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

Air fryers are a great way to make cinnamon rolls, and Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls are a popular choice for this. The cooking time varies depending on the air fryer model and the desired level of doneness, but typically they take around 8-10 minutes to cook at temperatures between 310-360°F. Some recipes suggest flipping the rolls halfway through cooking to ensure even browning, while others recommend adding a splash of heavy cream to keep the rolls moist.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your appliance is ready to cook your food at the desired temperature, helping to achieve the best results. Here is a step-by-step guide to preheating your air fryer for making delicious Pillsbury cinnamon rolls:

• Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Start by lining the air fryer basket with either aluminium foil or parchment paper. This step is crucial as it helps to catch any drips or mess during the cooking process. Some recipes, like the one for Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites, also suggest cutting a round piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the basket neatly. This ensures even cooking and easy clean-up.
• Set the Temperature: The ideal temperature for cooking Pillsbury cinnamon rolls in an air fryer is around 320°F to 360°F. However, different recipes may suggest slightly different temperatures, so it's always good to check. For instance, one recipe suggests preheating your air fryer to 310°F.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Once you have set the temperature, let your air fryer preheat for a few minutes. The preheating time may vary depending on your air fryer model, but it usually takes around 2 to 3 minutes. This step ensures that your air fryer reaches the desired temperature before you start cooking your cinnamon rolls.
• Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls: While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your cinnamon rolls. Open the can of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls and separate the desired number of rolls. Some recipes suggest adding a splash of heavy cream or cooking spray on top of the rolls before placing them in the air fryer.
• Place the Cinnamon Rolls in the Air Fryer: After your air fryer has preheated, carefully place the cinnamon rolls inside. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer and not overcrowded in the basket. This ensures even cooking.
• Cook the Cinnamon Rolls: Depending on your desired level of doneness, cook the cinnamon rolls for around 8 to 10 minutes at the set temperature. However, it is important to keep an eye on them, especially if this is your first time cooking cinnamon rolls in an air fryer. Check on them periodically, especially after 6 to 7 minutes, to ensure they don't overcook or burn.
• Flip the Cinnamon Rolls (Optional): Depending on your air fryer model and the size of the cinnamon rolls, you may need to flip the rolls halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and cooking. Use tongs to carefully flip each roll.
• Final Touches: Once the cinnamon rolls are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. If desired, brush the rolls with some salted butter for added flavour. Finally, top the warm cinnamon rolls with the included icing or make your own cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent treat.

Add the rolls

Now that you've gathered all the ingredients and set up your air fryer, it's time to add the cinnamon rolls! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

First, prepare the air fryer basket by lining it with parchment paper or aluminium foil. This step is important as it ensures that your cinnamon rolls don't stick to the basket and makes cleanup easier. If you're using parchment paper, cut an 8-inch round shape to fit snugly in the bottom of the basket. You can also spray the basket with a light coating of cooking spray or coconut oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Place the Cinnamon Rolls in the Basket

Next, take your can of Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls and separate the dough into individual rolls. Place them in a single layer directly in the basket or on the parchment paper/aluminium foil. Make sure they have a little space between them so they don't crowd each other and cook evenly.

Step 3: Add a Delicious Twist (Optional)

At this point, you can add a little something extra to your cinnamon rolls. Try spreading a splash of heavy cream on top of each roll to keep them extra moist and help achieve that homemade feel. You could also try salted butter for added flavour!

Step 4: Set Aside the Icing

Now, set aside the icing that came with your cinnamon rolls. You'll use this later to top your warm, freshly cooked rolls. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own cream cheese frosting instead!

Step 5: Preheat and Air Fry

Once your rolls are in the basket, it's time to cook them! Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, which is typically between 310°F and 360°F. Then, air fry your cinnamon rolls for 8-10 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and personal preference for doneness. If you like your rolls a bit more crispy, you can cook them for an additional 1-2 minutes.

