I’ll admit it—there are days when I want something warm, sweet, and freshly baked without the long wait. That’s when my air fryer becomes my best friend. These 15-minute air fryer cinnamon rolls are my ultimate lazy-day indulgence. They give me all the comforting flavors of homemade cinnamon rolls—soft, gooey centers and that sweet cinnamon aroma that fills the kitchen—but without hours of proofing and baking.
The best part? You don’t need to be a baking pro to pull this off. Whether you’re making a quick breakfast treat, a mid-afternoon snack, or a last-minute dessert for guests, this recipe is foolproof. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever waited for cinnamon rolls to bake in the oven again.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough: This is the secret weapon that makes this recipe so quick and easy. Pre-packaged dough comes ready to bake, perfectly rolled, and already filled with cinnamon-sugar goodness, so you skip the entire kneading and rising process.
Non-stick cooking spray: A quick spritz keeps your cinnamon rolls from sticking to the air fryer basket, making cleanup a breeze. It also helps the dough cook evenly without burning on the bottom.
Icing (included in the dough package): Most store-bought cinnamon rolls come with a packet of icing. That little pouch is pure magic—once the rolls are warm and golden, a drizzle of icing melts into every swirl for that classic sweet finish.
Optional toppings: If you want to make them extra special, think crushed nuts, extra cinnamon sugar, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. They take your cinnamon rolls from “delicious” to “can’t stop eating them” in seconds.
Ingredients List
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (8 rolls)
- Non-stick cooking spray (as needed)
- Icing packet (comes with the dough)
- Optional: crushed pecans, extra cinnamon sugar, caramel drizzle
How to Make 15-Minute Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the air fryer
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the rolls from sticking and help them cook evenly without burning.
Step 2: Arrange the cinnamon rolls
Open the can of cinnamon roll dough and separate each roll. Place them in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them so they can expand while cooking.
Step 3: Air fry to perfection
Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 8–10 minutes. Check them halfway through and adjust if necessary. They should be golden brown on top and fluffy inside.
Step 4: Add the icing
Once cooked, remove the cinnamon rolls from the air fryer. While they’re still warm, drizzle the icing over the top so it melts into all the layers.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Enjoy them fresh out of the air fryer with your favorite coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the basket – Give the rolls room to puff up so they bake evenly.
- Check halfway through – Air fryer models vary, so peek in at the 5-minute mark to avoid over-browning.
- Serve warm – Cinnamon rolls taste best when they’re still soft and slightly gooey from the heat.
- Customize the toppings – Sprinkle with chopped pecans, drizzle with caramel, or dust with extra cinnamon sugar for a bakery-style finish.
- Reheat leftovers – Pop them back in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to bring back the fresh-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I make these from scratch instead of using canned dough?
Yes! If you have a homemade cinnamon roll dough you love, you can absolutely air fry it—just adjust cooking time depending on the thickness.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
It’s optional, but preheating for 2–3 minutes can help the rolls bake more evenly.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can cook them ahead and store in an airtight container, but they’re best fresh. Reheat in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes before serving.
What if my rolls cook unevenly?
Rotate the basket halfway through cooking or flip the rolls gently to ensure they brown evenly.
Can I freeze leftover cinnamon rolls?
Yes! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for about 4–5 minutes.