Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls: 20-Minute Sweet Bliss

Name: Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls: 20-Minute Sweet Bliss
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough; 2 tablespoons of melted butter; 1 teaspoon of cinnamon; 1/2 cup of powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons of cream cheese, softened; 1 tablespoon of milk

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 13, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked air fryer cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen! Seriously, it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. This recipe takes the classic cinnamon roll and gives it a delightful twist by using an air fryer, making it not just simple but also super quick. You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up these fluffy, gooey treats using just a can of refrigerated dough, melted butter, and a sprinkle of cinnamon!

In just 20 minutes, you can have a batch of these delicious air fryer cinnamon rolls ready to enjoy, topped with a luscious cream cheese icing that takes them over the top. Plus, the air fryer cooks them to perfection—golden on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked. They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or just a cozy treat any time of the day! So, let’s dive right into the ingredients and get started on this sweet adventure!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these scrumptious air fryer cinnamon rolls, and I promise, they’re all super easy to find! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 can of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough: This is your base, and it makes things incredibly simple! Choose your favorite brand, and you’re all set.
2 tablespoons of melted butter: This adds a lovely richness and helps the cinnamon stick to the rolls!
1 teaspoon of cinnamon: The star of the show! You can adjust this to your taste, but a teaspoon gives just the right amount of spice.
1/2 cup of powdered sugar: This sweet component is essential for the icing that drizzles over the rolls.
2 tablespoons of cream cheese, softened: This brings a creamy tanginess to the icing, making it extra delicious!
1 tablespoon of milk: Just enough to help combine the icing into a smooth, pourable consistency.

That’s it! Simple and straightforward, right? Now that you have everything ready, let’s move on to the fun part—preparing these delightful rolls!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get into the fun part: preparing your air fryer cinnamon rolls! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have warm, gooey goodness in no time.

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, preheating your air fryer is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior. Set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and let it warm up for about 5 minutes. This helps ensure your rolls cook evenly and thoroughly. Trust me, a little preheating goes a long way!

Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

Next, grab that can of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough. Carefully open it—watch out for the pop! That’s always a little thrilling, isn’t it? Once you’ve got the dough open, gently separate each roll. If you find the dough sticking, just give it a little twist. No need to be rough; we want to keep them intact!

Apply Butter and Cinnamon

Now for the delicious part! Take your melted butter and brush a little on each roll. Make sure they’re nicely coated but not drowning in it—about a teaspoon per roll should do the trick. Then, sprinkle cinnamon evenly over the top. You can be generous here; it’s cinnamon rolls after all! A good teaspoon on each roll will give you that warm, spiced flavor we all love.

Arrange in the Air Fryer

Time to place those rolls in the air fryer! Arrange them in a single layer in the basket, leaving a bit of space between each roll. This is super important—crowding them will prevent that gorgeous, fluffy rise you want. You might need to cook them in two batches if your air fryer isn’t big enough. Just think of it as a little extra patience for a sweet reward!

Cooking Time

Set your air fryer to cook for 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as air fryer times can vary! You’ll know they’re done when they turn a lovely golden brown and smell absolutely heavenly. To check for doneness, gently press the center of a roll; it should spring back. If it’s still soft and squishy, give them another minute or two.

Make the Icing

While the rolls are cooking, let’s whip up that creamy icing! In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, and milk. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy, adjusting the milk as needed to reach your desired consistency. You want it pourable but not too runny—think of it as a lovely drizzle that will melt into those warm rolls!

Serve the Rolls

Once your cinnamon rolls are out of the air fryer and slightly cooled, it’s time to drizzle that delicious icing over the top. I like to go for a generous drizzle—after all, you want every bite to be sweet and creamy! Serve them warm, and enjoy them fresh out of the fryer. These air fryer cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy treat anytime. Yum!

Tips for Success

Getting your air fryer cinnamon rolls just right is all about a few little tips and tricks that I’ve picked up along the way. Trust me, following these will elevate your rolls from good to absolutely irresistible!

Check for Doneness

Knowing when your cinnamon rolls are perfectly cooked can be a bit tricky, especially since air fryer times can vary. Besides the golden-brown color, remember the touch test! Gently press the center of a roll; it should spring back at you. If it feels too soft, just pop them back in for another minute or two. Better safe than sorry, right?

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re out of something or want to switch it up, no worries! You can easily substitute the cream cheese icing with vanilla icing if that’s what you have on hand. Also, feel free to replace the melted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. It gives a subtle twist to the flavor, and it’s just as delicious!

Variations to Try

Want to get a little adventurous? Try adding chopped nuts or raisins to your cinnamon rolls for an added crunch and flavor. You can sprinkle some on top of the butter before adding cinnamon or mix them right into the dough if you’re feeling fancy! Another fun idea is to add a pinch of nutmeg or even some maple syrup to the icing for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless!

Remember, the best part about making air fryer cinnamon rolls is having fun and experimenting. Don’t be afraid to make the recipe your own, and enjoy every gooey, sweet bite!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each delicious air fryer cinnamon roll. Keep in mind that these values are based on typical ingredients and can vary slightly based on brands and specific ingredients you use:

Calories: 180
Fat: 7g
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 27g

This gives you a good idea of what you’re indulging in, but honestly, the joy of these cinnamon rolls is worth every bite! Enjoy them as a special treat, and remember, balance is key. Happy baking!

FAQ Section

Can I Use Homemade Dough?

Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use your own homemade dough for these air fryer cinnamon rolls. Just make sure it’s a recipe that yields a soft and fluffy texture, similar to the refrigerated dough. Homemade dough might take a little longer to rise, but the results can be incredibly rewarding! Just remember, the cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on those rolls while they’re air frying.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last a bit longer, pop them in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for about a week. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes at 300°F (150°C) to bring back that warm, gooey goodness!

Can I Add Other Ingredients?

Definitely! This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to get creative. You can add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a delightful crunch or toss in some raisins for a bit of sweetness. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try adding mini chocolate chips or even a swirl of peanut butter in the dough before rolling it up. The options are endless, so make these air fryer cinnamon rolls your own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you, making air fryer cinnamon rolls is a game changer! Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for this recipe:

Quick Preparation: In just 20 minutes, you can have warm, gooey cinnamon rolls ready to devour—no long wait times or complicated steps!
Delicious Flavor: These rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with that classic cinnamon flavor, topped with a creamy icing that takes them over the top.
Convenient Cooking Method: The air fryer cooks these rolls to perfection, giving you that golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside deliciously soft and fluffy.
Minimal Cleanup: With just a few tools needed, cleanup is a breeze. No messy baking sheets or pans to scrub afterward!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy breakfast, a sweet treat for guests, or a late-night snack, these air fryer cinnamon rolls fit the bill every time.

Seriously, once you try making these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They’re just that good!