If you love the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls but don’t have the time to wait for the oven to preheat or the dough to rise, then you’re in for a treat with this Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls recipe. The air fryer makes it possible to get that soft, gooey, and golden-brown perfection in a fraction of the time, all while maintaining that signature cinnamon flavor that makes these rolls so irresistible.
I used to think that making cinnamon rolls was a long and involved process, but after discovering the air fryer method, I’ve never looked back. It’s so simple, and the results are amazing! Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to morning favorites.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Cinnamon Roll Dough: The base of this recipe, cinnamon roll dough, is essential for creating the soft and fluffy texture. You can use store-bought dough for convenience, or you can make your own if you prefer. The dough should be rolled out and ready to be filled with cinnamon sugar and butter.
Butter: Butter is key to getting that rich, melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon roll experience. It will be spread onto the dough before adding the cinnamon sugar mixture to give the rolls their signature softness and flavor.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is used in the cinnamon-sugar filling. It will combine with the cinnamon to create that deliciously sweet and spicy flavor inside the rolls.
Ground Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is the star of this recipe, providing that warm, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the sugar. It’s the heart of the cinnamon rolls’ filling, so don’t skimp on this ingredient.
Vanilla Extract: Adding vanilla extract to the glaze enhances the sweetness of the rolls and gives them that extra touch of flavor that ties everything together beautifully.
Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar is used for the glaze that gets drizzled over the rolls once they’ve been cooked. It helps to create that perfectly sweet finish that makes cinnamon rolls so irresistible.
Ingredients List
- 1 can of cinnamon roll dough (8 rolls)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prep the Cinnamon Roll Dough
Start by opening the can of cinnamon roll dough and unrolling it on a flat surface. Carefully separate each roll and set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon. Then, take your melted butter and spread it generously on each piece of dough, ensuring an even layer. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
Once the filling is evenly distributed, roll up each cinnamon roll tightly. Cut each roll into approximately 1-inch sections if they aren’t already pre-sliced.
Step 4: Preheat and Arrange in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray, and arrange the cinnamon rolls in a single layer. Make sure to leave a little space between each roll to allow for expansion during cooking.
Step 5: Air Fry the Rolls
Place the basket into the air fryer and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and fully cooked through. Keep an eye on them toward the end of cooking to prevent over-browning.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
While the cinnamon rolls are cooking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary.
Step 7: Drizzle the Glaze
Once the cinnamon rolls are done, remove them from the air fryer and drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use Quality Dough: If you want to make homemade cinnamon rolls from scratch, feel free to do so, but store-bought dough works wonders for a quick, delicious result.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Give each cinnamon roll enough space to cook evenly by arranging them in a single layer in the air fryer.
- Check the Rolls Early: Depending on the size and model of your air fryer, the cooking time may vary, so start checking your rolls at 7 minutes.
- Try Different Fillings: You can experiment with adding chopped nuts, raisins, or even a bit of cream cheese for a fun twist on the classic cinnamon roll.
- For Extra Fluffiness: Make sure your dough is fresh for the best rise. Older dough may not puff up as well in the air fryer.
FAQs
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the rolls the night before and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake them, just pop them in the air fryer directly from the fridge, and cook as directed.
Can I use other types of dough? Absolutely! You can substitute the cinnamon roll dough with any type of dough you prefer, such as biscuit dough or even puff pastry for a different texture.
Do I need to use the glaze? While the glaze adds sweetness and flavor, you can skip it if you prefer a less sugary treat. The rolls are delicious even without it!
Enjoy making these Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls—they’re perfect for a weekend breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day!