Can You Make Cinnamon Rolls in Air Fryer Fast and Easy

Yes, you can make delicious cinnamon rolls in an air fryer—fast and with minimal effort. This method cuts baking time significantly while delivering soft, gooey rolls with a perfectly golden crust, all without heating up your oven. Ideal for quick breakfasts or last-minute desserts, air fryer cinnamon rolls are a game-changer for busy home cooks.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Make cinnamon rolls in an air fryer quickly and easily.
• Preheat first: Always preheat the air fryer for even baking results.
• Use store-bought dough: Saves time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Adjust cook time: Air fry in 8–12 minute batches for best results.
• Prevent sticking: Lightly grease the basket or use parchment paper liners.
• Glaze after cooking: Add icing or glaze once rolls are fully cooled.

Can You Make Cinnamon Rolls in Air Fryer Fast and Easy?

Let’s face it—cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort food. That warm, gooey, cinnamon-sugar swirl wrapped in soft dough and topped with a creamy glaze? It’s hard to resist. But what if you could skip the oven, cut the waiting time, and still get that same cozy, bakery-style result? Enter the air fryer. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can you make cinnamon rolls in an air fryer?”—the short answer is a resounding yes. And not just “yes,” but “yes, and they’re fast, easy, and surprisingly delicious.”

As someone who’s spent years perfecting quick breakfast recipes (and occasionally burning frozen pastries in the microwave), I was skeptical at first. Could an air fryer—a gadget best known for crispy fries and reheating leftovers—really handle the delicate balance of a fluffy, golden-brown cinnamon roll? After testing everything from store-bought dough to homemade batches, I’ve discovered that the air fryer isn’t just a contender—it’s a game-changer. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just craving a sweet treat without the 30-minute oven preheat, this method might become your new go-to. Let’s dive into how it works, what to expect, and how to make it foolproof.

Why the Air Fryer Is Perfect for Cinnamon Rolls

The air fryer might seem like a one-trick pony, but its convection-style cooking actually makes it ideal for baked goods like cinnamon rolls. Here’s why:

Faster Cooking, Less Waiting

Traditional oven-baked cinnamon rolls take 20–25 minutes, plus 10–15 minutes of preheating. The air fryer? You’re looking at 10–12 minutes of actual cooking time, with no preheating required (unless your model recommends it). That’s a 50% time savings—perfect for those “I need a treat now” moments. The air fryer’s compact space and rapid air circulation heat food evenly and quickly, so your rolls go from dough to golden in less time than it takes to brew coffee.

Even Browning and Crispy Edges

Ovens can create hot spots, leading to uneven baking. The air fryer’s fan ensures consistent heat distribution, giving your cinnamon rolls that coveted lightly crispy exterior while keeping the center soft and gooey. Think of it like a mini convection oven—no rotating pans or checking halfway through. Plus, the smaller basket forces the rolls to stand slightly apart, preventing them from merging into a giant cinnamon blob (a common oven mishap).

Energy Efficiency and Small-Space Friendly

If you’re cooking for one or two, heating an entire oven just for a few rolls feels wasteful. Air fryers use significantly less energy, making them eco-friendly and cost-effective. They’re also perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or RVs where oven space is limited. And let’s be honest: fewer dishes to clean? That’s a win.

Versatility: From Frozen to Homemade

Whether you’re using frozen cinnamon rolls, store-bought tubes, or homemade dough, the air fryer adapts. I’ve tested all three, and the results are consistently impressive. No need to thaw frozen rolls—just adjust the cooking time slightly. Even homemade dough rises beautifully in the air fryer’s warm environment, though you’ll want to let it proof first (more on that later).

How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls (Step-by-Step)

Ready to try it? Here’s a foolproof method that works for most air fryer models. I’ll walk you through each step, including my personal tips for avoiding common pitfalls.

1. Prep Your Rolls

Start with your dough of choice:

• Frozen cinnamon rolls: No thawing needed. Place them directly in the air fryer basket, leaving at least 1 inch of space between each.
• Store-bought tube rolls: Separate the dough and unroll slightly for even baking. You can also slice them into individual spirals for faster cooking.
• Homemade dough: Roll out your dough, spread with butter, cinnamon, and sugar, then slice into 1.5-inch pieces. Let them rise in a warm spot (like near the air fryer) for 20–30 minutes before cooking.

