Air Fryer Cinnamon Crescent Rolls

I’m always looking for quick and easy ways to satisfy my sweet tooth, and these Air Fryer Cinnamon Crescent Rolls are just the thing! With the air fryer, you can create crispy, golden, and soft rolls in no time—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack. They have the irresistible combination of buttery, cinnamon-sugar filling wrapped in warm, flaky crescent dough. If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls but don’t want to deal with all the time-consuming steps, this recipe is going to become your go-to.

The beauty of these cinnamon rolls is how simple they are to prepare. All you need are a few ingredients, and with the air fryer doing the heavy lifting, you’ll have a warm batch ready in under 15 minutes. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a pro baker without all the hassle. So, let’s get started on making these delicious, melt-in-your-mouth treats!

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Crescent Roll Dough: The base of this recipe is the crescent roll dough, which is both convenient and delicious. It gives you that light, flaky texture that you would expect from traditional cinnamon rolls but without the extra work of making dough from scratch.

Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds that warm, comforting flavor that’s essential to this recipe. It pairs perfectly with the buttery filling and the sweetness of the sugar.

Granulated Sugar: The sugar is what brings the sweetness to the cinnamon rolls. It helps create that crunchy, caramelized outer layer as the rolls cook in the air fryer.

Butter: Butter is the key to making these rolls rich and indulgent. It adds the necessary moisture to the cinnamon-sugar filling and gives the rolls a golden-brown finish when cooked.

Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor. It balances out the cinnamon and sugar for a more rounded taste.

Powdered Sugar: This will be used for making the simple glaze that tops the rolls, giving them that extra sweetness and a beautiful finishing touch.

Ingredients List

  • 1 can of Crescent Roll Dough
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)

How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Crescent Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Crescent Rolls

Start by unrolling the crescent dough onto a clean surface. Pinch the seams together to form a solid sheet of dough. This will ensure that your cinnamon rolls hold together nicely when you roll them up.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Mix them well. Then, brush the dough with the melted butter, making sure to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

Step 3: Roll Up the Dough

Begin rolling the dough from the wide end, making sure it’s tightly rolled but not overly packed. Once rolled up, cut the dough into about 8 equal pieces.

Step 4: Cook the Rolls in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the cinnamon rolls into the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry the rolls for about 7-8 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

While the rolls are cooling slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cinnamon rolls once they have cooled for a few minutes.

Tips for Making this Recipe

  1. Air Fryer Size: If you have a small air fryer, it may be better to cook the rolls in two batches to avoid overcrowding. This ensures even cooking and golden-brown rolls every time.
  2. Parchment Paper: If you’re worried about the rolls sticking to the basket, you can line it with parchment paper. Just be sure to leave enough space around the edges for air circulation.
  3. Add Nuts: If you like a little crunch, feel free to add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar filling for extra texture and flavor.
  4. Make Ahead: You can prepare the cinnamon rolls ahead of time by rolling them up and storing them in the fridge. Then, just pop them in the air fryer when you’re ready to enjoy.
  5. Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding other spices like nutmeg or allspice to the filling for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough for this recipe?
Yes! If you prefer to make your own dough, go for it. Just make sure it’s rolled out into a similar size as the store-bought crescent dough for the best results.

How long do these cinnamon rolls last?
These rolls are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back their crispy texture.

Can I freeze these rolls?
Absolutely! Freeze the rolls before cooking, and when you’re ready, cook them directly from the freezer. You may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?
If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar until it’s fine and powdery. Alternatively, you can skip the glaze or drizzle them with honey or maple syrup.