Air-Fryer Cinnamon Rolls: How Long To Fry?

Cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat, but they can be time-consuming to make. Air fryers offer a quick and easy solution to this problem. You can cook cinnamon rolls in an air fryer in as little as 6-10 minutes, depending on the brand and size of the rolls. Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer, using cooking spray or lining the basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil, and flipping the rolls halfway through. You can also add a splash of heavy cream to the rolls before cooking to keep them moist.

Air fryer temperature and time

For instance, if you are using the Pillsbury Grands 5-count can, you should preheat your air fryer to 320°F and cook the rolls for 18 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. However, if you are using the 8-count can of regular-sized Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, increase the temperature to 350°F and reduce the cooking time to 8-11 minutes, again flipping the rolls halfway through.

If you are using the Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls, you can cook them at 360°F for 8 minutes. If you want the tops to be crispier, add an additional minute to the cooking time.

For homemade cinnamon rolls, a good rule of thumb for oven-to-air-fryer conversion is to reduce the baking time by 20% and the temperature by 25-30°F. For example, if your recipe calls for baking at 320°F for 20 minutes, you would adjust it to 16 minutes at 240°F in the air fryer.

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer before adding the cinnamon rolls. This helps ensure that the air fryer is at the optimal temperature for cooking, resulting in more evenly cooked and golden brown cinnamon rolls. Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically for about 3-5 minutes before adding the cinnamon rolls.

It is also important to note that air fryer cooking speeds vary, so it is always a good idea to check on your cinnamon rolls periodically and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Air fryer basket preparation

Preparing the air fryer basket is a crucial step in ensuring your cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly. Here is a detailed guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials ready. You will need your air fryer, of course, along with the basket or grate that comes with it. Additionally, you will need either non-stick cooking spray, parchment paper, or aluminium foil to line the basket. Some recipes also suggest having a dish or pan that fits inside your air fryer as an alternative to lining the basket directly.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

It is generally recommended to preheat your air fryer before adding the cinnamon rolls. This helps ensure even cooking and browning. However, note that not all recipes call for preheating, and some suggest that you add the parchment paper after preheating to prevent it from blowing up and burning. Be sure to refer to your air fryer's instructions for the proper preheating procedure and duration, as this may vary between models.

Step 3: Prepare the Basket

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to prepare the basket. If using non-stick cooking spray, give the basket a light coating. Alternatively, you can line the basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil, ensuring that it is slightly smaller than the size of the basket to prevent it from touching the heating element.

Step 4: Place the Cinnamon Rolls

Now it's time to add the cinnamon rolls! Place them in a single layer, leaving a little space between each roll. If you are using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the rolls in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 5: Add Any Additional Ingredients

Some recipes suggest adding a splash of heavy cream to the top of each cinnamon roll before cooking. This helps keep the rolls moist and gives them a more homemade feel.

Step 6: Set the Cooking Time

The cooking time will depend on the size of your cinnamon rolls and the brand of your air fryer. For regular-sized Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls, 8 minutes at 340°F to 350°F to 360°F is a good starting point. For smaller cinnamon rolls, adjust the cooking time to around 5 minutes. Keep in mind that every air fryer is different, so it's important to keep an eye on your rolls during the cooking process and adjust the time as needed.

Step 7: Flip the Rolls (Optional)

Depending on your air fryer, you may need to flip the cinnamon rolls halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and cooking. Use tongs to carefully flip each roll, then return them to the air fryer to finish cooking.

Step 8: Remove and Serve

Once the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and fully cooked, remove them from the air fryer. Top them with icing while they are still hot, and serve immediately. Enjoy the delicious aroma and sweet treat that your air fryer has helped create!

Cinnamon roll preparation

Ingredients

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

• Cinnamon roll dough (either store-bought or homemade)
• Non-stick cooking spray, a dish, or parchment paper
• Icing (optional)

Method

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 320-360 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Prepare the air fryer basket by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray, using a dish, or lining it with parchment paper.

Step 3: Place the cinnamon roll dough in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each roll. If you are using store-bought dough, you may need to slice it into portions first.

Step 4: Set the cooking time for 5-9 minutes, depending on the size of your cinnamon rolls. Regular-sized cinnamon rolls will take around 8-9 minutes to cook, while smaller cinnamon rolls will be done in about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Remove the cinnamon rolls from the air fryer and top them with icing, if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips

• If you are using a different brand of cinnamon rolls or a smaller size, it is recommended to run a test batch first and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Preheating the air fryer is recommended for optimal results. It ensures that the air fryer is at the right temperature when you place the cinnamon rolls inside, resulting in more evenly cooked and golden brown treats.
• You can use a pan when making cinnamon rolls in the air fryer, or cook them directly on the air fryer basket grate or on top of parchment paper.
• If you want crispier cinnamon rolls, consider adding an additional minute to the cooking time.
• To reheat cinnamon rolls, place them back into the air fryer basket and heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes. You will likely need to add more icing after reheating.
• You can also make cinnamon rolls from scratch in the air fryer. However, ensure that the baking time and temperature are suitable for an air fryer, and that your air fryer basket is large enough to accommodate the risen rolls.

Icing the cinnamon rolls

For a simple icing recipe, combine cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl and beat until smooth. Then, add powdered sugar and mix until well combined. You can adjust the consistency of the icing by adding a small amount of milk if it's too thick or adding more powdered sugar if it's too thin.

If you're short on time, you can also use store-bought icing or frosting, such as cream cheese frosting or a sugar glaze, which are common toppings for cinnamon rolls.

Once the cinnamon rolls are iced, they are ready to be served and enjoyed!

Reheating and storing

Cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

To reheat, you can either microwave the cinnamon rolls for 20-30 seconds or reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F. You may need to add more icing after reheating.

Frequently asked questions