Ingredients and tools needed
To make delicious air fryer cinnamon rolls, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and tools. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start:
- 1 can of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough – You can use any brand, but make sure it fits in your air fryer basket.
- Non-stick cooking spray – This will help prevent the rolls from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Optional: Extra cinnamon and sugar – If you want to add a little more flavor, you can sprinkle additional cinnamon and sugar on the rolls before cooking.
- Optional: Melted butter – Brushing the rolls with melted butter before air frying can give them a golden, crispy finish.
- Frosting – Most canned cinnamon rolls come with a small container of frosting, but you can also make your own or use store-bought cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent touch.
In addition to the ingredients, you’ll need a few basic tools:
- Air fryer – Any standard air fryer will work, but make sure the basket is large enough to fit the cinnamon rolls without overcrowding.
- Silicone tongs – These will help you safely remove the hot cinnamon rolls from the air fryer without damaging them.
- Pastry brush – If you’re using melted butter, a pastry brush will help you evenly coat the rolls before cooking.
Step-by-step cooking instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to start making your air fryer cinnamon rolls. Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly golden, fluffy rolls with minimal effort:
- Step 1: Preheat the air fryer
Before placing the cinnamon rolls in the air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the rolls cook evenly and get that nice golden-brown color. Preheating usually takes about 3-5 minutes, depending on your air fryer model.
- Step 2: Prepare the air fryer basket
While the air fryer is preheating, lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the cinnamon rolls from sticking to the basket and make cleanup easier.
- Step 3: Arrange the cinnamon rolls
Open the can of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough and carefully separate the rolls. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure to leave a little space between each roll. This allows the hot air to circulate around the rolls, ensuring even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the rolls in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Step 4: Air fry the cinnamon rolls
Once the rolls are arranged in the basket, air fry them at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Check them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are browning evenly. If they are browning too quickly, you can lower the temperature slightly. The rolls are done when they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through in the center.
- Step 5: Optional – Add extra flavor
If you want to enhance the flavor, you can brush the tops of the cinnamon rolls with melted butter right after they come out of the air fryer. For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle a little more cinnamon and sugar on top before serving.
- Step 6: Frost the cinnamon rolls
Once the cinnamon rolls are cooked and slightly cooled, it’s time to add the frosting. Use the frosting that came with the cinnamon rolls or your favorite store-bought or homemade frosting. Spread it generously over the warm rolls so it melts slightly and creates a delicious glaze.
- Step 7: Serve and enjoy
Your air fryer cinnamon rolls are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm for the best texture and flavor. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack any time of day.
Tips for perfect cinnamon rolls
To ensure your air fryer cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips and tricks that will elevate your baking game:
- Don’t overcrowd the basket
One of the most important things to remember when using an air fryer is to avoid overcrowding the basket. The hot air needs to circulate around each cinnamon roll to cook them evenly. If the rolls are too close together, they may end up undercooked in the center or overly browned on the outside. If necessary, cook the rolls in batches to give them enough space.
- Check for doneness
Air fryers can vary in cooking times depending on the model and size, so it’s always a good idea to check the cinnamon rolls a minute or two before the recommended cooking time is up. Use a toothpick to test the center of the rolls—if it comes out clean, they’re done. If the tops are browning too quickly but the centers are still doughy, you can lower the temperature slightly and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Use parchment paper for easier cleanup
If you’re worried about the cinnamon rolls sticking to the air fryer basket, you can place a small piece of parchment paper underneath them. Just make sure to cut the parchment paper to fit the basket and leave some space around the edges for air circulation. This will also make cleanup a breeze!
- Let the rolls cool slightly before frosting
While it’s tempting to frost the cinnamon rolls immediately after they come out of the air fryer, letting them cool for a minute or two will help the frosting set better. If the rolls are too hot, the frosting may melt too quickly and become runny. Waiting just a little bit will give you that perfect, slightly melted glaze without losing too much of the frosting.
- Customize your frosting
If you want to take your cinnamon rolls to the next level, consider customizing the frosting. You can add a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a little cream cheese to the frosting for extra flavor. For a citrusy twist, try adding a bit of orange or lemon zest to the frosting—it pairs beautifully with the warm cinnamon flavor.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer
If you have any leftover cinnamon rolls (though they’re so delicious, that might be unlikely!), you can easily reheat them in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and heat the rolls for 2-3 minutes. This will bring back their soft, fluffy texture without drying them out.