oz package) cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 teaspoons milk

Method:

• Cut an 8-inch round piece of cooking parchment paper and place it in the bottom of the air fryer basket.
• Separate the dough into 8 rolls. Cut each roll into 4 equal pieces (or smaller if you want them to be more mini). Place 16 pieces in the bottom of the air fryer basket.
• Set the air fryer to 325°F and cook for 3 minutes. Then, use tongs to turn over each piece and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining 16 pieces.
• While the bites are cooking, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating and cream cheese dip. In a large resealable food storage plastic bag, mix together the cinnamon and granulated sugar. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Then, beat in the powdered sugar, reserved icing, and enough milk to achieve a dipping consistency.
• Once the bites are cooked, shake them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Serve warm with the cream cheese dip.

Tips:

• You can use a sugar substitute for the cinnamon-sugar coating if preferred.
• Be sure to bake the bites in batches to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake these in the oven on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat the oven as directed on the cinnamon roll package, but check halfway through as the smaller pieces may bake faster.
• For a savoury twist, try topping the cinnamon roll bites with bacon!

The best type of air fryer to use

There are a few things to consider when choosing the best type of air fryer to use for cooking cinnamon rolls. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Size

The size of the air fryer basket is important to ensure that the cinnamon rolls can fit comfortably without overlapping. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook the cinnamon rolls in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overlapping the rolls can affect how well they cook, so it's best to cook them in batches if needed.

Temperature Control

Not all air fryers heat up to the same temperature, and some may have a wider temperature range than others. For cinnamon rolls, you'll typically want to cook them at temperatures between 325°F to 390°F. Make sure the air fryer you choose has a temperature range that includes these temperatures.

Preheating

Some air fryers require preheating, while others do not. Preheating can affect the cooking time and the final result, so it's important to know whether your air fryer needs to be preheated or not. Check the instructions for your specific air fryer model.

Accessories

Using accessories like parchment paper or aluminium foil can be helpful when cooking cinnamon rolls in an air fryer. Parchment paper can help keep the rolls from sticking and make cleanup easier. Aluminium foil can be useful if you want to catch any drips or mess. Make sure the air fryer you choose accommodates the use of these accessories.

Brand and Model

Different brands and models of air fryers can vary significantly in terms of features, performance, and reliability. It's a good idea to read reviews and compare different options to find a well-regarded air fryer that fits your needs and budget.

• Ninja Foodi: This air fryer is mentioned by several users as producing good results without needing to flip the cinnamon rolls during cooking.
• Instant Vortex Pro: This air fryer takes about 3-4 minutes to preheat and can cook cinnamon rolls successfully.
• PowerXL Vortex 7qt: This air fryer is reported to cook cinnamon rolls well when flipped halfway through the cooking process.
• Cosori: This air fryer is said to cook cinnamon rolls evenly without needing to flip them.
• DREO: This air fryer cooks cinnamon rolls well when flipped halfway through the cooking time.

In conclusion, when choosing the best type of air fryer to use for cinnamon rolls, consider the size of the basket, temperature control, preheating requirements, and compatibility with accessories. Reading reviews and comparing different brands and models can also help you make an informed decision.

Tips for making the cinnamon rolls

Tips for Making Cinnamon Rolls in the Air Fryer

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray, such as coconut oil spray, or line it with aluminium foil or parchment paper. If you're using foil or paper, cut a circle that fits snugly in the bottom of the basket.

Place the Cinnamon Rolls in the Basket

Place the cinnamon rolls in the basket, leaving space between them so they can rise. If you're using a cream topping, spread it on the rolls now.

Air Fry the Cinnamon Rolls

Air fry the cinnamon rolls for around 8 minutes at 320-360°F. Check on them regularly to ensure they're not burning, and flip them over if the tops are browning but the bottoms are still raw. If you want them crispier, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Prepare the Icing

While the cinnamon rolls are cooking, prepare the icing by transferring it to a microwave-safe bowl and heating for around 15 seconds. This will give it a pourable consistency.

Serve the Cinnamon Rolls

Once the cinnamon rolls are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and top with the icing. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Frequently asked questions