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

how to cook refrigerated cinnamon rolls in the air fryer

Cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat, but baking them from scratch can be a lot of work. Luckily, you can make warm and fluffy cinnamon rolls in your air fryer in just 10 to 15 minutes using canned, refrigerated cinnamon roll dough. This shortcut will allow you to satisfy your sweet tooth without the hassle of measuring, mixing, rising, and rolling. You can even get creative and experiment with different toppings and ingredients.

Characteristics Values
Preparation time 5 minutes
Cooking time 8-15 minutes
Oven temperature 330°F-390°F
Number of rolls 5-8
Roll size Small or large
Roll brand Pillsbury, Publix, Aldi
Roll flavour Original, Pumpkin Spice
Additional ingredients Heavy cream, full-fat oat milk, almond milk, vegan butter, melted coconut oil, Neufchatel cream cheese, light brown sugar, coconut sugar
Icing Homemade cream cheese frosting, premade icing
Toppings Bacon, melted butter
Storage Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days

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Cinnamon roll prep

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

First, decide whether to use parchment paper or cooking spray in the air fryer basket. If using parchment paper, cut it to size and place it in the basket. If using cooking spray, spray the basket evenly. No preheating is required for this recipe.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

Open the can of cinnamon rolls and carefully separate the rolls. If making the dough from scratch, roll it out and cut it into individual portions. Place the rolls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overlapping. If using a small air fryer, you may need to cook the rolls in batches.

Step 3: Cook the Cinnamon Rolls

Close the air fryer and set the temperature to 330-360°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the air fryer model and the number of rolls, but on average, the rolls will take 6-8 minutes to cook. For a can of 8 rolls, cook for 5 minutes, turn the rolls, and then cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Check the rolls regularly to ensure they don't burn. The rolls are ready when they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve

Once the cinnamon rolls are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate or serving dish. If desired, top the rolls with icing, frosting, or other toppings such as butter, cream cheese, or bacon. Serve the cinnamon rolls warm, and enjoy!

Step 5: Store Leftovers

If you have any leftover cinnamon rolls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 2-3 days. To reheat the cinnamon rolls, use the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes or a toaster oven on the Warm setting for 5-8 minutes.

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Air fryer setup

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. You will need a can of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough, parchment paper or cooking spray, and, optionally, some icing or other toppings. You will also need an air fryer, of course.

Now, let's get into the setup:

First, open the can of cinnamon roll dough and carefully separate the individual rolls. This can be done by twisting and removing the dough from the can. Place the cinnamon rolls on a piece of parchment paper, which you will then put in the air fryer basket. If you don't have parchment paper, you can grease the air fryer basket directly with cooking spray. Ensure the rolls are evenly spaced and not overlapping, as this will impact cooking performance. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the rolls in batches.

Next, you'll want to set the temperature and time on your air fryer. Most recipes recommend cooking the rolls at a temperature between 330°F and 390°F, with cooking times ranging from 5 to 10 minutes. However, it's important to note that air fryers vary in terms of size and model, and heating performance, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Keep a close eye on the rolls during the initial batches to ensure they don't burn.

Once you've set the temperature and time, you can go ahead and place the basket in the air fryer and start the cooking process. Remember to flip the rolls halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and cooking.

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Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for cinnamon rolls in an air fryer depend on the brand of the cinnamon rolls, the size of the rolls, the number of rolls being cooked, and the model of the air fryer.

For a can of 8 small cinnamon rolls, it is recommended to cook them for 5 minutes, turn them over, and then cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until they are browned. The total cooking time for this batch is 8 minutes. The temperature for cooking these rolls is 350˚F.

For a can of 5 larger cinnamon rolls, the cooking time is 10 to 15 minutes. It is recommended to flip the rolls after 6 minutes to ensure that the tops do not overcook and the bottoms are cooked through. The temperature for cooking these rolls is 330°F.

Some recipes recommend cooking the rolls at 360°F for 8 minutes, with the option of cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes for a crispier texture.

It is important to note that air fryers vary in terms of size and model, and the cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly. It is recommended to keep a close eye on the cinnamon rolls during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning.

Additionally, there is no need to preheat the air fryer before cooking the cinnamon rolls. However, if you prefer a crispy texture, you can preheat the air fryer to 390°F and cook the rolls for about 5 minutes on one side and then flip and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until they are golden and borderline overcooked.

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Icing and toppings

The icing and toppings you choose for your cinnamon rolls can elevate them to the next level. You can either use the premade icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls or make your own. If you want to make your own icing, a delicious option is a homemade cream cheese frosting. To make this, simply place all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and beat them with a handheld electric mixer for 1-2 minutes until fluffy and smooth. You can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.

If you want to stick with the premade icing, you can make it even better by warming it up before adding it to the warm cinnamon rolls. This will help the icing spread more evenly and reach all the crevices in the rolls. You can also add melted butter on top for extra moistness.

For some extra indulgence, you can top your cinnamon rolls with bacon. If you're serving them for breakfast, you can add some protein on the side, like chicken breakfast sausage, bacon, or ham. For those with a sweet tooth, a yogurt parfait with Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, granola, and honey is a perfect pairing.

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Storage

Storing your cinnamon rolls correctly is essential to prolong their freshness and prevent them from drying out or becoming stale. The best storage method depends on whether your cinnamon rolls are unbaked, baked but unfrosted, or baked and frosted.

If you have unbaked cinnamon rolls, you can store them in the refrigerator overnight or freeze them for up to a month. To store them in the fridge, loosely cover the dough without creating an airtight seal. If you plan to store the unbaked rolls for more than 12 to 18 hours, it is best to freeze them to prevent the dough from over-proofing.

For baked but unfrosted cinnamon rolls, you have several storage options. You can keep them at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Ensure they are stored correctly, or they may become stale. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months. When storing at room temperature or in the fridge, use plastic wrap to create an airtight seal. Additionally, use aluminium foil as a second layer of protection from air, and store the rolls in an airtight container, such as a plastic bag or lidded container.

If your cinnamon rolls are baked and frosted, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. However, frosted cinnamon rolls are not suitable for storage at room temperature.

Additionally, if you want to make cinnamon rolls ahead of time and store them, you can par-bake the rolls and then freeze them. Par-baking involves partially baking the dough until it sets but before it turns golden. After par-baking, freeze the rolls, and then finish baking them when you are ready to serve them. This method gives you the convenience of make-ahead cinnamon rolls while still serving them fresh from the oven.

Frequently asked questions

It takes between 6 and 15 minutes to cook refrigerated cinnamon rolls in an air fryer. The time varies depending on the model and the number of rolls being cooked.

The temperature varies depending on the model and the number of rolls being cooked. The recommended temperatures range from 330°F to 390°F.

To prevent your cinnamon rolls from burning, keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can also try cooking them in batches to ensure even cooking.

No, preheating is not necessary when cooking refrigerated cinnamon rolls in an air fryer.

Yes, you can reheat refrigerated cooked cinnamon rolls in an air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes.

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