Delicious & Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls: Homemade, No-Yeast Perfection in Minutes!

Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, soft, fluffy, and dripping with sweet cream cheese frosting. Now imagine achieving that heavenly experience in under 25 minutes, with no yeast, no long waiting times, and without even turning on your oven! These homemade, small-batch Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls are exactly that dream come true.

Perfect for a leisurely Saturday morning breakfast, a decadent Sunday brunch, or even a spontaneous mid-week treat, these cinnamon buns have quickly become a staple in our home. The air fryer works its magic to create perfectly golden-brown rolls with an unbelievably soft interior and a luscious, gooey cinnamon swirl, all finished with a generous layer of tangy cream cheese frosting.

If you have a fondness for sweet rolls, you’re in good company! Beyond these quick air fryer delights, we also adore the rich decadence of Nutella rolls and the festive cheer of cranberry white chocolate rolls, which are a holiday brunch tradition. But for sheer speed and satisfying that immediate craving, these air fryer cinnamon rolls are simply unmatched.

The beauty of using an air fryer for baking is its efficiency. It circulates hot air rapidly, leading to faster cooking times and often a superior texture. If you’re looking to expand your air fryer dessert repertoire, be sure to check out our recipes for air fryer cake, air fryer chocolate chip cookies, and air fryer muffins – they’re all fantastic!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Recipe

This recipe isn’t just another way to make cinnamon rolls; it’s a revolutionary approach that brings convenience and deliciousness together. Here’s why these homemade air fryer cinnamon rolls will quickly become your new favorite:

• They’re a Perfect Small Batch! Traditional cinnamon roll recipes often yield a large quantity, which can be overwhelming for smaller households or lead to stale leftovers. Our recipe makes six perfectly sized rolls, which are ideal for a cozy brunch for two to three people, or a small family treat. Enjoy them at their absolute best: warm, fresh, and straight out of the air fryer, ensuring no waste and maximum enjoyment!
• No Yeast or Rising Time Required. This is perhaps the biggest game-changer! Forget the hours of waiting for dough to rise. This recipe uses baking powder as a leavening agent, meaning you simply mix, shape, and bake. You can go from craving to indulging in a warm cinnamon bun in a fraction of the time it takes for a traditional yeast-based recipe. It’s instant gratification at its finest!
• They Air Fry in Half the Time as a Traditional Oven. While an oven might take 20 minutes to bake cinnamon rolls, your air fryer will have these golden beauties ready in just about 9 minutes! This incredible speed not only saves you time but also keeps your kitchen cool, making it perfect for any time of year. Plus, the concentrated heat circulation in the air fryer often results in an exquisitely tender and fluffy interior with a perfectly browned exterior.

Essential Ingredients for Fluffy Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Crafting the perfect cinnamon roll begins with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create these irresistible treats:

• All-Purpose White Flour – For that signature soft and fluffy texture that everyone loves in a cinnamon roll, all-purpose white flour is essential. While whole grain flours offer nutritional benefits, they can result in a denser roll. We’ll need about one cup plus a few extra tablespoons for dusting and kneading.
• Sugar – This recipe cleverly uses two types of sugar. A small amount of granulated sugar is incorporated into the dough, providing a delicate sweetness and aiding in browning. For the irresistible cinnamon swirl filling, we use rich brown sugar, which adds moisture and a wonderful caramel-like depth that truly enhances the cinnamon flavor.
• Baking Powder – Since this is a no-yeast recipe, baking powder is our key leavening agent. Three teaspoons ensure these rolls rise beautifully in the air fryer, creating that desirable light and airy texture. It reacts with the buttermilk to produce carbon dioxide, creating tiny air pockets in the dough.
• Salt – Don’t underestimate the power of a pinch of salt! It doesn’t just make things salty; it’s crucial for balancing and enhancing all the sweet flavors in the dough and filling, making every bite more complex and satisfying.
• Unsalted Butter – You’ll need butter for both the dough and the filling. Using cold, cubed unsalted butter in the dough is vital; as it bakes, these tiny butter pieces melt, releasing steam and creating pockets of air that contribute to the rolls’ flaky, tender texture. For the filling, melted butter helps create that gooey, spreadable consistency. If you only have salted butter, simply omit the extra salt from the dough recipe.
• Cold Buttermilk – Buttermilk is a secret weapon for achieving an incredibly soft, fluffy, and tender crumb. Its acidity reacts with the baking powder, aiding in leavening, while its fat content contributes to a rich texture. Keeping it cold is also important to maintain the integrity of the cold butter pieces in the dough.
• Vanilla Extract – Like salt, vanilla extract acts as a flavor enhancer, adding warmth and depth that complements the cinnamon and sweetness. Always opt for pure vanilla extract for the best, most authentic flavor profile.
• Ground Cinnamon – The star of the show! High-quality ground cinnamon is non-negotiable for that classic, comforting aroma and taste. We use a generous amount to ensure a pronounced and delicious cinnamon swirl.
• Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients – While these cinnamon rolls are delightful on their own, the simple cream cheese frosting elevates them to an irresistible treat. You’ll need softened cream cheese for its tangy richness, powdered sugar for smooth sweetness, and a touch of milk to achieve the perfect spreadable consistency.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Irresistible Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Get ready to bake the easiest and quickest homemade cinnamon rolls you’ve ever imagined! Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

