Transform your breakfast routine with the ultimate quick and easy treat: air fryer cinnamon rolls. Say goodbye to long oven preheating times and hello to warm, gooey, perfectly golden cinnamon rolls in less than 10 minutes. Using refrigerated cinnamon roll dough, your air fryer becomes the secret weapon for an irresistible breakfast or a delightful sweet snack any time of day.
Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer enthusiast or just looking for your first simple recipe, these air fryer cinnamon rolls are an absolute game-changer. Our air fryer is a staple in our kitchen, making everything from crispy turkey bacon to perfect hard-boiled eggs, and even surprising delights like spaghetti squash. It’s truly a versatile appliance that speeds up cooking a wide variety of recipes.
Why the Air Fryer is Your New Best Friend for Cinnamon Rolls
The air fryer isn’t just for crispy fries or chicken wings; it’s also a magical tool for baking. When it comes to cinnamon rolls, it truly shines, offering several distinct advantages over a traditional oven.
-
Unmatched Speed and Efficiency
Forget waiting 10-15 minutes for your oven to preheat. The air fryer heats up almost instantly, getting your cinnamon rolls cooked and ready in a mere 6-7 minutes. This efficiency is perfect for busy mornings or when a sudden craving for something sweet strikes.
-
Effortless Cleanup
One of the biggest perks of air frying is the minimal mess. By lining your air fryer basket with parchment paper designed for air fryers (with holes for air circulation), you can virtually eliminate cleanup. Just toss the paper, and your basket stays spotless.
-
The Perfect Golden Texture
An air fryer circulates hot air rapidly, ensuring your cinnamon rolls achieve a beautifully golden-brown exterior while remaining incredibly soft, fluffy, and gooey on the inside. This results in a texture that’s often superior to oven-baked versions, which can sometimes dry out.
Choosing the Right Cinnamon Rolls for Your Air Fryer
While this recipe focuses on refrigerated cinnamon rolls, there are a few considerations to ensure the best results.
-
Refrigerated Dough: Your Go-To Option
For convenience and consistent results, pre-made refrigerated cinnamon roll dough is the star of this recipe. Brands like Pillsbury are widely available and come with their own icing, making the process incredibly simple.
-
Brand Spotlights: Pillsbury and Beyond
Pillsbury is a popular choice, and their classic cinnamon rolls work wonderfully. However, feel free to experiment with other store brands or varieties. The key is to use standard-sized rolls rather than excessively large ones, as they cook more evenly.
-
Size Matters: Regular, Jumbo, or Grand?
Most refrigerated cinnamon roll cans come with 8 standard-sized rolls. These fit perfectly in most 5.8-quart air fryers without overcrowding. If you opt for “Grand” or “Jumbo” rolls, you might need to cook fewer at a time or adjust the cooking duration slightly to ensure they cook through without burning.
Essential Tools for Air Frying Success
While the recipe is simple, having the right tools can make the process even smoother.
-
Your Air Fryer: Wattage and Capacity
Any air fryer will work, but cooking times may vary based on its wattage and basket size. A 5.8-quart air fryer, like a Cosori, is ideal for fitting a standard can of 8 cinnamon rolls without overlapping. Larger models might accommodate more, while smaller ones might require cooking in batches.
-
The Role of Parchment Paper
While not strictly necessary, using parchment paper with holes specifically designed for air fryers is highly recommended. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup virtually nonexistent. If you don’t have perforated paper, you can carefully cut holes in regular parchment paper or use a silicone mat designed for air fryers.
-
Oil Mister: For Even Coating
A good oil mister allows you to lightly and evenly spray your air fryer basket with olive or coconut oil. This prevents the rolls from sticking and helps achieve that desirable golden crust. Avoid aerosol sprays as they can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket over time.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
For the printable recipe card with exact measurements, please scroll to the bottom of the page.
-
Prepare Your Basket: Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil or coconut oil using an oil mister. This step helps prevent sticking and ensures a nice, even bake. Alternatively, line the basket with air fryer parchment paper.
-
Arrange the Rolls: Carefully place the refrigerated cinnamon rolls in the air fryer basket. It’s crucial to arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they are spread apart with a little space between each roll. This allows for even air circulation and consistent cooking. In my 5.8-quart air fryer, I can comfortably fit 8 Pillsbury cinnamon rolls.
-
Set and Cook: Close the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cook for an initial 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, open the basket to check on their progress. If the tops are already beautifully golden, you might want to gently flip them using tongs. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until cooked through and golden on both sides.
-
Icing Time: Once cooked, carefully remove the hot cinnamon rolls from the air fryer basket. Transfer them to a plate and immediately spread the included icing (or your homemade frosting) over the tops while they are still warm. The warmth helps the icing melt slightly and seep into the delicious crevices of the rolls.
Mastering Air Fryer Cooking Times for Cinnamon Rolls
Getting the perfect cook on your air fryer cinnamon rolls is key, and it often requires a little experimentation as cooking times can vary.
