Featured Recipe

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls Twist

Name: Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls Twist
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 5 servings
Ingredients: 1 tube canned cinnamon rolls without icing (substitute with refrigerated flaky biscuit dough plus cinnamon sugar mix as twist); Piece of parchment paper cut to fit air fryer basket; 4 ounces softened cream cheese (can swap with mascarpone or Greek yogurt for tang); Pinch of salt; Reserved container of cinnamon roll icing; 1 tablespoon maple syrup (replacement for some icing sugars); 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (added twist to cream cheese frosting); Optional: ground cinnamon for sprinkling on top

By Kate

Created on 15 January 2026

Fluffy cinnamon rolls cooked in an air fryer without oil, using parchment for easy cleanup and no sticking. Includes whipped cream cheese frosting with added maple syrup and a pinch of nutmeg for flavor depth. Flipping mid-cook ensures even browning and texture. Timing adjusted slightly to prevent overbaking. Practical tips for substitutions and troubleshooting sticky rolls or uneven cooking.

Prep: 5 min

Cook: 20 min

Total: 25 min

Serves: 5 servings

air fryer dessert breakfast quick recipes

Introduction

No preheating. Parchment paper prevents sticking and keeps the air fryer basket clean—no oil necessary. Cinnamon rolls cook quickly, but flipping halfway through ensures golden crust all around. Watch closely at the end—the edges brown fast and you want soft centers, not brittle. Cream cheese frosting gets boosted with maple syrup and nutmeg, adding complexity and sweetness without overpowering the dough’s warmth. Use canned dough for convenience or try flaky biscuit dough sprinkled with cinnamon sugar for crunchier layers. The aroma? Deep cinnamon and caramelizing sugar waft—keeps kitchen talking. The sound? Gentle crackling and a hint of crisp as the outer shell forms.

Ingredients

1 tube canned cinnamon rolls without icing (substitute with refrigerated flaky biscuit dough plus cinnamon sugar mix as twist)

Piece of parchment paper cut to fit air fryer basket

4 ounces softened cream cheese (can swap with mascarpone or Greek yogurt for tang)

Pinch of salt

Reserved container of cinnamon roll icing

1 tablespoon maple syrup (replacement for some icing sugars)

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (added twist to cream cheese frosting)

Optional: ground cinnamon for sprinkling on top

About the ingredients

Use store-bought cinnamon rolls for speed and consistency—homemade dough is good but fiddly in air fryer. Parchment paper fits snugly, no oil needed, which saves cleanup and avoids greasy bottoms. Cream cheese substitutions like mascarpone or even plain Greek yogurt create tang but check frosting texture before spreading. Maple syrup adds natural sweetness and moistness, while nutmeg brings seasonal charm—an easy but often overlooked spice here. Ground cinnamon on top boosts aroma post-cook. For sticky or runny icing, chill mixture briefly to firm up. Reheat iced rolls briefly if they cool before serving to reactivate glaze softness.

Method

Cut parchment paper to fit air fryer basket precisely. No oil spraying needed since parchment blocks sticking and heat circulates nicely.

Open cinnamon roll tube; separate rolls carefully but keep them spaced in the basket. Crowding leads to uneven cooking—give at least half-inch gaps.

Set air fryer to 335°F. No preheat necessary. Place basket inside and set timer for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, listen for subtle crackle from browning crust. Use a thin spatula or tongs to gently flip each roll—flip carefully so shape holds.

Restart air fryer for another 8-10 minutes at same temp. Start checking at 8 minutes to stop before rolls scorch or dry out. Edges should be golden brown, centers spring back slightly.

When done, remove with tongs or spatula onto a plate. Warm and tender but firm enough to handle.

In a small bowl, whip softened cream cheese with salt, maple syrup, and reserved icing container. Use handheld mixer on medium speed for 40 seconds to 1 minute. Should turn fluffy, light, and slightly glossy. Nutmeg adds subtle depth—don’t skip.

Spread icing mixture over rolls, just brushing edges so topping doesn't run down sides. Warm rolls soak some frosting in but keep outer fluff intact.

Optional sprinkle ground cinnamon on top for aroma and subtle spice hit.

Technique Tips

No preheating simplifies the process; the rolls expand as the air fryer heats. Spacing is critical—crowded rolls steam instead of brown. Flipping ensures air circulation underneath and prevents soggy bottoms. Use thin metal spatula or tongs gently—rolls are tender. Timing varies per air fryer brand; rely on golden edges and slight bounce in center to check doneness. Don’t wait for full firming; residual heat completes cooking. Whipping frost with maple and nutmeg takes frosting beyond standard sweetness—beat until glossy but not runny. Apply thin layer, pushing to edges carefully or frosting will melt off. Sprinkle cinnamon after frosting while still warm to unlock oils and enhance perception. If you go heavy on frosting, chill rolls briefly to set icing without melting.

Chef's Notes

💡 Use parchment paper; cuts cleanup time. Keeps rolls from sticking. Essential for air fryer cooking. Can use thinner paper, just fit snug. Keeps moisture in too. Browned bases add crunch. Listen for sizzling—great sign.
💡 Canned dough is quick; easier for busy mornings. Flaky biscuit dough is an option, gives more layers. Cinnamon sugar topping for added crunch. Beware of crowding; space rolls out, they need airflow. Avoid steaming; want crispy crust.
💡 Air fryers vary. Timing isn’t one-size-fits-all; yours may cook quicker. Golden edges are key. Check after 8 minutes. Don’t wait for full max time; roll sweetness will come from warm centers—not burned ones.
💡 Whip frosting well; airy and light is what you want. Cream cheese gives tang. Maple syrup adds texture and sweetness. Nutmeg is subtle, but makes a difference. If frosting runs too thin, chill. Firming helps spread better.
💡 Cinnamon on top boosts aroma. Sprinkle while rolls are still warm—unlock those oils. Can use nutmeg too if you want. For less mess, frost with a spoon. Just brush on the top, edges are crusty.