Air-Fryer Cinnamon Rolls: Perfect Timing For Delicious Treats

Cinnamon rolls are a delicious breakfast treat, but they can be time-consuming to make. Using an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook cinnamon rolls, and they can be ready in as little as 8 minutes!

There are a few different ways to make cinnamon rolls in an air fryer, depending on whether you are using a canned or homemade dough, and also depending on the size of the rolls.

For example, if you are using a can of Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls (5-count can), preheat your air fryer to 320°F and line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or foil. Place the cinnamon rolls inside the basket and cook for 9 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 8-9 minutes.

If you are using a can of the smaller, regular-sized Pillsbury cinnamon rolls (8-count can), you don't need to line the air fryer basket. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and place the cinnamon rolls inside. Cook for 8-11 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.

You can also make cinnamon rolls from scratch using an air fryer. This typically involves making a dough from flour and vanilla yogurt, rolling it out, and filling it with a mixture of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. The rolls are then placed in the air fryer and cooked for 7-8 minutes.

So, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to make cinnamon rolls, give your air fryer a try!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The air fryer temperature and timing will depend on the brand and size of the cinnamon rolls you are using, as well as the type of air fryer you have. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to between 320°F and 360°F. The cooking time varies from 6 to 18 minutes, depending on the size of the cinnamon rolls and the brand of the air fryer.

For example, if you are using Pillsbury Grands in the air fryer (5-count can), preheat your air fryer to 320°F and line the air fryer basket with a piece of parchment paper or foil. Place the cinnamon rolls inside the basket and cook for 9 minutes. Then, carefully flip each cinnamon roll over and replace them in the basket for another 8-9 minutes, or until they are golden brown and baked through.

If you are using the smaller, 8-count Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, you do not need to line your air fryer basket. Increase the temperature to 350°F and cook for 8-11 minutes, flipping the rolls halfway through.

It is important to note that air fryer models vary slightly in their cooking time, so check your cinnamon rolls after the recommended time has elapsed and add a few extra minutes if needed.

If you are using a different brand of cinnamon rolls, it is recommended to run a test batch first and set the cook time to 5 minutes, adjusting as needed.

Cinnamon roll preparation

Ingredients

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

• Cinnamon roll dough (canned or homemade)
• Non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper
• Icing (optional)

Method

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F-360°F. Note that preheating is not necessary for all air fryers, so check your specific model's instructions.

Step 2: Prepare the air fryer basket or a pan that fits inside by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.

Step 3: Place the cinnamon roll dough in the air fryer basket or pan, leaving a little space between each roll. For canned cinnamon rolls, you may need to slice them into portions before placing them in the air fryer.

Step 4: Set the cooking time for 7-10 minutes for the cinnamon rolls to fully cook. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your cinnamon rolls and the brand of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.

Step 5: Once the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and fully cooked, remove them from the air fryer. If desired, top them with icing while they are still hot and serve immediately.

Tips:

• If your cinnamon rolls are browning too quickly, you can cover them with foil or parchment paper partway through the cooking process.
• For a crispier top, consider adding an additional minute to the cooking time.
• If you are using a different brand of cinnamon rolls or smaller-sized rolls, it is recommended to run a test batch first and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• You can also make cinnamon rolls from scratch using a simple dough recipe and then cook them in the air fryer.

Air fryer basket preparation

Before you start preparing your cinnamon rolls, you should decide whether you want to use a pan or cook the rolls directly on the air fryer basket grate. If you're using a pan, you can skip this section and go straight to the next one.

If you're cooking the cinnamon rolls directly in the basket, it's important to prepare it properly to ensure your rolls don't stick. You can use non-stick cooking spray, or a light coating of oil—one source suggests coconut oil spray. Another option is to use a piece of parchment paper cut to fit your basket. If you're using parchment paper, don't pre-heat the air fryer with the paper inside, as this could cause it to blow up and get caught in the fan. Instead, add the paper when you're ready to cook the rolls.

Cinnamon roll toppings

Cinnamon rolls are a versatile treat that can be topped with a variety of sweet and savoury toppings. Here are some ideas to elevate your cinnamon rolls:

Classic Cream Cheese Frosting

A classic for a reason, cream cheese frosting is deliciously sweet and creamy with a tangy twist. The best way to use this frosting is to slather it on your cinnamon rolls while they're still warm, so it melts into all the nooks and crannies. You can also add half when the rolls are hot and the rest once they've cooled for a pretty topping.