Pro tip: Lightly grease the air fryer basket or use parchment paper with holes cut out. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

2. Arrange and Cook

Place the rolls in the basket, leaving space for airflow. For most air fryers, 2–4 rolls fit comfortably. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking, so work in batches if needed.

Set the temperature to 325°F (163°C) and cook for 10–12 minutes. Check at 8 minutes—if the tops are golden but the centers feel doughy, add 2–3 more minutes. For frozen rolls, add 2–4 minutes to the total time.

Why 325°F? Higher temps (like 350°F) risk burning the sugar filling before the dough cooks through. Lower temps ensure even baking without a burnt mess.

3. Add the Glaze (Optional but Highly Recommended)

While the rolls cook, prepare the glaze:

• Classic cream cheese glaze: Mix 2 tbsp softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 tbsp milk, and a splash of vanilla.
• Quick powdered sugar glaze: Whisk 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp milk or water.

Drizzle the glaze over the rolls after cooking. The residual heat will slightly melt it, creating that iconic sticky-sweet finish. (Don’t glaze before cooking—it’ll burn!)

4. Serve and Enjoy

Let the rolls cool for 2–3 minutes—the filling stays molten for a while! Serve with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. For a fun twist, add chopped nuts, raisins, or a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even the best air fryer recipes can go sideways. Here’s what I learned the hard way—and how to fix it.

Overcrowding the Basket

Air fryers need space for hot air to circulate. If your rolls are touching or stacked, they’ll steam instead of bake, resulting in gummy, undercooked centers. Solution: Cook in batches. For a 5-quart air fryer, stick to 3–4 rolls max. If you’re making more, cook the first batch, then add the next while the first cools slightly (the basket stays warm, so subsequent batches cook faster).

Burnt Sugar or Undercooked Dough

The cinnamon-sugar filling can burn at high temps, while the dough stays raw inside. Solution: Use the 325°F sweet spot. If the sugar starts to darken too quickly, tent the rolls with foil (yes, it works in air fryers!) or reduce the temp to 310°F. For undercooked dough, flip the rolls halfway through or add a minute at a time—don’t rush it.

Sticking to the Basket

Nothing ruins a batch like a roll breaking apart when you try to remove it. Solution: Grease the basket lightly with butter or oil, or use air fryer parchment paper. If a roll sticks, gently loosen it with a silicone spatula after letting it cool for 1–2 minutes.

Glaze Timing

Glazing too early = burnt, caramelized mess. Glazing too late = dry, flaky rolls. Solution: Drizzle the glaze immediately after removing the rolls. The heat will melt it just enough to soak in without burning.

Using the Wrong Dough

Not all doughs work. Thin, flat doughs (like crescent rolls) cook too fast and turn brittle. Solution: Stick to thick, yeast-based doughs or store-bought cinnamon roll tubes. For crescent rolls, reduce the temp to 300°F and check at 6 minutes.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls: Store-Bought vs. Homemade

Let’s settle the debate: which is better for air fryer cinnamon rolls—pre-made or from scratch? I’ve tested both, and the answer depends on your priorities.

Store-Bought Rolls (Frozen or Tube)

Pros:

• Speed: Ready in 12 minutes. No prep work.
• Consistency: Uniform size = even cooking.
• Accessibility: Found at most grocery stores.

Cons:

• Flavor: Often overly sweet, with a slightly artificial taste.
• Texture: Can be dry or chewy, depending on the brand.

Best for: Quick treats, busy mornings, or when you don’t have time to bake.

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Pros:

• Customization: Adjust sugar, spice, or add-ins (like pecans or raisins).
• Freshness: Softer, more tender texture. No preservatives.
• Cost-effective: Cheaper per roll than store-bought.

Cons:

• Time: Requires dough prep and proofing (1–2 hours total).
• Skill: Shaping and rolling take practice.

Best for: Weekend baking, impressing guests, or when you want control over ingredients.

Hybrid Approach: Semi-Homemade

For a middle ground, use store-bought pizza dough or biscuit dough as a base. Roll it out, add cinnamon-sugar filling, slice, and air fry. You get homemade flavor with minimal effort. I once used Pillsbury Grands! biscuit dough—the result was buttery, flaky, and ready in 15 minutes. A total win.