1. Prepare Your Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. While it preheats, lightly grease an 8-inch round cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket. This ensures your rolls won’t stick and will brown evenly.
2. Make the Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir them together until a smooth, spreadable paste forms. Set this aside and allow it to cool slightly. It’s crucial that the filling isn’t too warm when you spread it on the dough, as it could prematurely melt the cold butter in your dough.
3. Whisk Dry Dough Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures all dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is important for uniform rising.
4. Cut in Cold Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. Avoid overworking, as you want the butter to remain cold.
5. Combine Wet & Dry: In a separate small bowl, stir the vanilla extract into the cold buttermilk. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. The dough will look shaggy, sticky, and somewhat lumpy – this is perfectly normal and desired! Do not overmix.
6. Lightly Knead the Dough: Generously flour your clean work surface with about 2 tablespoons of the remaining all-purpose flour. Turn the shaggy dough out onto the floured surface. Gently fold and knead the dough a few times, incorporating the flour from the surface, until it comes together and is less sticky, becoming more cohesive and manageable. If it’s still excessively sticky, knead in another half tablespoon of flour at a time. The goal is a soft, pliable dough, not stiff or dry.
7. Roll Out the Dough: Ensure both your work surface and rolling pin are well-floured to prevent sticking. Use the rolling pin to roll the dough into a rough rectangular shape, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Aim for an even thickness across the entire rectangle to ensure uniform baking.
8. Spread the Cinnamon Filling: Carefully and evenly spread the cooled cinnamon filling over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border (about half an inch) along one of the short edges to help seal the roll.
9. Roll into a Log: Starting from the short edge opposite the un-filled border, carefully and tightly roll the dough into a log. As you roll, gently tuck in the dough at both ends to help prevent the filling from oozing out during baking. A tight roll will give you beautiful, distinct swirls.
10. Slice the Rolls: Using a sharp knife or a stainless steel bench scraper, slice the dough log into 6 even pieces. For cleaner cuts, you can also use unflavored dental floss; simply slide it under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice. (Alternatively, you can roll from the long edge and cut into 12 mini cinnamon rolls for smaller portions, adjusting air frying time slightly).
11. Arrange in Pan: Carefully arrange the 6 sliced cinnamon rolls in a single layer within your greased 8-inch round cake pan. They should fit snugly, almost touching each other, which helps them rise upwards and stay moist.
12. Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Place the cake pan with the cinnamon rolls into the preheated air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 9 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown and the rolls have puffed up significantly. Keep an eye on them, as air fryer models can vary.
13. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While your cinnamon rolls are air frying, quickly make the frosting. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. Adjust milk quantity slightly for desired consistency.
14. Frost and Enjoy: Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Let them cool in the pan for just a few minutes – they are best frosted and enjoyed warm! Generously spread the creamy frosting over the warm rolls and serve immediately. Prepare for pure bliss!

Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Your Cinnamon Rolls

While these homemade air fryer cinnamon rolls are undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh and warm, it’s good to know how to store any leftovers or prepare them for later enjoyment. Proper storage ensures they remain delicious for as long as possible.

