Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
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My homemade air fryer cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and ready in under 20 minutes- no yeast needed. They’re packed with cinnamon sugar and topped with a rich, cream cheese frosting. It’s the easiest way to make cinnamon rolls from scratch.
Cinnamon rolls are one of those recipes that everyone loves but rarely makes, mostly because of the time they take- until I started making them in the air fryer. I was skeptical at first, but after a few rounds of testing, my partner, sister, and I were hooked.
These air fryer cinnamon rolls are soft and fluffy on the inside with perfectly golden edges and tons of cinnamon sugar throughout. I loosely adapted my no yeast cinnamon rolls (which are already a shortcut recipe) so you’re getting something truly homemade- no canned shortcuts here. The best part? No proofing or resting time needed- just warm, gooey rolls that are so easy, certain people (*cough* my partner) request them on a random Wednesday. Honestly? I don’t mind.
Table of Contents
Recipe highlights
- Quick and easy. Traditional cinnamon rolls usually take at least an hour to make, but these take a fraction of that.
- Healthier and higher in protein. Although not as high as my protein cinnamon rolls, each of these boasts a generous 5 grams per serving!
What readers are saying
★★★★★ – “Wow, these are filthy delicious and super easy to make. I made a gluten-free version with Bob’s all-purpose gluten-free flour, and it turned out beautifully. We topped it off with some Greek yogurt ‘cream cheese’ since we had no regular cream cheese, and the combination was perfect. Will be making this recipe many, many, many times.” – Heather
Key Ingredients
Here are the main ingredients that go into air-fried cinnamon rolls. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card.
- Self-rising flour. A mix of flour, baking powder, and salt. You can find it in the baking aisle of the grocery store, or make homemade self-rising flour.
- Vanilla yogurt. Any thick vanilla yogurt works, including Greek, coconut, or dairy-free options. You must use a sweetened yogurt, or else the dough will be completely tasteless. If plain yogurt is all you have on hand, I suggest adding two tablespoons of sugar or maple syrup to compensate.
- Filling. Butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cream cheese frosting. A simple combo of cream cheese, butter, and confectioners’ sugar. Please ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature, as this provides a fluffier frosting.
How to make cinnamon rolls in the air fryer
Step 1- Make the dough. Start by mixing the flour and vanilla yogurt until a thick dough remains.
Step 2- Roll. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead several times until smooth.
Step 3- Shape the dough out into a large, rectangular shape. Mix the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Using a spoon or spatula, spread the mixture on the dough, reserving 1/4 of an inch around the sides.
Step 4- Cut. Beginning at the long end, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 8-9 equal pieces.
Step 5- Air fry. Place the cinnamon rolls in an air fryer basket and air fry for 7-8 minutes or until the dough is fully cooked. Remove them from the basket and place them on a plate or tray to cool slightly.
Step 6- Frost. Once cool, frost the tops of them and enjoy.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Air fry in a cake tin. If you own an 8-inch cake tin and a large air fryer basket, you can bake the cinnamon rolls in it (as pictured). This will also help them stick together.
- Do not overbake the cinnamon rolls, as they will dry out and become less fluffy. Remember that they will continue to bake a little as they cool. I suggest removing them from the air fryer once golden around the edges.
- I love adding the frosting to the hot cinnamon rolls as it seeps into the dough, giving each bite some fabulous sweetness. If you want the frosting to remain on top for aesthetic purposes, let the rolls cool to room temperature.
Frequently asked questions
Many similar recipes call for Pillsbury cinnamon roll dough, which can also be made in the air fryer. If this is easier for you, this is how you’ll air fry them- Slice the cinnamon rolls into eight portions. Spray the air fryer basket, add them in there, and air fry for 6 minutes or until golden. Remove from the air fryer basket and spread the icing on top.
Yes, you can. I chose to use the simple Greek yogurt dough because it’s just that- simple! I’ve tested this with classic cinnamon roll dough and even pizza dough.
Yes, you can. When I’m making them the night before, I prep them in the pan, all ready to go. Just cover them in the fridge overnight. When ready, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before air frying.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
Video
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups self rising flour
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt Greek, coconut, or soy
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
For the frosting
- 2 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- 6 tablespoons confectioners sugar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and yogurt and mix well, until combined. If the dough is too thick, add more yogurt. If the dough is too thin, add more flour.
- Lightly flour a kitchen surface and transfer the dough on top. Gently knead it several times, before rolling out into a large rectangular shape, around 1/2 an inch in thickness.
- In a small bowl, add the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Using a spatula, spread the cinnamon mixture on top, reserving half an inch around the sides.
- Beginning at the long end of the dough, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into eight portions.
- Place 3 or 4 of the cinnamon rolls into an air fryer basket lined with parchment paper. Air fry at 180C/350F for 7-8 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove the cinnamon rolls from the air fryer basket. Add remaining cinnamon rolls and repeat the process until they are all air fried.
- Let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly, before adding the frosting. To make the frosting, add the cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl. Beat together until combined. Add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
Notes
Nutrition
More air fryer desserts
Originally updated April 2024
This took me a couple of attempts to get the heat right in my air fryer but now that I know, I’m going to be making these all the time!
Uu this sauce frosting I like the most! Cream cheese!
My rolls turned out good, but a touch too firm at the topside, and a little too moist, or wet on the inner roll. Could theses me done as cinnamon bites? I think that might solve the too done/ not done enough problem. If you made them as bites how would you make them?
Sounds good!
These are some of the best cinnamon rolls I’ve ever made, super easy and delicious!
Thank you!!!
Love these air fryer cinnamon rolls!
Hi, please tell me the 2 types of air fryers you use. Please tell me everything I’d need to know to go find them.
Thank you!!
Julie
Cannot believe cinnamon rolls can be made in air fryer. Amazing.
Wow, these are filthy delicious and super easy to make. I made a gluten free version with Bob’s all purpose gluten free flour and it turned out beautifully. Topped it off with some Greek yogurt ‘cream cheese’ as we had no cream cheese and the combination was perfect. Will be making this recipe many, many, many times.
Love that!!!!
Why is there no temperature listed for the air fryer!?
Yes there is, 180C.350F.
Hi there
Can these be rolled, frozen & cooked at a later date?
Cheers Kathryn
I wouldn’t recommend it- it kind of becomes dry and brittle.
Made this today and the whole family was raving about them! Thank you so much. I subbed half the sugar for monk fruit sweetener and used a healthy icing recipe (0.3 cup powdered sugar, 2 TB Greek yogurt, 1 tsp lemon juice).
Hi,
Could you maybe put the quantities in grams too?
I googled them but I’m not sure it necessary corect
Will be working on including that in the coming months.
Hi. How do I know the correct measures for the ingredients? Sorry to bother you.
There is a recipe card.
It was awesome. I don’t think I got the consistency right as the dough seemed a little wet still but they turned out great. I used Skyr and added vanills flavouring to it. Instead of cream cheese frosting I used vanilla protein powder and drizzled on top. I’ll be trying more of your recipes😊
Which yogurt specifically do you suggest?
For a dairy one, I like Chobani non-fat, and for a dairy free one, I love Nakula yogurt 🙂
Hello! Do you have the approx. dimensions of the rolled out dough? Thank you, can’t wait to try!
Hi Trish! Yes, around 27-30 cms for the long side and half of that for the other 🙂
Can these be made gluten free?
Yes 🙂 Provided you use Doves farm gluten free self rising flour, it’s the only one I’ve tried that works!