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Want to take your rolls from “good” to “wow”? These insider tricks make all the difference.

Use a Meat Thermometer

The best way to ensure doneness? Check the internal temperature. Aim for 190–195°F (88–90°C) in the center of a roll. No thermometer? Press gently—it should feel firm but springy, not doughy.

Add a Water Tray (For Moisture)

Air fryers can dry out food. To keep your rolls soft, place a small oven-safe dish of water in the basket while cooking. I use a silicone cupcake liner with 2 tbsp water—it adds just enough steam without making the rolls soggy.

Customize the Filling

Classic cinnamon-sugar is great, but try:

• Brown sugar + nutmeg for a deeper flavor.
• Maple syrup + pecans for a fall twist.
• Cocoa powder + chocolate chips for a chocolate-cinnamon roll hybrid.

Make Them Mini

Slice rolls into 1-inch pieces before air frying. They cook faster (6–8 minutes), are easier to share, and look adorable on a brunch table. I call them “cinnamon bites”—my kids devour them.

Reheat Like a Pro

Got leftovers? Reheat at 300°F for 3–4 minutes. They’ll be warm and gooey, not rubbery. Add a fresh glaze for extra decadence.

Data Table: Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Cooking Times

Type of Dough	Temperature	Cooking Time	Notes
Frozen cinnamon rolls	325°F (163°C)	12–15 minutes	No thawing needed. Check at 10 minutes.
Store-bought tube rolls	325°F (163°C)	10–12 minutes	Unroll slightly for even baking.
Homemade dough (proofed)	325°F (163°C)	10–12 minutes	Let dough rise 20–30 minutes before cooking.
Biscuit dough (semi-homemade)	325°F (163°C)	9–11 minutes	Roll out to 1/2-inch thickness.
Mini cinnamon bites	325°F (163°C)	6–8 minutes	Slice rolls into 1-inch pieces.

Note: Times vary by air fryer model. Always check for doneness.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls?

So, can you make cinnamon rolls in an air fryer fast and easy? Absolutely. This method isn’t just a shortcut—it’s a revelation. You get the same cozy, sweet satisfaction as oven-baked rolls, but with less time, less energy, and less fuss. Whether you’re using frozen dough, a store-bought tube, or your grandmother’s homemade recipe, the air fryer delivers.

Is it perfect? Not quite. You’ll need to watch for overcrowding and adjust times based on your model. The texture might be slightly different—crispier on the outside, softer on the inside—but that’s part of the charm. And let’s be honest: nothing beats the smell of cinnamon filling your kitchen in just 12 minutes.

Next time you’re craving cinnamon rolls, skip the oven. Grab your air fryer, a tube of dough (or your favorite recipe), and give it a try. You might just find yourself making them way more often. After all, when something tastes this good and takes this little effort, why wouldn’t you?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make cinnamon rolls in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely make cinnamon rolls in an air fryer! The air fryer cooks them quickly and evenly, giving you soft, fluffy rolls with a slightly crisp exterior in under 15 minutes.

How long do you cook cinnamon rolls in the air fryer?

Most cinnamon rolls take 8–12 minutes at 320°F (160°C) in the air fryer, depending on size. Check for golden tops and a fully cooked center to avoid underbaking.

Do air fryer cinnamon rolls taste as good as oven-baked ones?

Air fryer cinnamon rolls are just as delicious—fluffy, gooey, and aromatic—with the added bonus of a slightly crisp crust from the rapid air circulation. The flavor and texture are nearly identical to oven-baked versions.

Can you use store-bought dough to make cinnamon rolls in an air fryer?

Yes! Store-bought cinnamon roll dough works perfectly in the air fryer. Just arrange the rolls in a single layer, leaving space between them, and follow the recommended cooking time for best results.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for cinnamon rolls?

Preheating the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 320°F (160°C) helps ensure even cooking, but it’s optional. If skipping preheat, add 1–2 minutes to the total cook time.

How do you prevent cinnamon rolls from drying out in the air fryer?

To keep air fryer cinnamon rolls moist, avoid overcooking and lightly cover them with foil halfway through if they’re browning too fast. Adding a small bowl of water to the air fryer basket can also help retain moisture.