Maple Pecan Topping

Maple pecan topping adds extra sweetness, stickiness, and crunch to your cinnamon rolls. This topping is usually baked with the cinnamon rolls, but you can also pour it over warm rolls so it melts down the sides.

Glazes

Glazes are a popular choice for cinnamon rolls and other baked treats like pastries and coffee cakes. They're less fluffy than frostings, with a runnier consistency that sinks into all the spaces of the cinnamon bun. They're also less sweet, with a more subtle sweetness that enhances the decadence of the cinnamon roll. You can add flavours like lemon, orange, or maple syrup to a simple glaze made from icing sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla extract.

Toasted Nuts and Seeds

Toasted nuts and seeds add a crunchy contrast to the soft, sweet cinnamon roll. They also provide protein and healthy fats for a more balanced treat. Try cashews, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, or pecans. You can roll them into the centre of your cinnamon bun or sprinkle them on top.

Fruit Compote

Fruit compote is a great way to use up softening fruit in your kitchen. Simply simmer diced fruit with water or juice, lemon juice, vanilla, and cinnamon until the fruit softens and the liquid reduces. Then pour it over your cinnamon rolls and dust with icing sugar. Apples, pears, berries, or peaches work particularly well.

Fresh Fruit and Whipped Cream

Another way to add fruit to your cinnamon rolls is to top them with fresh fruit and whipped cream or cream cheese frosting. Diced apples or pears, halved or quartered strawberries, and bananas go well with cinnamon.

Streusel

Streusel is a crumbly topping made from flour, sugar, and butter that adds a crunchy texture to your cinnamon rolls. You can also add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and cardamom, or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.

Maple-Covered Bacon Bits

Bacon has been appearing in desserts at fancy restaurants for years, and cinnamon rolls are no exception. Try making a batch of candied bacon, chopping it up, and sprinkling it over your cinnamon rolls, or combine it with cream cheese frosting, vanilla glaze, or maple pecan topping.

Chocolate Sauce

Drizzling chocolate sauce over your cinnamon roll adds another layer of richness. You can also combine it with caramel sauce, powdered sugar, chopped nuts, or candied bacon for an indulgent treat.

Ice Cream

A warm cinnamon roll with a scoop of cold ice cream is a true winner. Any flavour will do, from classic vanilla to peanut butter fudge crunch. You can even take it to the next level by combining your ice cream with other toppings like maple pecan topping and candied bacon.

Powdered Sugar

Sometimes, the simplest topping is the best. Sprinkling powdered sugar over your cinnamon roll adds a subtle layer of sweetness that lets the natural cinnamon flavour shine through.

Cinnamon roll brands and sizes

Cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat, and they can be made in an air fryer in just a few minutes. But the size of a cinnamon roll can vary depending on the brand and region. So, how long should you put cinnamon rolls in the air fryer, and what are some popular brands and their sizes?

First, let's talk about the cooking time. The cooking time for cinnamon rolls in an air fryer depends on their size. Smaller cinnamon rolls, about 5 centimetres (2 inches) in diameter, will take around 5 to 7 minutes to cook. Larger cinnamon rolls, around 10 centimetres (4 inches) or more, will need a full 8 minutes or even a bit longer. You'll know they're done when the tops are golden brown, and if you like them crispy, you can add an extra minute or two.

Now, let's take a look at some popular cinnamon roll brands and their sizes:

• Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls: Pillsbury is a well-known brand for cinnamon rolls, and their regular-sized rolls can be cooked in an air fryer in 8 minutes. However, some people have noted inconsistencies in the product, sometimes resulting in a lack of the characteristic swirl pattern.
• El Camino Real Bakery Petite Cinnamon Rolls: These petite cinnamon rolls are sold at Costco and weigh only one ounce each. They are known for their well-proportioned cinnamon sugar mixture and buttery flavour.
• Trader Joe's Organic Jumbo Cinnamon Rolls: Trader Joe's offers a pack of five jumbo-sized cinnamon rolls with vanilla icing. These rolls are 100% organic and are a healthier option compared to some other brands.
• Rhodes Bake N Serv Cinnamon Rolls: This brand was founded by Herbert Cecil Rhodes, focusing on easy-to-cook bread dough for busy individuals.
• Swedish Kanelbulle: In Sweden, the cinnamon rolls typically contain cardamom, giving them a unique flavour. They usually have a diameter of about 10 centimetres (3.9 inches).
• Hagabullar: In the Haga district of Gothenburg, Sweden, you can find massive cinnamon rolls called hagabullar or "Queen of the Kitchen." These rolls are typically 30 centimetres (12 inches) or more in diameter!

Frequently asked questions