• Refrigeration: If you happen to have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Please note that refrigerated cinnamon rolls will become a little firmer due to the frosting and dough cooling. For the best experience, gently warm them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds (or until soft) before serving.
• Room Temperature (Unfrosted): If you plan to enjoy your rolls without the cream cheese frosting, they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. The absence of cream cheese makes them more shelf-stable outside the fridge. You can always frost them just before serving.
• Freezing for Longer Storage: These rolls freeze beautifully, both with and without frosting!
  • To Freeze Frosted Rolls: First, allow the frosting to set slightly in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Then, place the rolls in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container. You can separate layers with parchment paper if stacking. They will keep well in the freezer for 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply defrost them in the refrigerator overnight.
  • To Freeze Unfrosted Rolls: Allow the rolls to cool completely. Store them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months. When ready to eat, you can defrost them at room temperature for a few hours, then warm them in the air fryer or microwave, and then apply fresh frosting. Freezing unfrosted can sometimes yield a slightly better texture upon reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Top Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

To ensure your homemade air fryer cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly soft, fluffy, and absolutely delicious every time, keep these key tips in mind:

• Understand Your Air Fryer Model. The air frying time provided (9 minutes) is based on testing with a Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer. Air fryer brands and models can vary significantly in their wattage and heat circulation. Your particular model might cook a little faster or slower, so be prepared to slightly adjust the cooking time. It’s always best to start checking for doneness a minute or two early.
• Resist Frequent Checking. While it’s tempting to peek, constantly opening the air fryer basket can cause the internal temperature to drop and disrupt the baking process. This can affect how well your rolls rise and their overall texture. If you’re concerned about them over-baking, take a quick glance after about 7 minutes, but try to keep openings to a minimum.
• Always Preheat Your Air Fryer. Just like a traditional oven, preheating your air fryer ensures a consistent cooking temperature from the moment your food goes in. If your air fryer model requires preheating, make sure to preheat it to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes before carefully adding your pan of cinnamon rolls. This initial burst of heat is important for activating the leavening agents and achieving a good rise.
• Accurate Flour Measurement is Key. Over-measuring flour is a common baking mistake that can lead to dry, tough rolls. Always use the “spoon and level” method: gently spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it’s overflowing, then use the back of a knife or straight edge to level it off. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can compact the flour and result in using too much.
• Keep That Butter Cold When Cutting In. The goal of cutting cold, cubed butter into the flour is to create tiny pockets of butter. These pockets will melt during baking, creating steam that gives the rolls their light and fluffy texture. Be careful not to warm up the butter too much with your hands as you work it into the flour. A pastry cutter is ideal, but quick, light finger work or even a few pulses in a food processor (being careful not to overmix) can also achieve this.
• Prepare Your Work Surface Properly. A well-floured work surface is crucial to prevent the dough from sticking as you roll it out and then roll it into a log. This makes the process much smoother and easier. I find that a large wooden cutting board provides an excellent, slightly textured surface for working with dough.
• Maintain Consistent Dough Thickness. When rolling out your dough, aim for a consistent thickness of about 1/4-inch. If the dough is rolled too thin, it may struggle to hold the filling, and you might encounter holes or tears when you try to roll it up. Too thick, and your rolls might be too dense.
• Ensure the Filling is Cooled. After mixing your cinnamon filling, allow it a few minutes to cool down slightly. If the filling is too warm when spread onto the dough, it can melt the cold butter pieces within the dough prematurely, which can compromise the final texture of your rolls and potentially cause the filling to leak out. It should be cool enough not to melt butter, but still spreadable.

Explore More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes

The air fryer is a remarkably versatile kitchen appliance, capable of creating so much more than just crispy fries! If you loved how quick and easy these cinnamon rolls were, you’ll definitely want to check out these other fantastic air fryer recipes:

• Air Fryer Tortilla Chips: Perfectly crispy chips for dipping, made healthier.
• Air Fryer Carrots (3 Ways!): Sweet, savory, or spicy – a healthy side dish for any meal.
• Air Fryer Crab Cakes: Achieve a golden, crisp exterior without excessive oil.
• Air Fryer Baby Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, a perfect side.
• Air Fryer Snap Peas: A quick and healthy green vegetable side.
• Air Fryer Chicken Patties: A lean and flavorful option for quick lunches or dinners.

We hope you thoroughly enjoy making and devouring these delightful Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls. Their ease and incredible taste are sure to make them a new favorite in your baking repertoire. If you try this recipe, we’d absolutely love to hear what you think and see your creations in the comments below!

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