If you’re a fan of sweet and gooey cinnamon rolls, but don’t want to wait for hours for them to bake in the oven, then making them in the air fryer is the perfect solution! Air frying not only saves time, but also gives you a perfectly golden and crispy crust while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
To make cinnamon rolls in the air fryer, you’ll need a can of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough, a little butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Start by unrolling the dough and separating the individual rolls. Place them in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave enough space between each roll to allow for even cooking.
In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Spread this mixture over each cinnamon roll, making sure to cover the top and sides. This gooey and sweet filling will create the classic cinnamon roll flavor we all know and love.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the basket inside. Cook the cinnamon rolls for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. It’s important to check them halfway through and rotate the basket if necessary to ensure even cooking.
Once the cinnamon rolls are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Drizzle the included icing over the top of each roll for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve them warm and enjoy the heavenly aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls in just a fraction of the time!
Step-by-step guide to making Cinnamon Rolls in the Air Fryer
If you love the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls and want to enjoy them without the long wait time, then using an air fryer is the perfect solution. With the air fryer, you can have delicious and fluffy cinnamon rolls ready in no time. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make cinnamon rolls in the air fryer.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- 1 tablespoon of melted butter
- Cinnamon sugar mixture (included in the cinnamon roll package)
- Cream cheese icing (included in the cinnamon roll package)
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Open the refrigerated cinnamon roll can and separate the rolls.
- Brush each roll with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over each roll.
- Place the rolls in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them.
- Air fry the cinnamon rolls for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the rolls from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Drizzle the cream cheese icing over the warm cinnamon rolls.
- Serve the cinnamon rolls immediately and enjoy!
Making cinnamon rolls in the air fryer is quick, easy, and yields delicious results. The air fryer ensures that the rolls are cooked evenly and have a crispy exterior while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to enjoy homemade cinnamon rolls in no time, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of the day.
Preparing the dough
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 ¼ teaspoons of instant yeast. Mix well.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat ½ cup of milk and ¼ cup of water until warm, about 110°F. Add 3 tablespoons of melted butter to the warm liquid and mix.
Step 3: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm liquid mixture. Use a fork to mix until a dough forms.
Step 4: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Step 6: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle shape, about ¼ inch thick.
Step 7: Brush the surface of the dough with 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle ¾ cup of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon evenly over the buttered dough.
Step 8: Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
Step 9: Place the cinnamon roll pieces into the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each roll to allow for expansion.
Step 10: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and air fry the cinnamon rolls for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Making the cinnamon filling
To make the delicious cinnamon filling for your air fryer cinnamon rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Step 1: Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together until well combined.
Step 2: Spread the softened butter
Take the softened butter and spread it evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.

Step 3: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture
Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the buttered dough, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Step 4: Roll up the dough
Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape. Press the edges together to seal the dough.
You have now successfully made the cinnamon filling for your air fryer cinnamon rolls! The sweet and fragrant mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter will add the perfect amount of sweetness and flavor to your homemade cinnamon rolls.
Rolling and cutting the dough
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out and shape it into delicious cinnamon rolls. Prepare a clean, floured surface where you can work with the dough.
Step 1: Roll out the dough
Place the dough onto the floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll it out into a rectangle shape. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. If the dough is sticking to the rolling pin, lightly flour the surface of the dough as needed.
Step 2: Spread the filling
Spoon the prepared cinnamon roll filling onto the rolled-out dough. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the filling evenly, making sure to reach the edges of the dough.
Step 3: Roll up the dough
Starting from one of the longer sides of the rectangle, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape. Use your fingers to gently press the dough together as you roll to ensure it stays intact.
Step 4: Cut the cinnamon rolls
Using a sharp knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss, cut the log of dough into individual cinnamon rolls. Aim for a thickness of about 1 1/2 inches per roll. You should end up with around 12 cinnamon rolls.
If you prefer smaller or larger rolls, adjust the thickness accordingly. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted as well.
After cutting the cinnamon rolls, you can gently reshape them if needed and place them into the preheated air fryer basket, leaving some space between each roll.
Air frying and serving
Once your cinnamon rolls are perfectly golden brown and fragrant, it’s time to remove them from the air fryer and get ready to serve. Carefully use a pair of tongs or a spatula to transfer the rolls to a wire rack to cool slightly.
While the cinnamon rolls are cooling, you can prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner glaze, add more milk.
Once the glaze is ready, drizzle it generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. The glaze will melt slightly and seep into the cracks and crevices of the rolls, adding an extra layer of sweetness and moisture.
For a finishing touch, you can sprinkle some additional cinnamon on top of the glaze, or add a dusting of powdered sugar for a more elegant presentation. This will not only enhance the flavor but also make your cinnamon rolls look even more appetizing.
Now that your cinnamon rolls are perfectly air-fried and dressed with a delicious glaze, it’s time to serve them. You can serve the rolls individually on a plate or arrange them on a serving platter for a stunning presentation.
These air-fried cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed while they are still warm and fresh. The combination of soft and fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy glaze is simply irresistible.
With their crispy exterior and gooey interior, these air-fried cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit at breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a sweet treat. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk for a truly indulgent experience.
FAQ
What are the ingredients needed to make cinnamon rolls in the air fryer?
The ingredients needed to make cinnamon rolls in the air fryer are refrigerated cinnamon roll dough, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cream cheese frosting.
How long does it take to cook cinnamon rolls in the air fryer?
The cooking time for cinnamon rolls in the air fryer is usually around 8-10 minutes.
Can I make homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of using refrigerated dough?
Yes, you can make homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of using refrigerated dough. You will need to follow a cinnamon roll dough recipe and let it rise before air frying.
What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese frosting?
If you don’t have cream cheese frosting, you can use a simple powdered sugar glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Just mix them together until smooth and drizzle over the cooked cinnamon rolls.