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

Cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat, but baking them can be time-consuming. Fortunately, you can make Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls in an air fryer in under 15 minutes! Here's a step-by-step guide to making these mouth-watering treats.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cinnamon roll-making process. It ensures that your cinnamon rolls cook evenly and helps to reduce the chances of them burning. Here is a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer for making Pillsbury cinnamon rolls:

Firstly, it is recommended to line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper. This will help to prevent the cinnamon rolls from sticking to the basket and make cleaning up easier. If using parchment paper, cut an 8-inch round shape to fit the bottom of the basket. Poke a few holes in the parchment paper or foil to allow for proper air circulation.

Next, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking Pillsbury cinnamon rolls is around 320-325°F (155-163°C). However, different air fryers may vary, so it is important to refer to your air fryer's instructions for the best preheating temperature and method. Set your air fryer to this temperature and allow it to preheat for a few minutes until it reaches the set temperature.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can proceed to the next steps of preparing your cinnamon rolls and placing them in the air fryer basket. Remember to always follow the specific instructions that come with your air fryer model for the best results.

Prepare the cinnamon roll dough

To prepare the cinnamon roll dough, start by removing the dough from the can and setting the icing aside. Cut an 8-inch round piece of cooking parchment paper and place it in the bottom of the air fryer basket.

Next, separate the dough into individual rolls. If you're making cinnamon roll bites, cut each roll into four equal pieces. Place the desired number of rolls or pieces in the air fryer basket, making sure they're not overcrowded. If you're making bites, you may need to cook them in batches.

At this point, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the rolls to keep them moist during cooking. However, this step is optional.

Now it's time to preheat the air fryer. Most sources recommend preheating to 320°F, but temperatures can vary from 310°F to 360°F, depending on your air fryer and desired level of doneness.

Once preheated, it's time to air fry! Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes, checking on them after 6-7 minutes to ensure they don't burn. If needed, turn the rolls over and air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes before applying the icing. You can also add some salted butter for extra flavor.

Cook the rolls

Cooking the Rolls

Now it's time to cook the rolls! First, place the cinnamon rolls in the air fryer basket. If you are making cinnamon roll bites, you will need to cut each roll into four equal pieces. You can cook the rolls in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. If they don't all fit, you can cook them in batches.

Next, you'll want to preheat your air fryer. Different recipes suggest different temperatures, ranging from 310°F/155°C to 360°F. You may need to experiment to find the best temperature for your air fryer.

Once preheated, it's time to air fry the cinnamon rolls. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your rolls and your air fryer, but it should take around 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as you may need to flip them halfway through or adjust the temperature or timing.

If you want to add a splash of heavy cream to your cinnamon rolls before cooking, this can help keep them moist. You can also add a little butter for flavor after cooking.

When the cinnamon rolls are golden brown, it's time to remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Finally, top the warm cinnamon rolls with the enclosed icing or your own cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!

Warm the icing

Warming the icing is an important step in making Pillsbury cinnamon rolls in an air fryer. While the cinnamon rolls are cooking in the air fryer, you can prepare the icing by transferring it to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the icing for about 15 seconds, or until it reaches a pourable consistency. This step ensures that the icing is warm and can be easily spread over the cinnamon rolls. You can also add melted butter to the icing for extra moistness.

If you are making cinnamon roll bites, you can make a sweet cream cheese icing by mixing softened cream cheese and butter with powdered sugar, reserved icing, and milk. This dipping icing is perfect for cinnamon roll bites and will elevate your dessert or breakfast treat.

Additionally, if you prefer a cream cheese frosting, you can skip the provided icing and make your own. A cream cheese frosting can make your air-fried Pillsbury cinnamon rolls feel more decadent and homemade.

Serve and enjoy

Once your cinnamon rolls are ready, transfer them to a serving platter and frost them with the enclosed icing. You can also sprinkle them with powdered sugar if you prefer. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, gooey goodness!

These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer, but if you do end up with leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container. It's recommended to keep the cinnamon rolls unfrosted and store the icing separately. While the cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds if needed. However, reheating them in the air fryer may make them dry.

These air fryer cinnamon rolls are perfect for a quick and delicious breakfast or an indulgent dessert. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea, or serve them with some fresh fruit, eggs, breakfast meat, or yogurt on the side. You can even get creative and top them with bacon for a savoury twist!

So, go ahead and indulge in these warm, fluffy, and fragrant cinnamon rolls. They are sure to be a hit with your family and friends!

Frequently asked questions