The key to perfectly cooked cinnamon rolls from a tube every time? Your air fryer! Air fryer cinnamon rolls bake faster, more evenly, and require hardly any clean up.
I may be a dietitian but my family enjoys treats like cinnamon rolls just like anyone else! And while I can make from-scratch cinnamon rolls, let's be real - sometimes the refrigerated cinnamon rolls in a tube hit just right! Especially when you're wanting something a little lower maintenance.
These air fryer cinnamon rolls are a treat my family has made off and on for over a year now - they make a delicious dessert, or a fun brunch treat, too. (Check out my tips below for how to incorporate these into a balanced breakfast!)
Why You'll Love Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
- They're fast - less than 10 minutes and you've got warm, gooey cinnamon rolls ready to go!
- Minimal clean up - I line my air fryer tray with a piece of parchment paper, bake the cinnamon rolls directly on it, and then toss when done. Yup - no pan! It doesn't get any easier!
- They're delicious - whether it's the childhood nostalgia or just enjoying a gooey, sweet treat, they're delicious!
Recipe Ingredients
All you need to make this recipe is a tube of cinnamon rolls!
Not an ingredient, but you do need an air fryer to make these air fryer cinnamon rolls. I used my Instant Pot Air Fryer, but any air fryer will work as long as you can place all the cinnamon rolls in the air fryer basket without overlap.
Oh, and don't forget some parchment paper for quick and easy clean up!
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls, Step-by-Step
These seriously couldn't get any easier!
- Place a sheet of parchment paper over the rack in your air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you made need some scissors to trim the parchment to fit better.
- Open the tube of cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside.
- Place cinnamon rolls directly on the parchment-lined rack - no need for a pan! Space them apart slightly, about ½-inch apart.
- Air fry at 360 degrees for 8 minutes. If this is your first time making them in your air fryer, I would check around 5-7 minutes to make sure your air fryer isn't over-browning the cinnamon rolls. If they're looking too browned you can flip them, but I've never had to do that.
- When done, remove from the air fryer, drizzle with reserved icing, and enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- The first time you make these air fryer cinnamon rolls, check around 5-7 minutes to make sure your cinnamon rolls aren't getting overly browned. I have not had this problem, but every air fryer is different. Depending on how much time is left they could be done a minute early, or you could try flipping the cinnamon rolls (I have never had to do this).
- If you're making a larger, "jumbo" sized cinnamon rolls, you will need more time, check around 10-12 minutes.
Storage & Reheating
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days.
- To reheat, pop a cinnamon roll in the microwave for 10 seconds for a softer cinnamon roll, or back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes for a crisper exterior.
Substitutions & Variations
You can use whatever kind of cinnamon rolls you prefer! Basic cinnamon rolls, cream cheese cinnamon rolls, orange rolls, etc.
Wait, Why is a Dietitian Talking About Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls? Are These Healthy?
These cinnamon rolls may be made in an air fryer, but let's be real - they are not a health food. That said, they totally can fit into a healthy, balanced diet.
"Healthy" is a very subjective label, but ultimately it's about finding a balance that works for you. A balance that can include all the kale salads, chia pudding, and smoothies AND cinnamon rolls and chocolate chip cookies.
My goal behind every recipe, every article, and every course I offer here at Nutrition to Fit is to help you create your own healthy balance.
How to Include Cinnamon Rolls in a Balanced Meal
To be clear, you have the autonomy to eat cinnamon rolls and to eat them with whatever and however you want.
That said, if you're curious how you could enjoy a cinnamon roll as part of a more balanced meal, I've got you. These simple strategies will help keep your blood sugar more stable and keep your energy up and not wanting to snack again in an hour.
- No Naked Carbs! Your blood sugar will be grateful when you consume carbs with friends - protein, fat, and fiber! I've added protein and fat to the plate above with the addition of scrambled eggs.
- Add Some Color. Something like a cinnamon roll is not going to offer much fiber itself, so add a little color on the side. I added raspberries to the breakfast plate above, but you could also add something like vegetables to an egg scramble.
- Eat Protein, Fat, and Fiber First. From a blood sugar control perspective, this is another strategy that can help create a more gradual blood sugar release. This way when you eat the cinnamon roll, there will already be protein, fat, and fiber in your system slowing the absorption of glucose into your blood stream.
Other Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love
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Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 tube cinnamon rolls
Instructions
- Place a sheet of parchment paper over the rack in your air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you made need some scissors to trim the parchment to fit better.
- Open the tube of cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside.
- Place cinnamon rolls directly on the parchment-lined rack - no need for a pan! Space them apart slightly, about ½-inch apart.
- Air fry at 360 degrees for 8 minutes. If this is your first time making them in your air fryer, I would check around 5-7 minutes to make sure your air fryer isn't over-browning the cinnamon rolls. If they're looking too browned you can flip them, but I've never had to do that.
- When done, remove from the air fryer, drizzle with reserved icing, and enjoy!
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