Best Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls (Soft, Gooey & Ready in 10 Minutes!)

You know that moment when you wake up craving something sweet, warm, and unapologetically comforting? Yeah… that’s when I pull out my air fryer and make air fryer cinnamon rolls. No oven preheating. No waiting around staring at the timer. Just fluffy, golden, cinnamon-swirled happiness in under 15 minutes.

I’ve tested these more times than I’ll admit (purely for research, obviously), and I can confidently say this method beats the oven on busy mornings. If you love easy breakfast recipes, sticky cinnamon sugar filling, and that thick cream cheese glaze melting into every swirl, you’re in the right place.

Let’s talk about how to make the best homemade cinnamon rolls in the air fryer — plus a few tricks I learned the hard way so you don’t have to.

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Why Make Cinnamon Rolls in the Air Fryer?

I used to think cinnamon rolls required a full baking production. Then I tried them in the air fryer, and honestly… I felt a little betrayed by my oven.

Here’s why I stick with the air fryer method:

• Faster cooking time (8–10 minutes vs. 20+ in the oven)
• No preheating marathon
• Perfectly crispy edges with soft, gooey centers
• Ideal for small batches
• Energy-efficient (especially during hot U.S. summers)

Ever wondered why they cook so well in there? The circulating hot air creates a slightly caramelized outer layer while keeping the inside tender. It’s basically magic.

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The Best Air Fryer for Cinnamon Rolls

I’ve tested this recipe in a few models, but I mostly use the COSORI Air Fryer Max XL 5.8-Quart. It gives me enough room to cook 4–5 rolls without crowding them.

Other great options:

• Ninja AF101 4-Quart Air Fryer
• Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer
• GoWISE USA 5.8-Quart Air Fryer

If you’re shopping, look for:

• At least 4-quart capacity
• Adjustable temperature control
• A basket that fits 6-inch pans

FYI, I always line my basket with parchment rounds made for air fryers. It saves cleanup time and keeps the bottoms from over-browning.

You can grab the COSORI here:
https://amzn.to/4sfSHoD

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ll give you two options: semi-homemade (quick) and fully homemade (weekend project vibes).

Quick Version (Store-Bought Dough)

• 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8-count)
• Included icing packet

Yes, that’s it. Sometimes simple wins.

Homemade Version (From Scratch)

For the dough:

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt

For the filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 3 tbsp softened butter

For the cream cheese glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tbsp butter
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk

IMO, homemade tastes richer, but the canned version works beautifully when life gets chaotic.

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How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

If using canned rolls, separate them and let them sit at room temp for 5 minutes.

If making homemade dough:

1. Activate yeast in warm milk and sugar.
2. Add egg, butter, flour, and salt.
3. Knead until smooth.
4. Let rise for 1 hour.

Roll into a rectangle, spread butter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, roll tightly, and slice.

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Step 2: Prep the Air Fryer

Preheat to 320°F for 2–3 minutes.

Place parchment liner in basket. Don’t skip this unless you enjoy scrubbing caramelized sugar later. :/

Place rolls in basket with space between them. They expand.

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Step 3: Air Fry

Cook at 320°F for 8–10 minutes.

Check at 8 minutes. If the tops brown too quickly, lightly tent with foil.

The rolls should look golden and feel set in the center.

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Step 4: Add Glaze

Spread icing while rolls are warm.

Watch it melt into the swirls. That moment? Pure joy.

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Tips for Perfect Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

I learned these through trial, error, and one slightly overcooked batch.

• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air circulation matters.
• Lower temperature = better texture. High heat dries them out.
• Use a digital thermometer (190°F internal temp is perfect).
• Let them cool 3–5 minutes before glazing.

Ever bitten into a cinnamon roll that’s doughy in the center? That happens when you cook too hot.

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Flavor Variations (Because Plain is Boring)

Once you master the base recipe, things get fun.

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Add finely diced apples and a pinch of nutmeg to filling.

Maple Pecan

Drizzle maple syrup into filling and top with chopped pecans.

Pumpkin Spice (Fall Favorite)

Mix pumpkin puree into glaze with pumpkin spice.

Chocolate Chip

Sprinkle mini chocolate chips before rolling.

Honestly, the air fryer handles all of these beautifully.

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Storage & Reheating Tips

Leftovers? Rare in my house, but here’s what works:

• Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
• Reheat at 300°F for 2–3 minutes.
• Add a splash of milk before reheating to restore moisture.

You can also freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let me save you from disappointment.

• Cooking at 350°F or higher (they brown too fast)
• Forgetting parchment
• Skipping the preheat
• Using cold dough straight from fridge

Temperature control makes or breaks this recipe.

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