Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
These air fryer cinnamon rolls are soft in the center, lightly golden on top, and finished with a smooth vanilla icing. The key hack is baking them close together in a small pan, which helps the rolls rise higher and stay fluffy instead of drying out.
Quick Facts
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes–1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 cinnamon rolls
Temperature: 320°F
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
Filling
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Icing
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon softened cream cheese
1–2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
2. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 35–45 minutes, or until puffy.
5. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
6. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 10 x 14 inches.
7. Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
8. Roll the dough up tightly from the long side into a log.
9. Slice into 6 even rolls.
10. Lightly grease a small round cake pan that fits inside your air fryer basket.
11. Arrange the rolls in the pan close together. This small-pan setup helps the centers stay soft.
12. Cover loosely and let the rolls rise again for 15–20 minutes while the air fryer preheats.
13. Preheat the air fryer to 320°F.
14. Air fry the rolls for 10–12 minutes, checking at 9 minutes.
15. If the tops brown too quickly, loosely cover the pan with foil and continue cooking until the centers are baked through.
16. Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes.
17. Whisk together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
18. Spread the icing over the warm rolls and serve.
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Notes / Tips
The best hack is to bake the rolls close together in a small pan so the centers stay soft and the edges do not dry out.
Do not spread the rolls too far apart or they can bake up drier.
Every air fryer runs a little differently, so start checking early.
If the tops brown before the centers finish, cover loosely with foil and continue cooking.
For extra gooey rolls, warm the icing for a few seconds before spreading.
Variations
Add a spoonful of softened cream cheese to the icing for a richer topping.
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the iced rolls.
Add a pinch of cinnamon to the icing for more warm spice flavor.
Drizzle with maple glaze instead of the included icing for a breakfast-style twist.
Serve with a little orange zest in the icing for a brighter flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 430 mg
Looking for even more air fryer ideas?
Browse my Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners on Amazon for more simple recipes, helpful tips, and everyday favorites.
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