Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: 7 Steps to Heavenly Treats

Name: Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: 7 Steps to Heavenly Treats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1-2 tablespoons milk for icing

August 16, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you, these air fryer cinnamon rolls are an absolute game-changer! Imagine fluffy, warm rolls bursting with sweet cinnamon goodness, all made in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them traditionally. The air fryer is my secret weapon for quick baking, and trust me, you’ll love how it keeps the rolls soft on the inside while giving them that perfect golden-brown exterior. There’s nothing quite like pulling a batch of these delightful treats out of the fryer, the smell wafting through the kitchen, and biting into that warm, gooey goodness. It’s pure joy in every bite!

air fryer cinnamon rolls recipe - detail 1

Ingredients List

2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk, at room temperature
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 large egg, at room temperature
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk, for icing, adjusted to your preference

How to Prepare Instructions

Making these air fryer cinnamon rolls is a breeze! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have warm, gooey goodness in no time. I promise it’ll be worth it!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mixing Dry Ingredients

First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix them well with a whisk until everything is evenly distributed. You want to make sure there are no clumps—this is key for that perfect texture!

Forming the Dough

Now, it’s time to add the wet ingredients. Pour in the 1/2 cup of milk (make sure it’s at room temperature for better mixing!), the melted and slightly cooled 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, and the 1 large egg. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms. Don’t overwork it—just mix until the ingredients are combined and the dough is smooth and slightly sticky. It should feel cozy in your hands!

Rolling and Filling

On a floured surface, roll the dough out into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Take your time here—this is where the magic happens! Once it’s rolled out, spread a layer of softened butter over the dough (about 2 tablespoons should do). Then, mix together the 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon, and sprinkle it evenly over the buttered surface. Make sure to cover every inch for that delicious flavor in every bite!

Cutting and Air Frying

Now, roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, creating a log. Don’t worry if it gets a bit messy—just keep it tight! Once you’ve got your log, slice it into 1-inch pieces. They don’t have to be perfect, but aim for uniformity so they cook evenly in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C), and carefully place the rolls in the basket, leaving some space between them to allow for puffing and expansion. Air fry for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re golden brown and fluffy!

Icing Preparation

While the rolls are baking, let’s whip up that dreamy icing! In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy. You can adjust the thickness by adding more milk if you like a drizzle or keeping it thicker for a more spreadable icing. Once your rolls are out of the air fryer and slightly cooled, drizzle that luscious icing over the top, and get ready to enjoy!

Nutritional Information Section

When it comes to enjoying these air fryer cinnamon rolls, you might be curious about the nutritional aspects. Here’s a rough estimate based on standard ingredients for one roll:

Calories: 180
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 160mg
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 3g

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands or ingredient variations you use. But hey, it’s all about treating yourself to something delicious, right? Enjoy every sweet bite!

Tips for Success

Want to take your air fryer cinnamon rolls to the next level? I’ve got you covered with some expert tips that will have you baking like a pro! Trust me, following these will make all the difference.

Don’t Rush the Dough: Let your dough rest for about 5-10 minutes after mixing. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out and giving you fluffier rolls.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps them blend better into the dough, resulting in a more cohesive texture.
Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon is a classic, don’t be afraid to mix it up! Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a warm, aromatic twist, or even a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet roll, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the filling or icing. You can also use maple syrup instead of the icing for a more natural sweetness!
Perfecting the Icing: Adjust the thickness of your icing based on your preference. I like mine drizzly, so I add a bit more milk. For a thicker spread, use less. You can also add a splash of vanilla for an extra flavor boost!
Spacing Matters: When placing your rolls in the air fryer, make sure they have space to expand. If they’re too close together, they might not cook evenly. Trust me, nobody wants soggy cinnamon rolls!
Check for Doneness: Every air fryer is a little different, so start checking your rolls around the 10-minute mark. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and a fluffy texture. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my kitchen!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that warm, gooey goodness!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be whipping up the best air fryer cinnamon rolls in no time. Enjoy every moment of the process, and don’t forget to share with family and friends—they’ll be begging for your recipe!

Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the classic air fryer cinnamon rolls, let’s have some fun with variations! There’s a whole world of flavors waiting for you, and I can’t wait to share some of my favorites. Trust me, experimenting with these ideas will make every batch feel like a delicious new adventure!

Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Add some texture by incorporating chopped nuts into your filling! Walnuts or pecans work beautifully with the cinnamon and sugar, giving each bite a delightful crunch. Just mix about 1/4 cup of nuts with your brown sugar and cinnamon before sprinkling it on the dough.
Spiced Delight: Why not jazz up the flavor profile? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the cinnamon filling for an extra warmth. Cardamom also makes for a fragrant addition that’ll elevate the rolls to a new level!
Apple Pie Rolls: For a fun twist, incorporate fresh diced apples into your filling. Toss them with a little cinnamon and sugar before spreading them on the dough. It’s like having a cinnamon roll and apple pie all in one scrumptious treat!
Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: If you’re a chocolate lover like I am, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon-sugar mixture before rolling! It adds a rich, melty surprise in every roll that is simply irresistible.
Maple Icing: Instead of the classic cream cheese icing, try a maple glaze! Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup and just enough milk to reach your desired consistency. It gives a lovely, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
Orange Zest Rolls: Brighten things up with a hint of citrus! Add some grated orange zest to your filling or icing for a refreshing twist that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Caramel Drizzle: For a decadent finish, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over your rolls right before serving. It adds an indulgent touch that makes them feel extra special!

So go ahead, get creative, and don’t be afraid to mix and match these ideas! Each variation brings its own unique flavor, and I promise your taste buds will thank you. Happy baking, and enjoy the delicious journey!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got your air fryer cinnamon rolls ready, let’s talk about how to serve them up for maximum enjoyment! There’s something so delightful about pairing these warm, gooey rolls with a comforting beverage or fresh accompaniments. Trust me, the right pairing elevates the whole experience!

First off, I love serving these rolls alongside a steaming cup of coffee. The rich, bold flavors of coffee balance perfectly with the sweetness of the rolls, making for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat. If you’re in the mood for something a bit lighter, a cup of herbal tea or a refreshing iced tea pairs beautifully too!

For a lovely presentation, consider serving your cinnamon rolls on a beautiful platter or cake stand. Drizzle that luscious icing generously over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides—oh, it’s a sight to behold! You can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar to make them look extra fancy.

Feeling fruity? Serve your cinnamon rolls warm with a side of fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or juicy orange segments. The brightness of the fruit complements the rich flavors of the rolls and adds a refreshing element to the plate. You could even whip up a quick fruit compote if you’re feeling adventurous!

If you want to impress your guests, consider pairing your rolls with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Imagine biting into that warm roll and then having the cool creaminess of ice cream melting into every bite—pure bliss!

So go ahead and get creative with your serving ideas! Whether you keep it simple or dress it up, these air fryer cinnamon rolls are sure to steal the show. Enjoy sharing them with loved ones because nothing brings people together quite like the smell of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious air fryer cinnamon rolls fresh and warm for as long as possible! I know it’s tempting to devour them all at once, but if you do have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them so they taste just as good as when they first came out of the fryer.

First things first, you’ll want to let the cinnamon rolls cool completely at room temperature before storing them. This helps avoid any condensation that can make them soggy later on. Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container. If you can’t fit all of them in one container, feel free to stack them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, but trust me, they’re best enjoyed within the first day!

If you want to keep them for a bit longer, you can pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 4-5 days in there. Just make sure they’re sealed tight to avoid drying out. If you’re looking to store them for an extended period, consider freezing! Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.

Now, let’s get to the best part—reheating! To bring back that warm, gooey goodness without sacrificing texture, I recommend using your air fryer again. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and place the rolls in for about 3-5 minutes. This will help revive that delightful fluffiness while warming them through. If you’re reheating from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to ensure they’re heated all the way through.

Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, but be cautious! Microwave on low power in 10-15 second intervals to avoid overheating, which can make them tough. If you want to keep them moist, add a small cup of water in the microwave to create steam while they heat.

With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor your air fryer cinnamon rolls for days to come. Just remember, nothing beats the joy of biting into a warm roll right after it’s made—but with these methods, you can enjoy them fresh as can be, even on day two or three!

For more information on the benefits of using an air fryer, check out this Healthline article.

If you’re curious about the nutritional information of cinnamon rolls, you can find detailed insights on CalorieLab.

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.