Cinnamon rolls are a delicious breakfast treat that many people enjoy. While they are traditionally baked in the oven, using an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to make cinnamon rolls with a crispy exterior and gooey interior. The amount of time needed to cook cinnamon rolls in an air fryer varies based on the size and number of rolls, as well as the model and settings of the specific air fryer being used. Typically, cinnamon rolls take around 8-15 minutes to cook through in an air fryer.
Factors That Affect Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Cook Times
There are a few key factors that impact how long to put cinnamon rolls in an air fryer:
Size of the Cinnamon Rolls
The size of the cinnamon rolls makes a major difference in cook time. Smaller cinnamon rolls or cinnamon roll bites require less time than large, full-sized cinnamon rolls. Here are some general guidelines:
– Small/mini cinnamon rolls: 6-8 minutes
– Regular sized cinnamon rolls: 10-12 minutes
– Extra large cinnamon rolls: 13-15 minutes
Larger cinnamon rolls need more time for the inside to fully cook through. Be sure to check for doneness and add a minute or two if needed.
Number of Cinnamon Rolls
The more cinnamon rolls in the air fryer, the longer the cook time. A single batch of 2-4 rolls will cook faster than a double batch of 8-10 rolls. Overcrowding the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking, so it’s best to work in smaller batches for a quicker cook time.
Air Fryer Model and Settings
Not all air fryers heat up at the same speed and temperature. The settings you choose will impact the cinnamon roll cook time. Most recipes recommend cooking at 350°F, but you may need to adjust the temperature to get perfectly browned and crisped rolls.
Older air fryer models may take a minute or two longer to fully cook cinnamon rolls compared to newer, upgraded models. Refer to your specific air fryer manual for recommended cooking temperatures and times.
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls in an Air Fryer
Follow these tips for making tender and delicious cinnamon rolls in your air fryer:
1. Allow Rolls to Rise Before Cooking
After preparing the cinnamon roll dough, let it rise until puffy before rolling and cutting, about 1-2 hours. Properly proofed dough will cook up lighter in texture.
2. Add Egg Wash and Toppings
Brush the rolled out dough with egg wash or melted butter before sprinkling on cinnamon sugar. This helps the topping adhere and enhances browning.
3. Cut Into Portions
Slice the rolled log of dough into equal portions, about 2” wide or smaller, to help them cook evenly. This also allows you to easily remove smaller cooked rolls from the air fryer in batches.
4. Arrange in Air Fryer Basket
Place cut rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, not touching or overlapping. You may need to cook in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.
5. Cook at 350°F
Most air fryer cinnamon roll recipes recommend cooking at 350°F. This allows the exterior to get crispy while the interior cooks through. Refer to your air fryer manual’s recommended temperature settings as well.
6. Flip Rolls Halfway
For evenly browned and crisp cinnamon rolls, flip each roll over halfway during the cook time. Use tongs for easy flipping.
7. Check for Doneness
Test doneness after the minimum recommended cook time by inserting a toothpick into the center of a roll. It should come out clean when the rolls are fully cooked through.
8. Add Frosting and Enjoy!
Once cooled slightly, spread on cream cheese frosting and enjoy these irresistible homemade cinnamon rolls!
| Cinnamon Roll Size | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Small or Mini | 6-8 minutes |
| Regular | 10-12 minutes |
| Large | 13-15 minutes |
Tips for Making Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
Here are some top tips for delicious, foolproof cinnamon rolls made in the air fryer:
– Use bread or pizza/pastry settings on your air fryer for the most optimized cooking temperature and time.
– Let the rolls rest on a cooling rack after cooking so the bottom doesn’t get soggy.
– Brush melted butter on top after cooking for an extra glossy, moist finish.
– Add a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for over-the-top decadence.
– To make ahead, cook the rolls plain then frost and reheat in the air fryer for 15-30 seconds to serve warm.
– Substitute apple pie filling, nuts, or other mix-ins for the cinnamon and sugar topping.
– Experiment with different air fryer temperatures from 300°F for softer rolls to 400°F for an extra crispy exterior.
Common Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Questions
Should cinnamon rolls be covered while cooking in an air fryer?
No, cinnamon rolls cook best uncovered in an air fryer. This allows for air circulation and direct heat contact to crisp and brown the tops and sides. Covering can lead to a soggy texture.
Can you cook store-bought cinnamon rolls in an air fryer?
Yes, store-bought refrigerated cinnamon rolls work well cooked in an air fryer. Follow package instructions for proofing and rising first. Cook frozen cinnamon rolls directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cook time.
How do you keep cinnamon rolls from drying out in the air fryer?
Brushing rolls with butter or egg wash before cooking helps keep them moist. Allowing proper rising time also lightens the interior texture. Immediately removing them once cooked and glazing while still warm also helps lock in moisture.
Should you flip cinnamon rolls over during air frying?
It’s recommended to flip the cinnamon rolls over about halfway during the cook time to promote even browning and crisping on both sides. Use tongs for easy flipping.
Conclusion
Cooking cinnamon rolls in an air fryer is a quick and delicious way to enjoy this breakfast favorite with a crispy cinnamon topping and tender interior. Allow 8-15 minutes cook time based on the size of rolls and capacities of your model air fryer. Let the dough properly rise, prevent overcrowding, flip halfway, and brush with butter or glaze right after cooking for the best results. In no time, you can enjoy bakery-style cinnamon rolls from the convenience of your air fryer.
| Cinnamon Roll Amount | Air Fryer Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 2-4 rolls | 8-10 minutes |
| 6-8 rolls | 11-13 minutes |
| 10-12 rolls | 13-15 minutes |
Here is a quick recap of the key tips covered:
– Smaller cinnamon rolls take 6-8 minutes, regular size 10-12 minutes, and large rolls 13-15 minutes.
– Allow dough adequate rising time before cooking.
– Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
– Flip rolls halfway during cooking for even browning.
– Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick.
– Rest on a rack after cooking and frost while still warm.
References
1. https://addapinch.com/air-fryer-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/
2. https://www.allrecipes.com/article/can-you-bake-cinnamon-rolls-in-an-air-fryer/
3. https://www.everydayfamilycooking.com/how-to-make-cinnamon-rolls-in-the-air-fryer/