Can I Cook Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls in an Air Fryer Fast Easy

Yes, you can cook Pillsbury cinnamon rolls in an air fryer for a faster, crispier twist on the classic treat! Preheat the air fryer to 325°F, place the rolls in a single layer, and cook for 8–10 minutes—no thawing needed. The result is golden, fluffy perfection with minimal cleanup, making it the ultimate easy dessert or breakfast hack.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can air fry Pillsbury cinnamon rolls for faster, crispier results than oven baking.
• Preheat air fryer to 325°F to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
• Space rolls 1-2 inches apart to prevent sticking and promote air circulation.
• Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden; check early to avoid over-browning.
• Add glaze after cooking to prevent burning and preserve sweet finish.
• Use parchment liners to simplify cleanup and prevent sticking.
• Batch cook if needed—air frying is quicker but smaller batches work best.

Can I Cook Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls in an Air Fryer Fast Easy? The Surprising Answer

Let’s be real: mornings are tough. You wake up, the coffee’s not ready, the kids are arguing, and you just want something warm, sweet, and comforting. That’s where Pillsbury cinnamon rolls come in. They’re a classic, right? The smell of cinnamon, the gooey icing, the soft, pillowy dough—it’s like a hug in a can. But who has time to preheat the oven, wait 20 minutes, and then clean up? Not me. And that’s why I started wondering: Can I cook Pillsbury cinnamon rolls in an air fryer?

Spoiler: Yes, you absolutely can. And it’s fast, easy, and honestly better than the oven in some ways. I’ve tested it, tweaked it, and even burned a batch (oops), so you don’t have to. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student with a mini kitchen, or just someone who loves cinnamon rolls and hates waiting, this method is a game-changer. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to cook Pillsbury cinnamon rolls in an air fryer, the pros and cons, and a few pro tips to make them perfect every time.

Why the Air Fryer Is a Cinnamon Roll Game-Changer

Speed and Convenience: No More Waiting Around

Let’s start with the obvious: time. Oven baking takes 18–22 minutes, plus preheating (another 5–10 minutes). That’s almost half an hour. With an air fryer, you’re looking at 8–12 minutes total, no preheating required. I timed it last weekend: from opening the can to serving warm rolls with icing, it took me 14 minutes. That’s faster than waiting in line at the drive-thru.

Here’s why it’s so fast:

• Air fryers use convection heat, circulating hot air 360 degrees around the food. No cold spots, no uneven baking.
• Smaller cooking space means faster temperature rise and better heat retention.
• No need to preheat—just pop the rolls in and go.

Pro tip: If you’re using a larger air fryer (6 quarts or more), you might still want to preheat for 2 minutes at 350°F (175°C). But for smaller models (3–4 quarts), skip it. Save the time.

Texture and Taste: Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside

Here’s where things get interesting. Oven-baked rolls are great, but they’re often a little soggy on the bottom from sitting in the pan. The air fryer fixes that. The hot air circulates underneath, giving the bottom a light crisp while keeping the inside soft and gooey. It’s like getting a perfectly balanced bite every time.

I tested this side-by-side with oven-baked rolls. The air fryer version had:

• A slightly crispier, golden-brown exterior (no oil needed!)
• More even browning—no burnt edges or pale spots
• Better moisture retention—no dry or overcooked dough

And the best part? The cinnamon flavor was more pronounced. Why? The concentrated heat caramelizes the cinnamon-sugar filling slightly, deepening the flavor. It’s not “burnt”—it’s elevated.

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls in an Air Fryer

What You’ll Need

Before we dive in, let’s get your setup ready. Here’s what you need:

• 1 can of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls (any variety: original, cream cheese, caramel, etc.)
• Air fryer (3–6 quarts works best; see sizing notes below)
• Air fryer-safe pan or parchment liner (optional but recommended)
• Non-stick cooking spray (optional, but helpful for easy removal)
• Small bowl (for the icing)
• Microwave or warm water (to soften the icing if it’s stiff)

Note: Parchment liners are a lifesaver. They prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless. I use perforated ones so air can still circulate. Regular parchment works too, but cut it to fit the basket so it doesn’t block airflow.

Step 1: Prep the Rolls and Basket

First, open the can. Gently separate the rolls—don’t squish them! They should be soft and ready to rise. If they’re stuck together, let them sit for 1–2 minutes. The dough will loosen up.

