Craving a quick and easy sweet treat that’s light, flaky, and loaded with cinnamon goodness? Then you’re in for a treat! These air fryer cinnamon rolls are made with puff pastry dough, a sweet cinnamon-butter filling, and topped with a simple lemon glaze. Best of all, they can be put together in less than 20 minutes, making them perfect for a last-minute indulgence or spontaneous baking session.
Let’s dive into this recipe, where the beauty of making cinnamon rolls meets the simplicity of air frying. With minimal prep and fast cooking time, this recipe will become a go-to staple whenever you’re in need of a cinnamon-y pick-me-up.
Ingredients List
Before we begin, it’s important to gather all the required ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious treats:
For the Cinnamon Rolls:
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ stick unsalted butter (80 grams), softened
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (Note: Use pre-made puff pastry for convenience)
For the Icing:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Recommended Kitchen Tools:
- Air Fryer : Your cinnamon rolls will puff up perfectly and cook evenly in an air fryer.
- Rolling Pin : To smooth out your puff pastry and ensure even thickness.
- Silicone Spatula : Great for spreading the cinnamon-butter filling onto the pastry.
Once you have everything ready, it’s time to jump straight into the preparation. Follow the instructions step by step, and you’ll have a hot batch of air fryer cinnamon rolls in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Cinnamon Filling Preparation
Start with the savory sweet cinnamon mixture. In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon , softened butter , and brown sugar . Mix well until everything is fully combined and you have a smooth, spreadable paste. This mixture will give the rolls their signature cinnamon sweetness, so make sure the butter is soft and easily spreadable.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 4 minutes. Preheating ensures your air fryer is hot enough to crisp up the rolls and puff the dough to golden perfection.
Now that your filling is ready and your air fryer is heating up, it’s time to focus on the dough.
Step 3: Prepare and Fill the Puff Pastry
Now that your air fryer is preheating, it’s time to prepare the puff pastry . If you’re using pre-rolled puff pastry, unroll it gently onto a flat surface. If your pastry needs rolling, take a rolling pin and lightly roll out the pastry to even out any thickness inconsistencies – just be careful not to roll it too thin.
Once your pastry is smooth and ready, take the prepared cinnamon-butter mixture from earlier and use a silicone spatula to spread it evenly across the entire surface of the puff pastry. Make sure you get it all the way to the edges so every bite is packed with cinnamon-y goodness. Avoid clumping the filling in the middle; a thin, uniform layer will give you the best swirl effect once it’s rolled up.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough
Here’s where the magic begins.
- Start Rolling: Begin rolling the pastry very gently and loosely, starting from the shorter edge. Roll it slowly to avoid squeezing out the filling. If you start from the short end, you’ll get more delicious swirls in each roll, which will look beautiful once cooked. If you prefer fewer swirls or larger rolls, you can roll from the wider end – just keep in mind they may unroll more while cooking.
- Cut into Pieces: Once rolled tightly, use a sharp serrated knife or a piece of flavor-free dental floss to cut the pastry log into 1-inch (2.5-centimeter) segments. Take your time with this step, as a clean, even cut ensures the cinnamon rolls will cook uniformly in the air fryer.
Now, let’s move on to air frying these delightful rolls!
Step 5: Air Fry the Cinnamon Rolls
With your cinnamon rolls cut and ready to go, it’s time to let the air fryer work its magic!
- Arrange the Rolls: Carefully place the cinnamon rolls into the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation and puffing during cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook Time and Temp: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the cinnamon rolls for about 7 minutes . Keep an eye on them once they hit the 5-minute mark, as cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of your rolls. You’re looking for a golden-brown color with puffed edges.
- Check for Doneness: Once your timer goes off, carefully open the air fryer and check the rolls. They should be golden brown and puffed up with a slightly crunchy exterior. If they look undercooked or too pale, pop them back in for another minute or two.
- Cool Slightly: Once the cinnamon rolls are perfectly cooked, use tongs or a spatula to transfer them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool slightly while you prepare the icing.
Now that the rolls are ready, it’s time to add the finishing touch: a sweet and tangy icing that’ll take these cinnamon rolls to the next level!
Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Icing
While your cinnamon rolls cool down slightly, it’s the perfect time to whip up a quick icing for that final delicious touch.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup powdered sugar , 1 tablespoon milk , and 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice . Stir until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. The consistency should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a few more drops of milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach the right smoothness.
- Drizzle the Icing: Once the cinnamon rolls are warm (not too hot), drizzle the icing generously over them. You can use a spoon to control the amount or pour it all over for a messy, sweet look! The lemon juice adds a subtle tang that pairs perfectly with the rich cinnamon, balancing out the sweetness.
- Let the Icing Set (Optional): If you prefer a slightly set icing, allow the rolls to sit for a few minutes before serving. Otherwise, you can dig right in while the rolls are still warm and gooey – perfect for that melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Step 7: Enjoy Your Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
Your air fryer cinnamon rolls are now done! Serve while warm with the perfect swirl of cinnamon and butter inside, topped with tangy lemon icing on the top. They’re fluffy, crispy, and rich in flavor – a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate: If you have any leftovers (which is a rare occurrence), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days . You can lightly reheat them in the air fryer for a minute or two to bring back their crispiness.
- Freezing: Want to save some for later? Freeze the baked rolls in a freezer-safe container for up to one month . When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the air fryer until they’re warmed through.
These cinnamon rolls are easy, delicious, and perfect for days when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Enjoy these treats with a cup of coffee, tea, or all on their own!
Conclusion
By using store-bought puff pastry and your trusty air fryer, you’ve got yourself a quick and simple way to indulge in homemade cinnamon rolls . They require just a few ingredients, minimal prep time, and come out beautifully crispy and golden brown in mere minutes. The addition of the lemon icing gives the perfect balance of tart and sweet, making these cinnamon rolls irresistibly good.
Whether you’re enjoying these on a lazy weekend morning or impressing guests with a quick homemade treat, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Now that you’ve mastered these air fryer cinnamon rolls, feel free to experiment with different toppings or fillings for more variety!
Happy baking – and don’t forget to savor every bite of these crispy, flaky, sugary delights.