-
Factors Affecting Cook Time
The ideal cooking time can depend on several factors: your specific air fryer model (e.g., Cosori, Ninja Foodi, Instant Pot Vortex), its wattage, the size of your cinnamon rolls (standard vs. jumbo), and even your personal preference for how soft or crisp you like them.
-
The Importance of Flipping (or Not)
For my 5.8-quart Cosori air fryer, I’ve found that cooking for 5 minutes, then flipping and cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, yields the best results. Flipping prevents the top from over-browning while ensuring the bottom cooks through perfectly. However, with some air fryer models, or if you prefer a slightly less golden bottom, flipping might not be necessary.
-
How to Know When They’re Done
The rolls should be golden brown on the outside and feel soft and cooked through when gently pressed. If they still feel doughy, add another minute or two. Keep a close eye on them, especially during the last few minutes, as air fryers can cook quickly and go from perfect to burnt in a flash.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls Every Time
Elevate your air fryer cinnamon roll game with these simple yet effective tips:
-
Monitor Closely: Always check your rolls after 4-5 minutes of cooking. Air fryers can be powerful, and cooking times can vary. Add 1-2 minutes as needed, checking frequently until they reach your desired level of doneness. The more you use your specific machine, the better you’ll understand its ideal timing.
-
Ensure Proper Spacing: To guarantee even cooking and browning, always keep the cinnamon rolls separated in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to unevenly cooked rolls, with some being undercooked and others overly browned.
-
Don’t Skimp on the Oil: A light spray of oil helps achieve a crispy exterior and prevents sticking, even if you’re using parchment paper. An oil mister is ideal for a fine, even coat.
-
Hot Icing is Best: Apply the icing while the cinnamon rolls are still warm from the air fryer. This allows the icing to melt slightly and create that irresistible, gooey top layer that everyone loves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can You Use Foil in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can generally use aluminum foil in an air fryer, as long as it’s used correctly. For cinnamon rolls, however, it’s not typically needed. If you’re looking for incredibly easy cleanup, we highly recommend using parchment paper liners with holes, specifically designed for air fryers. This allows for better airflow around the rolls compared to foil, which can sometimes block circulation.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
If you anticipate having leftovers, it’s a good idea to only ice the rolls you plan to eat immediately. Store any un-iced leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or microwave for about 20-30 seconds. Then, add fresh icing if desired.
Can I Make Orange Rolls in the Air Fryer?
Absolutely! If your family enjoys Pillsbury orange rolls as much as ours does, you’ll be happy to know that the same air frying directions apply. Simply follow the steps outlined in this recipe to create perfectly cooked, zesty orange rolls in your air fryer.
Do I Need to Preheat My Air Fryer for Cinnamon Rolls?
One of the beauties of air frying cinnamon rolls is that preheating is often unnecessary, saving you even more time. Air fryers heat up very quickly, and for a small item like cinnamon rolls, they reach the cooking temperature almost immediately. Just place them in the basket and start cooking!
What if My Cinnamon Rolls Are Burning on Top But Raw Inside?
This can happen if the temperature is too high or if the rolls are too close to the heating element. Try reducing the temperature by 25 degrees F and cooking for a slightly longer time. Also, ensuring the rolls are spread out and flipping them halfway through can help promote even cooking and prevent scorching.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes to Explore
Once you’ve mastered these delicious cinnamon rolls, expand your air fryer repertoire with these other simple and tasty recipes:
- Air Fryer Fish Sticks: Transform frozen fish sticks into a crispy, quick meal with minimal oil.
- Air Fryer Frozen Pizza: Get a perfectly crisp crust and melted cheese in no time, ideal for a fast lunch or snack.
- Air Fryer Hash Browns: Achieve perfectly crispy hash browns, making them an excellent addition to any breakfast spread.
- Air Fryer Pizza Rolls: A classic snack made even faster and crispier, perfect for kids and adults alike.
Conclusion: A Sweet Treat Made Simple
Making air fryer cinnamon rolls from refrigerated dough is truly a revelation for anyone seeking a quick, delicious, and easy breakfast or dessert. The air fryer delivers perfectly cooked, golden-brown rolls with minimal effort and cleanup, making it an ideal method for both novice cooks and seasoned kitchen veterans. So, grab a can of your favorite refrigerated cinnamon rolls and let your air fryer do the work. You’ll be enjoying warm, gooey goodness in minutes!
If you try this incredibly simple air fryer recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to leave a star rating. Happy air frying!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars based on 5 votes
Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
Heather Seeley
Make cinnamon rolls easy in the air fryer. Cook in less than 10 minutes.
2 mins
6 mins
8 mins
4
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Equipment
-
Air Fryer
Ingredients
- olive oil spray
-
1
can
refrigerated cinnamon rolls
Instructions
-
Spray air fryer basket with olive oil or coconut oil mist.
-
Place cinnamon rolls in air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
-
Set temperature to 350 degrees F (175 C). Cook for 5 minutes. Check on the rolls. If the top is getting brown, gently flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes until cooked through.
-
Remove rolls from air fryer basket and spread icing over tops while still warm.
Video
Nutrition
Approximate Values Per Serving:
Calories: 1kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Sugar: 1g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Breakfast
American
Like this? Leave a comment below!