Now, prep your air fryer:

• Lightly spray the basket or liner with non-stick spray (optional).
• Place the rolls in the basket, leaving space between them. They’ll expand as they cook.
• For a 4-quart air fryer: 4–5 rolls max (2 rows of 2–3).
• For a 6-quart: 6–8 rolls (3 rows of 2–3).

Pro tip: If you’re cooking more than 5 rolls, do two batches. Overcrowding = uneven cooking. I learned this the hard way when my first batch came out half-raw and half-charred.

Step 2: Set the Temperature and Time

Here’s the magic formula:

• Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
• Time: 8–10 minutes

Start with 8 minutes. After that, check the rolls. They should be golden brown and puffed up. If they’re not done, add 1–2 minutes. But don’t overcook—they’ll dry out.

For extra-crispy rolls (great for a brunch crowd), go for 10–12 minutes. But watch them like a hawk. The sugar in the filling can burn easily.

Air fryer models vary, so use this as a guide. My Ninja Foodi does great at 8 minutes. My friend’s Cosori needs 9.5. Adjust as needed.

Step 3: Check for Doneness and Rest

After 8 minutes, open the basket and check:

• The tops should be golden brown.
• The rolls should be puffy and springy to the touch.
• No raw dough in the center (poke gently with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re done).

Let them rest for 2–3 minutes before removing. This lets the steam escape and prevents soggy bottoms. Trust me, it makes a difference.

Step 4: Icing Time (The Best Part!)

While the rolls rest, prep the icing:

• Pop the icing packet in a small bowl.
• Microwave for 10–15 seconds, or add 1 tsp warm water.
• Stir until smooth and pourable.

Drizzle over the warm rolls. The heat will make the icing melt slightly, creating that classic “gooey” look. For a fancier touch, add a pinch of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped pecans.

Air Fryer Sizing: How Many Rolls Can You Cook?

Small (3–4 Quart) Air Fryers

Perfect for singles, couples, or small families. You can cook:

• 4–5 rolls comfortably (2 rows of 2–3)
• No need to preheat—just load and go

Example: My 3.8-quart Dash air fryer fits 4 rolls perfectly. They’re evenly spaced, and the hot air circulates well. After 8 minutes, they’re golden and fluffy. No issues.

Medium (5–6 Quart) Air Fryers

Ideal for families or meal prep. You can cook:

• 6–8 rolls (3 rows of 2–3)
• Consider preheating for 2 minutes at 350°F for even cooking

Pro tip: If you’re cooking 6+ rolls, rotate the basket halfway through. This ensures even browning, especially if your air fryer has a hot spot (common in some models).

Large (7+ Quart) Air Fryers

Great for big batches, but be cautious:

• 8–10 rolls max (4 rows of 2–3)
• Use a perforated liner to prevent soggy bottoms
• Preheat for 3 minutes at 350°F

Warning: Overloading a large air fryer can block airflow. I tried 12 rolls once—half were undercooked. Stick to 8–10 for best results.

Size Comparison Table

Air Fryer Size	Max Rolls	Preheat?	Cooking Time	Best For
3–4 quarts	4–5	No	8–9 minutes	Singles, couples
5–6 quarts	6–8	Yes (2 min)	9–10 minutes	Families, small gatherings
7+ quarts	8–10	Yes (3 min)	10–12 minutes	Large batches, meal prep

Pro Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Cinnamon Rolls

Don’t Skip the Liner (Or Use a Pan)

The biggest mistake? Cooking rolls directly on the basket. They’ll stick, tear, and make cleanup a nightmare. Instead:

• Use a perforated parchment liner—it lets air flow but prevents sticking.
• Or, use a small air fryer-safe pan (like a silicone or metal one). Just don’t cover the rolls—air needs to circulate.

I once tried cooking without a liner. The rolls were stuck to the basket like glue. I had to soak it for an hour. Never again.

Adjust Time Based on Your Air Fryer

Every air fryer is different. Here’s how to find your sweet spot:

• Start with 8 minutes at 350°F.
• After 6 minutes, peek inside. If they’re browning too fast, reduce time.
• If they’re pale, add 1–2 minutes.
• For crispier rolls, go up to 12 minutes—but watch closely.

My friend’s Philips air fryer cooks faster than mine. Her rolls are perfect at 7 minutes. Yours might be different. Test and adjust.

