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 notorious for being delicious but time-consuming to make. I guess that’s why they aren’t a weekly staple for many people- until now.
I’ve been a little obsessed with making them in my air fryer because they are quick, require little prep, and satisfy all my cravings. I tested this recipe multiple times to make sure the dough cooked evenly and quickly in the air fryer without drying out!
Why I love this air fryer cinnamon rolls recipe
- No yeast needed. The dough is adapted from my magic 2 ingredient dough. It needs just yogurt and flour!
- Quick and easy. Traditional cinnamon rolls usually take at least an hour to make, but these take a fraction of that.
- Fluffy and sweet. While the exterior is tender and firm, the middle is smooth and fluffy, and the frosting is thick and luscious.
- Healthier and higher in protein. Although not as high as my protein cinnamon rolls, each of these boasts a generous 5 grams per serving!
Key Ingredients
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
- 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.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“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
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 on the hot cinnamon rolls as they seep 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.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three days.
To freeze: Place the rolls in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to two months.
Reheating: Microwave the rolls for 20 seconds or reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
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.
More air fryer desserts
If you tried this Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls recipe, please leave a star rating and comment. It helps others thinking of making this.
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.
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?