As a cooking enthusiast, I’m always looking for ways to make delicious treats without the hassle of turning on the oven. That’s where the air fryer comes in—this magical kitchen appliance allows you to whip up crispy and flaky delights with less oil, and the best part is, it cooks everything faster. One of my favorite recipes to prepare in the air fryer is Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists. These crispy, buttery twists are covered in a cinnamon-sugar coating and have a delightful texture that’s sure to impress anyone who tries them.
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast treat, a sweet snack, or something to serve at a brunch, these cinnamon twists hit the spot. With just a few ingredients, you can create a perfectly golden and flaky pastry that will melt in your mouth. The air fryer makes it incredibly easy, giving you that deep-fried taste without all the extra calories. Let’s dive into this recipe and get those twists sizzling!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Puff Pastry Sheets: Puff pastry is the key to achieving those wonderfully flaky twists. The light, airy layers puff up as they cook, creating a crispy texture that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-sugar coating.
Ground Cinnamon: The main flavoring in this recipe, ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice. It gives the twists their signature flavor that’s both sweet and aromatic.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar helps to balance the spice from the cinnamon and adds a bit of sweetness to each bite. It also contributes to the caramelized, crispy exterior.
Butter: Butter is what brings everything together, providing richness and moisture. It’s brushed onto the puff pastry to help the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the twists while adding a savory buttery flavor.
Egg (Optional): An egg wash is optional but highly recommended to give your twists a beautiful golden-brown color once they’ve been air fried.
Ingredients List
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Start by laying out the puff pastry sheet on a flat surface. Use a rolling pin to gently roll it out if it’s not already thin enough. You want it to be a little thinner so it cooks more evenly. Once it’s ready, cut the sheet into even strips (about 1 inch wide). These strips will form the twists.
Step 2: Brush with Butter
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Using a pastry brush, coat each strip of puff pastry with the melted butter. Make sure each strip is generously coated to help the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick.
Step 3: Sprinkle Cinnamon-Sugar
In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered strips. Don’t be shy—make sure each strip is covered with the sweet, spicy blend.
Step 4: Twist the Strips
Take each cinnamon-sugar-coated strip and twist it gently. You can either twist it once or twice depending on how tight you want the twists to be. The more twists, the crunchier the result!
Step 5: Air Fry the Twists
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the twisted pastry strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for about 8-10 minutes, or until the twists are golden brown and crispy. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 6: Optional Egg Wash
For a golden, shiny finish, you can brush the twists with a beaten egg before air frying. Simply whisk the egg and use a pastry brush to coat the twists lightly.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use cold puff pastry: For best results, make sure your puff pastry is cold. This will help the twists hold their shape and get a nice crisp texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Leave some space between the twists in the air fryer basket. This ensures that the air circulates around them and they cook evenly.
- Add a glaze: If you want to take these cinnamon twists to the next level, drizzle a simple icing glaze on top after they’ve finished cooking. Just mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla extract.
- Experiment with other spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a twist on the traditional flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these cinnamon twists ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the cinnamon twists in advance by assembling them and storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry. Just brush them with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar right before cooking.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover cinnamon twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Q: Can I freeze the cinnamon twists?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the prepared, unbaked twists on a baking sheet and transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just pop them in the air fryer straight from the freezer—no need to thaw!
Q: Can I use something other than puff pastry?
A: While puff pastry is ideal for these twists, you can use crescent roll dough as an alternative. It won’t be quite as flaky, but it will still give you delicious twists.