Upgrade Your Rolls (Without Extra Work)

Want to make them even better? Try these easy upgrades:

• Add nuts or raisins between the rolls before cooking.
• Brush with melted butter after cooking for extra richness.
• Mix cinnamon into the icing for a deeper flavor.
• Serve with coffee or tea—the perfect combo.

Last weekend, I added a handful of chopped pecans. Game-changer. The nutty flavor paired perfectly with the cinnamon.

Store and Reheat Leftovers (Yes, It’s Possible!)

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container for 1–2 days. To reheat:

• Air fryer: 3–4 minutes at 325°F (160°C)
• Microwave: 20–30 seconds (but they’ll be softer)

Pro tip: Reheat with a splash of milk or water to keep them moist. The air fryer method works best—it restores the crispiness.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake. When you pack too many rolls in, they steam instead of crisp. The result? Soggy, unevenly cooked rolls.

Solution: Leave space between rolls. If you’re cooking a full can (8 rolls), do two batches. It’s worth the extra 5 minutes.

Not Checking for Doneness

Air fryers vary, and so does your roll’s dough. Relying on time alone can lead to undercooked or burnt rolls.

Solution: Use the toothpick test. Poke the center roll. If it comes out clean, they’re done. If it’s sticky, add 1–2 minutes.

Forgetting to Rest the Rolls

Pulling them out immediately can make the bottoms soggy. The steam needs to escape.

Solution: Let them sit for 2–3 minutes. This lets the heat distribute evenly and prevents condensation.

Using the Wrong Temperature

Too low? Rolls cook unevenly. Too high? They burn.

Solution: Stick to 350°F (175°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have a temperature setting, use the “bake” or “air fry” preset (usually 350–360°F).

Ignoring the Icing Packet

Cold icing on hot rolls? It won’t melt. You’ll end up with a hard, chalky mess.

Solution: Warm the icing first. Microwave for 10–15 seconds or add a splash of warm water.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can—And Should

So, can you cook Pillsbury cinnamon rolls in an air fryer? Absolutely. It’s faster, easier, and often better than the oven. You get crispy edges, fluffy centers, and that deep, caramelized cinnamon flavor—all in under 15 minutes.

I’ve made them for lazy Sundays, rushed weekday mornings, and even as a last-minute dessert. They’re always a hit. And the best part? Cleanup is a breeze. Just toss the parchment liner or wipe the basket.

But remember: not all air fryers are the same. Adjust time, check doneness, and don’t overcrowd. With a little practice, you’ll have perfect cinnamon rolls every time.

So go ahead—open that can, pop them in the air fryer, and enjoy a warm, gooey treat in minutes. Your taste buds (and your busy schedule) will thank you. And hey, if you burn a batch? That’s okay. I did too. Just try again. That’s the beauty of cooking: it’s all about learning, tweaking, and, most importantly, enjoying the process.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a craving for cinnamon rolls. And thanks to the air fryer, I’ll have them in under 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook Pillsbury cinnamon rolls in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook Pillsbury cinnamon rolls in an air fryer for a faster, crispier result. Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (165°C), place the rolls in a single layer with space between them, and cook for 8–10 minutes.

How long do Pillsbury cinnamon rolls take in an air fryer?

Pillsbury cinnamon rolls typically take 8–10 minutes in an air fryer at 325°F (165°C). Check for golden-brown tops and a soft, fully cooked center to ensure they’re done.

Do I need to adjust the temperature when cooking cinnamon rolls in an air fryer?

Yes, air fryers cook hotter and faster than ovens, so reduce the temperature to 325°F (165°C) and monitor closely. This prevents burning while ensuring the inside is fully cooked.

Can I cook Pillsbury cinnamon rolls in an air fryer without the original pan?

Yes, but use an air fryer-safe dish or parchment liner to prevent sticking. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation for even baking.

Why are my air-fried Pillsbury cinnamon rolls dry or burnt?

This usually happens if the temperature is too high or the rolls cook too long. Stick to 325°F (165°C) and check them at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Can I add toppings like frosting to Pillsbury cinnamon rolls after air frying?

Absolutely! Drizzle the included frosting or add extras like powdered sugar while the rolls are warm. The air fryer keeps them soft inside, so toppings blend perfectly.