Grand's Cinnamon Roll Recipe: Air Fryer Magic

Grand's cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy them. This method allows you to achieve a perfectly baked, crispy exterior while keeping the rolls soft and gooey inside. Here's a guide on how to make these sweet treats in your air fryer, ensuring a delightful dessert or breakfast option.

Prepare the Dough: Mix, knead, and let rise the dough for the cinnamon rolls

To begin preparing the dough for your Grand's Cinnamon Rolls, you'll want to gather your ingredients and ensure you have a clean workspace. Start by mixing the dry ingredients: in a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of instant yeast. You can also add a pinch of sugar to activate the yeast, but this is optional. Mix these ingredients together until well combined.

Next, it's time to add the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of warm milk (around 110°F), 1/4 cup of softened butter, and 1 large egg. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a rough dough forms. You can use a stand mixer or a hand mixer for this step, or simply mix by hand if you prefer.

Once the dough is mixed, it's time to knead. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process helps develop the gluten, which is crucial for the rolls to have a soft, fluffy texture. If you're using a stand mixer, use the dough hook and knead for about 6-8 minutes on medium speed.

After kneading, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size. This should take approximately 1-2 hours. The timing can vary depending on the room temperature, so keep an eye on the dough.

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to remove any air bubbles. This step is important to ensure even baking. Then, roll the dough into a large rectangle and prepare your cinnamon roll filling by mixing together 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Roll the dough into a log shape and cut it into equal-sized pieces. Place these pieces into a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffy. This final rise will ensure your cinnamon rolls are light and airy.

Shape and Fill: Roll and fill the dough with cinnamon sugar and butter

To begin shaping and filling your Grand's cinnamon rolls for the air fryer, you'll want to ensure your dough is properly prepared. After kneading and letting it rise, it's time to get your hands dirty! First, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it's about 1/4 inch thick. This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking and a nice, even spread of the filling.

Now, it's time to get creative with the filling. In a small bowl, mix together your cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will add a delightful warmth and sweetness to your rolls. You can also add a touch of ground nutmeg or allspice for an extra layer of flavor. Then, in another bowl, cream together some softened butter and a little brown sugar until it's light and fluffy. This will be your filling's base, adding richness and moisture.

Spread the butter mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a little bit of space around the edges. This step is where you can get creative and add your own twist. Some people like to sprinkle a few chocolate chips or chopped walnuts on top for an extra crunch. Others might prefer a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped pecans. The possibilities are endless!

Next, it's time to roll. Carefully roll the dough from one long side, keeping the filling inside. You can either roll it tightly for a classic cinnamon roll shape or go for a more rustic, loose roll. Just be sure to keep the filling centered. Once rolled, seal the edges by pressing them with a fork to ensure the filling doesn't escape during cooking.

Finally, cut the rolls into desired portions. You can either cut them into thick slices or go for smaller, bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference. Place these cut rolls into a greased air fryer basket, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. This step is important to prevent them from steaming and becoming soggy.

Air Fry: Place rolls in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 12-15 minutes

To cook Grand's Cinnamon Rolls in an air fryer, you'll want to ensure a perfect balance of crispiness and warmth. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve that:

Preparation: Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking cinnamon rolls as it ensures a quick and even cooking process. While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare your rolls. Place the Grand's Cinnamon Rolls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer and not overcrowded. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.

Cooking Time: The cooking time will depend on the size of your rolls and your air fryer's power. As a general rule, cook the rolls for approximately 12-15 minutes. For smaller rolls, 12 minutes might be sufficient, while larger ones may require the full 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them after 10 minutes to ensure they don't overcook.

Flipping: For even browning, it's recommended to flip the rolls halfway through the cooking time. This simple step can make a significant difference in the final presentation and taste. Use a pair of tongs or a spatula to carefully flip the rolls over.

Checking Doneness: The rolls are ready when they are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Insert a toothpick or a skewer into the center of a roll; if it comes out clean, the rolls are cooked. If not, continue cooking for a few more minutes and check again.

Serving Suggestion: Once cooked, carefully remove the rolls from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm with a dollop of softened butter or a drizzle of your favorite icing for a delicious treat.

Glaze: Make a simple glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla

To create a delicious glaze for your air-fried cinnamon rolls, start by combining powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. The powdered sugar, also known as confectioners' sugar, is essential for achieving a smooth and glossy consistency. Use a ratio of 2 cups of powdered sugar to 2 tablespoons of milk as a starting point; you can adjust the amount of milk based on the desired thickness of the glaze. For a more intense vanilla flavor, add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Begin by whisking the ingredients together until the powdered sugar is fully dissolved. If the glaze is too thick, gradually add a little more milk to thin it out. Conversely, if it's too runny, add a pinch more powdered sugar. The goal is to create a smooth, pourable consistency that will coat your cinnamon rolls beautifully.

Once the glaze is ready, it's time to assemble. Carefully place your air-fried cinnamon rolls on a serving platter or individual plates. Pour the glaze generously over the rolls, ensuring an even coating. You can use a small spoon or a pastry brush to help with this process, especially if you want to create a more artistic presentation.

Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a delightful contrast between the sweet glaze and the spiced cinnamon rolls. For an extra special touch, you can sprinkle some additional cinnamon or a pinch of salt on top of the glaze while it's still wet, adding a delightful crunch and enhancing the overall taste experience.

This simple glaze recipe is a perfect complement to your air-fried cinnamon rolls, adding a touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation. It's a quick and easy way to elevate your dessert and impress your guests or family.

Serve: Let cool slightly, then drizzle glaze over warm cinnamon rolls

Once your cinnamon rolls are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it's time to serve them and enjoy the delicious aroma and taste. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to serve these treats:

Let the Rolls Cool: After removing the cinnamon rolls from the air fryer, allow them to cool for a few minutes. This step is crucial to ensure the glaze sets properly and the rolls are easy to handle. Avoid the temptation to rush and serve them hot from the air fryer, as they might be too soft and difficult to work with.

Drizzle with Glaze: While the rolls are cooling, prepare your glaze. You can use a store-bought glaze or make your own by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk and a pinch of salt. Warm the glaze slightly to make it easier to work with. Once the rolls have cooled slightly, which should take about 5-10 minutes, carefully drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls. Start with a generous amount on top, then use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a beautiful, sticky coating.

Serve and Enjoy: Let the glaze set for a few moments, and then serve the cinnamon rolls. You can arrange them on a serving platter or simply place them on a plate. These rolls are best served warm, so feel free to reheat them slightly in the air fryer if needed. Serve with a smile, as these cinnamon rolls will surely delight your guests or family!

Remember, the key to a successful serving process is patience. Allowing the rolls to cool slightly ensures a neater presentation, and the warm, gooey glaze will make your cinnamon rolls even more irresistible. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

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