Air Fryer Magic: Canned Sweet Rolls Perfection

Canned sweet rolls are a quick and easy treat to make in an air fryer. They can be made in under 30 minutes and are a great addition to any breakfast spread or dessert. The air fryer also cuts the cooking time in half compared to using an oven.

To make canned sweet rolls in an air fryer, first prepare the air fryer basket by lining it with aluminium foil or parchment paper. Then, place the cinnamon rolls inside, adding a splash of heavy cream or coconut oil spray on top if desired. Air fry for around 8 minutes at 320-360 degrees Fahrenheit, checking on them regularly to make sure they don't burn. Once they are golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and spread icing or frosting on top.

Prepare the air fryer basket

Preparing the air fryer basket is a crucial step in making canned sweet rolls. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, it is important to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil. This step ensures that the rolls don't stick to the basket and makes cleanup easier. It is also recommended to spray the basket with cooking spray, such as coconut oil or canola oil, to further prevent sticking.

Once the basket is prepared, carefully place the cinnamon rolls inside. For a 5-count can of cinnamon rolls, place one roll in each corner of the basket and one in the middle, ensuring even spacing. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the rolls in batches to avoid overcrowding.

If you are using a cream cheese or icing topping, set it aside before placing the basket in the air fryer.

Now, you are ready to place the basket into the air fryer and set the temperature and timer according to the specific recipe you are following. Remember to keep an eye on the rolls during cooking, as air fryers can vary in terms of cooking time and temperature.

Finally, once the rolls are cooked to a golden brown, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs and let them cool slightly before adding your desired toppings.

Add the cinnamon rolls

Now for the fun part! It's time to add the cinnamon rolls to your air fryer.

First, prepare your air fryer basket by placing a piece of parchment paper along the bottom. You can either cut a piece from a roll to match the bottom, or use pre-made air fryer parchment paper.

Open your canned cinnamon rolls and carefully place them into the air fryer basket, evenly spacing them if possible. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to do this in two batches so your cinnamon rolls are not too close together.

If you're using a can of Pillsbury Grands or another brand of jumbo cinnamon rolls (5 rolls per can), place the basket into the air fryer and cook at 330F for 10-12 minutes total. Use tongs to carefully flip the cinnamon rolls over after 6 minutes. This ensures that the tops do not overcook and the bottoms of the cinnamon rolls are cooked through. Check the cinnamon rolls at 10 minutes and add an additional 2 minutes if the centres look doughy.

If you're using a can of regular cinnamon rolls (8 rolls per can), reduce the cooking time by 2-3 minutes. Cook at 330F for 7-10 minutes, checking after 5 minutes. Check the bottoms and flip if they appear doughy.

If you're using a can of Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls, line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper and preheat to 320F. Place the cinnamon rolls in the preheated air fryer and spread heavy cream on top. Cook for 8 minutes, checking after 6-7 minutes.

Air fry

Step 1: Preheat

Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or a piece of parchment paper and preheat to 320–360 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Prepare the rolls

Place the cinnamon rolls in the preheated air fryer in a single layer. If you are using heavy cream, spread it on top of the cinnamon rolls.

Step 3: Air fry

Step 4: Prepare the icing

While the cinnamon rolls are air frying, transfer the icing to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 15 seconds or until it reaches a pourable consistency.

Step 5: Top and serve

Remove the cinnamon rolls from the air fryer and spread the icing evenly on top. Serve and enjoy!

Make the frosting

To make the frosting, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 ounces of softened cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons of softened butter
• 6 tablespoons of confectioners' sugar

Place the cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl and beat together until combined. Then, add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.

If you are using canned cinnamon rolls, you can use the premade frosting that comes with the can. Simply transfer the icing to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 15 seconds or until it reaches a pourable consistency.

For a healthier option, you can make a homemade cream cheese frosting by mixing cream cheese, butter, and vanilla Greek yogurt. You can also add maple syrup to sweeten the frosting.

Serve and store

Serve

Air fryer cinnamon rolls are best served warm. You can serve them with a sweet cream cheese icing for dipping, or with a homemade cream cheese frosting.

They are a great addition to a brunch spread, and can be served alongside bacon and eggs, a quiche, or a frittata. They also work well as a snack or dessert.

Store

You can store leftover cooked cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, use the air fryer at 300F for 3-4 minutes, or a toaster oven on Warm for 5-8 minutes.

You can also freeze cooked cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Frequently asked questions