This post may contain affiliate links. By browsing this website, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use.
Hot and Fluffy Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls are about to become a new family favorite! It’s the easiest, best way to cook cinnamon rolls in a fraction of the time and works with every brand of canned cinnamon rolls. Use Pillsbury, Annie’s Homegrown, Immaculate Baking Co, Great Value, etc!
I don’t know about you, but cinnamon rolls are a wonderful memory from my childhood! I still absolutely love making them homemade, but finding the time to pull out my mixing bowl, make homemade cinnamon roll dough and wait to proof the dough twice isn’t always realistic.
Make this the last year that you have to skip out on making the cinnamon rolls due to lack of time. These Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls are the best, convenient way to enjoy some warm ooey gooey cinnamon rolls in less than 10 minutes!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
- Half the cook time compared to the oven. Air fryer recipes are the best because they cook much faster than oven methods. For example, canned cinnamon rolls typically take 15-20 minutes to bake, but these cinnamon rolls cook in the air fryer in just 7 to 9 minutes of cooking time.
- Sweet holiday breakfast in a pinch. Did you forget to make your Overnight French Toast Casserole? No problem! Grab a can of cinnamon rolls and serve your family to warm cinnamon rolls in less than 10 minutes! It’s even realistic enough to make in the morning before school on birthdays, holidays like Valentine’s day or Halloween, and more.
- The perfect shortcut. It’s hard to beat homemade cinnamon rolls, but it’s no secret that making cinnamon rolls from scratch is a labor of love. I only make real cinnamon rolls a few times a year for this exact reason. But canned cinnamon rolls? All you need is a tube of cinnamon rolls from the local grocery store and some cooking spray! Enjoy these any time you like, no matter your cooking level!
Just 2 Simple Ingredients Required
Homemade cinnamon rolls have been around since the 17th century, but in 1956, Pillsbury was the first company to bring us pre-made cinnamon rolls and is the easiest way to enjoy these sweet rolls any day of the week. This air fryer cinnamon roll recipe requires just 2 things: a can of cinnamon rolls and cooking spray. Below are my favorite plant-based, store-bought cinnamon rolls to buy:
- Annie’s Homegrown Organic Cinnamon Rolls with Icing
- Immaculate Organic Cinnamon Rolls
- Trader Joe’s Organic Jumbo Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Icing
Variations
Try using some different flavors of cinnamon rolls!
- Pumpkin spice: Pumpkin Spice cinnamon rolls would be a wonderful way to bring in the fall season. Either use a can of premade pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls or use the original and mix the icing in a small bowl with ¼ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice before drizzling.
- Adding some chocolate chips: Sprinkle your classic cinnamon rolls with some mini chocolate chips to surprise those taste buds and make this sweet breakfast extra indulgent.
- Make a cream cheese frosting: If you’re like me, and much prefer a cream cheese frosting over a sugar glaze, feel free to toss the version that comes with teh canned cinnamon rolls and drizzle the warm rolls with your favorite cream cheese frosting. I personally love the cream cheese frosting from Jessica in the Kitchen’s Vegan Cinnamon Rolls, but this Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting is a wildly popular recipe that is guaranteed to up your cinnamon roll game.
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
- Prep the air fryer: Spray the air fryer basket or tray very lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Depending on your air fryer, you may not even need this at all as most air fryer baskets are non-stick.
- Pop open the can of cinnamon rolls: Carefully separate each of the cinnamon rolls and place them in a single layer in the bottom of the basket, leaving a little space between each of the pre-made dough to allow for expansion.
- Air fry: Cook the air fryer cinnamon rolls for 7 to 9 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked though the middle. Cook times may vary based on your air fryer, so make sure to keep an eye on them for the last couple of minutes.
- Serve. Let the cinnamon rolls cool for a couple minutes, then drizzle the top of the rolls with icing as desired. Serve immediately while warm!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover cinnamon rolls aren’t a common thing at our house, but if you happen to have leftovers, they will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week. If desired, you can also freeze leftover cinnamon rolls for up to 1 month.
When ready to eat, microwave in 10 second intervals until just lightly warm and fluffy. Be careful not to over-do it. If you over-cook them in the microwave they will become hard. Alternatively, reheat air fryer cinnamon rolls in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through again.
Tip! If you plan to refrigerate or freeze your fluffy cinnamon rolls, make sure they are cooled down to room temperature before tightly covering them in an airtight container. This will prevent condensation build up and/or freezer burn.
