Air-Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Nothing says a leisurely weekend morning like a freshly baked cinnamon roll. And for a truly relaxing experience, try this air-fryer cinnamon rolls recipe, which calls for an ordinary tube of store-bought cinnamon rolls. Even better, these fluffy rolls are ready to eat in just 15 minutes.

So, can you really make cinnamon rolls in an air fryer? You may be surprised at the idea of baking a breakfast pastry in the air fryer. As with the oven, the countertop appliance bakes cinnamon rolls into puffy, chewy, domed pastries—but it also makes the tops of the rolls irresistibly crispy. If you love the contrast between a soft dough and a crisp exterior, you’ve got to make cinnamon rolls in an air fryer.

Ingredients for Air-Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

• Refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: Any tube of cinnamon rolls will be delicious prepared in the air fryer.
• Heavy whipping cream: We learned this trick for cinnamon rolls on TikTok. Pour heavy cream over the rolls before cooking. The dough won’t get soggy but will absorb the cream and have a rich, brioche-like flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Flavoring the cream with vanilla extract gives the store-bought dough as much flavor as homemade cinnamon rolls.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the dough

Line an air-fryer basket with nonstick foil. (Or just spray aluminum foil with nonstick spray.) Arrange the cinnamon rolls in the basket. Reserve the icing for later.

Step 2: Add the cream

In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and vanilla. Brush over the cinnamon rolls.

Step 3: Air-fry the cinnamon rolls

Cook at 350°F until the rolls are golden brown, seven to nine minutes. Carefully remove the tray from the air fryer.

Step 4: Glaze the cinnamon rolls

While the rolls are still warm, frost them with the reserved icing. We like using a spatula to slather the glaze over the top. Let some drip down the sides.

Serve the cinnamon rolls warm.

Air-Fryer Cinnamon Roll Variations

• Make it even easier: While the heavy cream adds moisture and richness, you can skip that step if you want to speed things up.
• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped, toasted nuts over the top of the rolls before cooking.
• Sizzle sticky rolls: Pour warmed-up caramel sauce over the rolls before cooking, then gild the lily with the icing glaze.

How to Store Air-Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls from the air fryer will taste best freshly baked. If you do have leftovers, let them cool, then transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in storage wrap and store them at room temperature.

How long do air-fryer cinnamon rolls last?

At room temperature, leftover cinnamon rolls will keep for a day or so. If you need to store the rolls for more than a day, put them in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep for up to four days.

Can you freeze air-fryer cinnamon rolls?

Yes, air-fryer cinnamon rolls freeze well. Let them cool completely, then set them on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet in the freezer. Once they’re solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze them for up to three months. Defrost the rolls in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat.

How do you reheat cinnamon rolls?

If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick. If you want to restore the crispy exterior, reheat them in the air fryer.

Air-Fryer Cinnamon Roll Tips

Can you use aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use aluminum foil in the air fryer, with an important caveat: Only use the foil to line the tray. Don’t let the foil contact the heat element, and don’t let it touch the floor of the air fryer, which can restrict airflow and negatively impact the cooking.

What can you serve with air-fryer cinnamon rolls?

Frankly, I could eat these cinnamon rolls all by themselves for an indulgent breakfast! If you want a more balanced start to the day, serve them with something savory and protein-rich, like scrambled eggs and air-fryer bacon. The rolls are a delicious (and easy) option when hosting brunch too. Serve them alongside an egg casserole, and breakfast prep will be a cinch no matter how many guests you’re expecting.