And that's it! By following these simple steps, you'll have delicious, warm, and gooey cinnamon rolls ready to enjoy. Don't forget to top them with the icing before serving. Happy air frying!

Cook time and temperature

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature for Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls in an air fryer vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the desired level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines and tips to ensure your cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly:

Temperature

Most sources recommend setting your air fryer to a temperature between 320°F and 360°F when cooking Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls. A lower temperature, such as 320°F or 325°F, is preferable as it allows the rolls to cook more slowly and evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and a fluffy, fully cooked interior.

Cooking Time

The cooking time can range from 6 to 10 minutes, depending on the model of your air fryer and the size of the cinnamon rolls. For regular-sized cinnamon rolls, 8 minutes at 360°F or 10 minutes at 320°F seems to be the sweet spot for most air fryers. However, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on them and check for doneness after about 6 or 7 minutes to avoid overcooking or burning.

Preheating

Preheating your air fryer is generally not necessary, as most air fryers will preheat automatically. However, if you are using an Instant Slim 6QT Air Fryer Oven, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 320°F before adding the cinnamon rolls.

Flipping

Flipping the cinnamon rolls during cooking is optional and depends on your air fryer model. Some air fryers may require flipping halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and cooking. If you notice that the tops are browning well before the bottoms are done, try flipping them over and cooking for an additional 1-3 minutes.

Variations

If you are using Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls, which are larger in size, you may need to increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes and adjust the temperature accordingly. It is also recommended to add more heavy cream to account for the bigger size and keep them moist.

Checking for Doneness

Since air fryers can vary significantly in terms of cooking time and temperature, it is crucial to keep a close eye on your cinnamon rolls during the cooking process. Check on them regularly, especially after the 6-minute mark, to ensure they don't burn or undercook.

Serving Suggestions

These air-fried Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls are best served warm and fresh, straight out of the air fryer. You can pair them with a variety of sides, such as coffee or tea, fresh fruits, scrambled or fried eggs, breakfast meats like bacon or sausage, or even a yogurt parfait for a well-rounded breakfast or brunch.

Warm the icing

Warming the icing is a crucial step in ensuring your cinnamon rolls are as delicious as possible. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, while the cinnamon rolls are air frying, take the icing and transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl. This ensures that the icing is ready to use as soon as the rolls are done. Covering the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp paper towel can help prevent splatters.

Next, microwave the icing. The length of time will depend on your microwave's power and the amount of icing you have, but generally, it should take around 15 seconds or until the icing is of pourable consistency. You can also use a double boiler or a small saucepan over low heat to warm the icing on the stovetop. If you do so, make sure to stir the icing constantly to prevent overheating or burning.

Finally, once the icing has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat source and spread or drizzle it over the warm cinnamon rolls. For a fancier presentation, you can also transfer the icing to a piping bag and pipe it onto the rolls.

By warming the icing, you ensure that it melts into the nooks and crannies of the rolls, enhancing the flavour and texture of your delicious homemade treat.

Serve and enjoy

Now that your cinnamon rolls are ready, it's time to serve and enjoy them! These rolls are best enjoyed warm, so be sure to serve them fresh out of the air fryer. You can also pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to reheat if they have cooled down.

These sweet treats are delicious on their own, but if you're feeling indulgent, you can add a dollop of butter on top before serving. For an extra special touch, you can even make your own cream cheese frosting by mixing together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and milk. This homemade frosting will give your cinnamon rolls a more decadent and homemade feel.

Air fryer cinnamon rolls are perfect for a quick and easy breakfast or brunch. They also make a great dessert, especially when served with a scoop of ice cream or some fresh fruit on the side. If you're serving them for brunch, you can pair them with scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or jammy eggs. For a heartier meal, add some chicken breakfast sausage, bacon, or ham on the side.

If you're looking for a sweet and indulgent breakfast or dessert, air fryer cinnamon rolls are the way to go. They're quick, easy, and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So go ahead and treat yourself—you deserve it!

Frequently asked questions