If you love warm, gooey cinnamon rolls but want to skip the long oven wait, cooking them in an air fryer is a game changer. Air fryer cinnamon rolls come out soft on the inside with a perfectly golden crust, and they’re ready in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re using pre-made dough or making your own from scratch, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make irresistible cinnamon rolls in your air fryer.
Why Cook Cinnamon Rolls in an Air Fryer?
The air fryer is a fantastic kitchen gadget for baking cinnamon rolls because it:
– Heats up quickly-no long preheating needed.
– Cooks evenly with circulating hot air.
– Creates a slightly crisp edge while keeping the inside soft.
– Saves energy compared to heating a full oven.
– Is easy to clean and requires less cleanup.
Now, let’s dive into how to make cinnamon rolls in this nifty appliance.
What You’ll Need
– Air fryer
– Cinnamon roll dough (store-bought refrigerated dough like Pillsbury works great, or homemade dough)
– Non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper for the basket
– Optional: cream cheese or vanilla icing for topping
Step-by-Step: Cooking Cinnamon Rolls in an Air Fryer
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Some models need preheating, while others don’t-check your manual. Preheating ensures your cinnamon rolls cook evenly and develop a nice golden color.
2. Prepare the Dough
– If using store-bought dough: Open the package and separate the cinnamon rolls.
– If making from scratch: Roll out your dough into a rectangle, spread melted butter mixed with cinnamon and brown sugar, then roll it tightly into a log. Slice into equal pieces (usually 8-9 rolls).
3. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Spray the basket lightly with non-stick cooking spray or line it with air fryer-safe parchment paper to prevent sticking.
4. Arrange the Rolls
Place the cinnamon rolls in the basket. They can be touching but avoid overcrowding to allow hot air to circulate properly. For canned rolls, arrange them in a circle with one in the center if needed.
5. Cook the Cinnamon Rolls
Set the timer for about 8-10 minutes. Cooking times vary by air fryer model, so start checking around 6 minutes to prevent burning. For homemade dough, cooking might be slightly less, around 7-8 minutes.
If you want even browning, you can carefully flip the rolls halfway through cooking, but this is optional.
6. Add the Icing
Once the rolls are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer. While still warm, drizzle or spread the included cream cheese frosting or your favorite icing on top. The warmth helps the icing melt into the rolls for that perfect gooey finish.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your cinnamon rolls warm for the best experience. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
– Don’t overcrowd: Give the rolls some space so they cook evenly.
– Check early: Air fryer temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your first batch to adjust cooking time.
– Use parchment paper: It makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
– Try homemade dough: For a fresher taste, homemade dough with simple ingredients like self-rising flour, yogurt, and butter works wonderfully.
– Customize your toppings: Add nuts, caramel, or fruit for a fun twist.
Variations to Try
– Nutella Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls: Add a layer of Nutella inside the dough before rolling.
– Chai Spiced Cinnamon Rolls: Mix chai spices into your cinnamon sugar filling for a warm, aromatic flavor.
– Caramel Pecan Rolls: Top with caramel sauce and chopped pecans after baking.
– Blueberry Lemon Rolls: Add fresh blueberries and a lemon glaze for a fruity twist.
Why Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls Are a Must-Try
In just 10 minutes or less, you can have fresh, warm cinnamon rolls without heating up your oven or waiting for dough to rise. The air fryer’s quick cooking time and even heat give you soft, fluffy rolls with a delightful golden crust every time. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Next time you crave cinnamon rolls, skip the oven and try the air fryer method-you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious it is.
Enjoy your sweet treat!
Warm, soft, and perfectly golden cinnamon rolls are just minutes away with your air fryer. Give this quick method a try and treat yourself to bakery-style goodness at home!