Air Fryer Cinnamon Buns: Fluffy, Sweet, And Easy To Make!

Cinnamon buns are a delicious treat, and with the convenience of an air fryer, you can enjoy them in a fraction of the time it takes to bake in a traditional oven. This method allows you to achieve a perfectly crisp and golden exterior while keeping the buns soft and fluffy inside. In this guide, we'll explore the simple steps to make mouth-watering cinnamon buns in your air fryer, ensuring a quick and tasty dessert or breakfast option.

Prepare the Dough: Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and cinnamon. Add butter, eggs, and milk for a soft, sticky dough

To begin preparing the dough for your cinnamon buns, you'll need to gather your ingredients. The foundation of a delicious cinnamon bun lies in the dough, so take your time to measure and combine the right amounts. Start by mixing 2 and a half cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. These dry ingredients will form the base, providing structure and flavor to your buns.

Next, add 1/2 cup of softened butter, 2 large eggs, and 1 and a half cups of milk to the bowl. The butter should be at room temperature to ensure it blends easily with the other ingredients. As you mix, the dough will start to come together, initially forming a sticky, soft mass. This is the desired consistency, as it will allow the cinnamon and butter flavors to permeate the buns during baking.

Using a wooden spoon or a dough hook on your stand mixer, knead the mixture until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process helps develop the gluten, ensuring your buns will have a soft, tender crumb. If the dough feels too sticky, you can lightly flour your hands and the bowl to prevent it from sticking. Continue kneading for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is no longer tacky and has a slightly shiny surface.

Once the dough is ready, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size. This could take approximately 1-2 hours. The rising time is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your cinnamon buns. After the dough has risen, you can proceed to shape and bake your delicious treats.

Shape and Roll: Roll the dough into a log, then cut into buns. Shape each bun by rolling and pinching the edges

To shape and roll your cinnamon buns, start by ensuring your dough is well-rested and pliable. Roll the dough into a long log, approximately 1 inch in diameter. This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for the buns' shape and texture. Once the log is formed, it's time to cut it into individual buns. Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts, aiming for a consistent size. Each cut should be about 1 inch apart, resulting in 8 to 10 buns per log.

Now, focus on shaping each bun. Take one piece of dough and roll it gently between your palms to remove any air bubbles. Then, roll it out into a tight ball, ensuring the edges are smooth and even. This process is an art, and you'll develop a feel for it with practice. The goal is to create a rounded shape with a slightly flattened bottom.

The next step is to pinch and tuck the edges. Gently pinch the sides of the bun, pulling them towards the center to create a tight, rounded shape. Make sure the seams are sealed to prevent any filling from spilling out during baking. You can also use your fingers to create a decorative pattern on the top of each bun, adding a unique touch to your dessert.

Practice and patience are key when shaping cinnamon buns. It might take a few attempts to perfect the technique, but the result will be worth it. Remember, the shaping process is an essential part of the baking experience, allowing you to create a delicious and visually appealing treat.

Once shaped, arrange the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching. This step is important as it allows for even cooking and prevents the buns from becoming dense. Proceed to the next stage of your air-frying adventure, where you'll finish cooking your cinnamon buns to perfection.

Brush with Butter: Melt butter and brush generously over the buns for a golden, crispy exterior

Melt a generous amount of butter and prepare to transform your air-fried cinnamon buns into a golden, crispy masterpiece. This simple yet effective technique is the secret to achieving a mouth-watering exterior that will have your family and friends begging for more. Here's how to master the art of butter brushing:

Start by melting butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Ensure it reaches a smooth, liquid consistency, allowing for easy brushing. The key is to use a high-quality, unsalted butter to control the seasoning. Once melted, carefully pour the butter into a small bowl or ramekin to make it easier to handle.

Now, it's time to get your hands sticky! Take a pastry brush or a small spoon and dip it into the melted butter. Ensure you coat the brush or spoon with a generous amount of butter, as you want to cover the entire surface of the buns. Be generous with the butter; a crispy, golden finish is worth the extra effort.

Hold the buns by their tops or use a pair of tongs to prevent burns. Carefully brush the melted butter over the top and sides of each bun. Make sure to cover all areas, including the seams, for an even crispiness. This step is crucial as it not only adds a delightful aroma but also creates a beautiful, golden-brown crust.

After brushing, place the buttered buns back into the preheated air fryer. Cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the desired level of crispiness is achieved. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn. The result will be a perfectly cooked cinnamon bun with a crispy exterior and a soft, gooey center—a true delight for any sweet tooth!

Air Fry: Place the buns in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until puffed and golden

To prepare cinnamon buns in an air fryer, start by preheating the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the buns soft and fluffy inside. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your cinnamon bun dough. You can either make your own dough or use a pre-made one, ensuring it is properly proofed and shaped into buns.

Once the air fryer is ready, place the cinnamon buns in the basket, leaving a little space between each bun to allow for even cooking. The number of buns you can fit depends on the size of your air fryer basket, but typically, you can fit 2-3 buns at a time. If you have more buns, you can cook them in batches.

Set the cooking time for 8-10 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your buns and your air fryer's power, so it's important to keep an eye on them. Aim for a golden-brown color on the top and a slightly softer, chewier texture on the bottom. The air fryer's rapid air circulation will give your cinnamon buns a crispy, caramelized finish.

During the cooking process, you can lightly spray the buns with cooking oil to prevent them from sticking to the basket and to promote even browning. Alternatively, you can use a non-stick cooking spray or simply brush the buns with melted butter before placing them in the air fryer.

Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the buns from the air fryer basket. They should be puffed up and have a beautiful, golden-brown crust. Serve them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for a delicious, crispy cinnamon bun experience.

Glaze and Serve: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm buns for a sweet, sticky finish

The glaze is a simple yet essential step to elevate your air-fried cinnamon buns. Here's how to create a delicious and glossy topping:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups powdered sugar (also known as confectioners' sugar)
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (you can use any type of milk, but whole milk adds richness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

• In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until you have a smooth, lump-free glaze. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more if needed for a thinner consistency. The glaze should be pourable but not too runny.
• Allow the glaze to sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly. This step ensures it coats the buns evenly.
• Heat your air fryer to a low temperature, around 200-220°F (90-105°C). This gentle heat will keep the glaze from setting too quickly.
• Once the buns are cooked and out of the air fryer, quickly dip or drizzle the glaze over the warm buns. The heat from the buns will help the glaze set, creating a beautiful, sticky exterior.
• For an extra special touch, sprinkle some additional cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt over the glaze while it's still wet. This adds a delightful contrast in flavors.

Drizzling the glaze over the warm cinnamon buns will create a delightful presentation and a mouth-watering taste. The combination of the soft, spiced buns and the sweet, glossy glaze is a classic dessert that will impress any sweet tooth. Enjoy your homemade, air-fried cinnamon buns with this simple yet effective finishing touch!

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