Serving Suggestions
Let’s be honest, these air fry cinnamon rolls are great year round! They make a quick, easy breakfast, or a sweet snack that is the perfect treat when you’re craving indulgent, delicious cinnamon buns. I like to make them during the holiday season (think Christmas morning after unwrapping presents!) or on lazy weekends.
Serve as a quick breakfast while you’re running out the door, or pair with a few of your favorite breakfast side dishes. I’d recommend an easy potato side, such as my Oven Roasted Breakfast Potatoes, Frozen Hash Browns or Air Fryer Hash Browns from Scratch, Tofu Scrambled Eggs, Tofu Quiche, and/or Smoky Tempeh Bacon Strips.
Recipe FAQS
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Using a preheated air fryer is not necessary. I created this recipe so that you could simply add the pre-made dough to the air fryer basket and start cooking right then. If you’d like to use a preheated air fryer, decrease the cook time to just 6-7 minutes.
Can a can of pillsbury cinnamon rolls be cooked in the air fryer?
Yes! And you may not go back to the oven after you try them. Simply set the air fryer temperature to 350° F and cook them for 7-9 minutes. Make sure there is some space in between them so the hot air can circulate and reach all of the edges. For best results, watch the rolls for the last few minutes to make sure they cook properly. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the time slightly.
Are pillsbury cinnamon rolls vegan?
If you follow a plant-based diet, know that the original Pillsbury brand Cinnamon Rolls are not vegan because they contain dairy. There are, however, several different brands that are made with plant-based ingredients and contain no dairy (mentioned above). The cook time should be about the same regardless of which brand you use.
Can I use parchment paper in the air fryer?
It is not recommended nor necessary to put a piece of parchment paper (or aluminum foil for that matter!) in the bottom of the air fryer basket. Using a high smoke point oil spray is sufficient to keep food from sticking.
What is the best oil to use in the air fryer?
Because of the higher temperature of the air fryer, it is important to choose an oil that can handle high heat. Avocado oil, extra light olive oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil are all great options. As long as it has a high smoke point, it is up to your personal preference.
Quick Tip
There are a lot of different air fryers out there. Whether you have the Cosori Air Fryer, Ninja Air Fryer, or another brand, you may need to adjust the baking time for your particular model. The first time you make them, keep an eye on the rolls during the last couple of minutes and make sure they get to that sweet spot of a nice golden brown with a perfectly cooked center.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes You May Like
Frozen Hash Browns in Air Fryer (Trader Joe’s Patties)
Frozen Onion Rings in Air Fryer
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
Air Fryer Green Beans
Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tube ready to bake cinnamon rolls ($4.99)
- nonstick cooking spray ($0.01)
Instructions
- Lightly spray the basket or tray of your air fryer with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pop open the container of cinnamon rolls. Carefully separate each roll from one another. Set aside the icing.
- Place cinnamon rolls in the bottom of your air fryer basket or tray, leaving space around each one. Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 to 9 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through the middle.
- Open the cinnamon roll icing and spread it over top while the cinnamon rolls are still warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- Depending on the brand of cinnamon rolls you use, your tube may come with more than 5 cinnamon rolls. You will be able to fit 8 in a standard air fryer basket at one time.
- I did not preheat my air fryer. If you do, lower the air fry time by 1-2 minutes.
- There are a lot of different air fryers out there. You may need to adjust the baking time for your particular model. The first time you make them, keep an eye on the rolls during the last couple of minutes and make sure they get to that sweet spot of a nice golden brown with a perfectly cooked center.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: The Nutritional Information provided for this recipe is only an estimate. The accuracy of the facts listed is not and cannot be guaranteed.
Did You Love This Recipe?
Rate the recipe here and make sure to leave a comment below!
Photography by: You’re Home Made Healthy
Free ebook
Wallet-Friendly Recipes & Smart Shopping Tips in Your Inbox
Plus get a free cookbook with 12 Dirt Cheap Dinner Ideas that’ll cost you $2 or less per serving.
What a unique and unexpected air fryer recipe! Adding this to my Christmas morning breakfast menu; looks too good to pass up, indeed!
Thank you Sara! I hope your family loves it.
These cinnamon rolls were amazing and so easy to make. I was so happy I could make this tasty dessert in the air fryer.
Thank you for sharing! I’m so glad it was a hit.
Super quick and easy to make. They are a perfect on-the-go breakfast.
Thank you Kathleen!
I never would’ve thought to prepare these in the air fryer, but it’s so much easier than bothering with the oven. My new favorite way to cook cinnamon rolls!
Yes! Totally fuss-free and way faster! Thanks, Nathan.
What an amazing recipe! I get to use my Air Fryer for dessert! Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure!