If you love the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls baking but want a quicker, fuss-free way to enjoy them, the air fryer is your new best friend. Making cinnamon rolls in the air fryer is fast, easy, and yields soft, fluffy rolls with a perfectly golden crust. Whether you’re using pre-made dough or making them from scratch, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make mouthwatering cinnamon rolls right in your air fryer.
Why Make Cinnamon Rolls in the Air Fryer?
– Speedy baking: Air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens because hot air circulates rapidly around the food, cutting down baking time significantly.
– Perfect texture: The air fryer crisps the outside just right while keeping the inside soft and gooey.
– Energy efficient: Using an air fryer uses less electricity than heating a full oven.
– Less heat in the kitchen: Great for warm days when you don’t want to heat up your entire kitchen.
– Easy cleanup: Air fryer baskets are easy to clean, and there’s less mess than traditional baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You can either start with a tube of ready-to-bake cinnamon rolls or make your own dough from scratch. Here are basic ingredients for both options:
For Pre-Made Cinnamon Rolls
– 1 tube of cinnamon rolls (any brand like Pillsbury or store brand)
– Non-stick cooking spray
– Icing/frosting (usually included in the package)
For Homemade Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
– 1 3/4 cups self-rising flour
– 1 cup vanilla yogurt (Greek, coconut, or soy works)
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
– 2 ounces softened cream cheese
– 2 tablespoons softened butter
– 6 tablespoons powdered sugar
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls in the Air Fryer: Step-by-Step
Using Pre-Made Cinnamon Rolls
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, run it empty for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the rolls: Open the cinnamon roll tube and separate the rolls carefully. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with non-stick spray.
- Arrange the rolls: Place the cinnamon rolls in the basket with a little space between them to allow air circulation.
- Air fry: Cook the rolls for about 7 to 9 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. No need to flip them halfway.
- Add frosting: Remove the rolls and immediately spread the included icing over the warm rolls.
- Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy gooey, delicious cinnamon rolls in minutes.
Making Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch
- Make the dough: Mix the self-rising flour and vanilla yogurt until a thick dough forms. Knead lightly on a floured surface until smooth.
- Roll out the dough: Shape the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Add filling: Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread this mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Roll and slice: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 8 equal pieces.
- Air fry: Place 3-4 rolls in the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper. Cook at 350°F (180°C) for 7-8 minutes until golden brown.
- Make frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar.
- Frost and serve: Let the rolls cool slightly, then spread frosting on top and enjoy.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
– Don’t overcrowd: Leave space between rolls for even cooking.
– Temperature matters: Cooking at 350°F is ideal; higher temps can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
– Adjust time for size: Larger rolls may need a minute or two more; smaller rolls less.
– Use parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
– Try variations: Add nuts, raisins, or a drizzle of caramel for a twist on the classic.
Flavor Variations to Try
– Nutella stuffed cinnamon rolls: Add a spoonful of Nutella before rolling the dough.
– Chai spiced rolls: Mix chai spices like cardamom and cloves with the cinnamon sugar.
– Caramel pecan rolls: Top with chopped pecans and drizzle caramel sauce after baking.
– Blueberry lemon rolls: Add fresh blueberries and lemon zest to the filling for a fruity burst.
Cinnamon rolls in the air fryer are a game changer for busy mornings or anytime you want a quick, comforting treat. Whether you choose the convenience of canned dough or the satisfaction of homemade, you’ll get soft, fluffy, and perfectly baked cinnamon rolls in no time. So dust off your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls!
Warm, gooey, and ready in minutes—your air fryer cinnamon rolls await!