Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls: Quick, Easy & Irresistible with Homemade Cream Cheese Icing

Craving warm, gooey cinnamon rolls but short on time? Look no further! These air fryer cinnamon rolls are a game-changer, delivering that irresistible bakery taste in a fraction of the time. Using convenient Pillsbury canned cinnamon rolls and topped with a luscious, made-from-scratch cream cheese icing, you can whip up this delightful breakfast or dessert in under 10 minutes. Say goodbye to long baking times and hello to fluffy, perfectly cooked rolls with minimal effort.

While the allure of cinnamon rolls made from scratch is undeniable, sometimes life calls for a simpler, faster approach. That’s where store-bought canned cinnamon rolls truly shine. With the magic of an air fryer, these humble rolls transform into a wonderfully fluffy, tender treat with perfectly browned edges. The secret to elevating them from good to absolutely amazing, however, lies in the homemade cream cheese icing. This rich, tangy, and sweet frosting truly makes all the difference, providing a luxurious finish that tastes far superior to any pre-packaged glaze. Enjoy these warm, soft rolls with a refreshing glass of milk, a comforting cup of coffee, or even a mimosa for a special brunch.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Cinnamon Rolls?

The air fryer has become a beloved kitchen appliance for its ability to cook food quickly and efficiently, often achieving a delightful crispiness without excessive oil. For cinnamon rolls, it’s particularly advantageous:

• Speed: Air fryers typically preheat faster and cook quicker than traditional ovens, making them perfect for a last-minute breakfast or dessert. You’ll have warm rolls ready in under 10 minutes!
• Even Cooking: The circulating hot air ensures that your cinnamon rolls cook evenly, resulting in a beautifully golden exterior and a soft, doughy interior without hot spots.
• Convenience: No need to heat up your entire kitchen for a small batch of rolls. The air fryer is energy-efficient and ideal for cooking just a few servings.
• Texture: The high heat circulation gives the rolls a slightly crispy edge while keeping the inside wonderfully moist and tender.

Ingredient Notes

Crafting these delicious air fryer cinnamon rolls with a homemade cream cheese icing requires just a few simple ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for best results:

• Canned Cinnamon Rolls: For this recipe, we use a 5-count can of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls. Pillsbury Grands! are also a popular choice, known for their larger size, but any brand of refrigerated canned cinnamon rolls will work wonderfully. If you opt for smaller rolls, such as Pillsbury Cinnabon or store-brand versions, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, reducing it to around 5-6 minutes. Make sure to check for doneness around the 5-minute mark to prevent overcooking.
• Cream Cheese: You’ll need 4 ounces of softened cream cheese for the icing. It’s crucial that the cream cheese is at room temperature and soft to ensure a smooth, lump-free icing. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the richest flavor and best consistency, but a reduced-fat version can also be used if preferred.
• Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, also softened to room temperature, are essential for a rich and creamy icing. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of your frosting. Like cream cheese, ensure it’s properly softened for easy mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this provides the sweetness and structure for the icing. One cup should be enough for a luscious topping. Sifting the powdered sugar is an optional but highly recommended step to ensure an ultra-smooth icing, free of any small lumps.
• Whole Milk: Just 1 teaspoon of whole milk is used to achieve the perfect pourable consistency for the icing. You can adjust this amount slightly, adding a tiny bit more if you prefer a thinner glaze, or less if you want a thicker, more spreadable frosting. Any type of milk (2%, almond, oat) can work, but whole milk yields the creamiest result.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract adds a lovely depth of flavor to the cream cheese icing. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste. For a subtle variation, you could experiment with almond extract or even a hint of maple extract.

How To Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Making these air fryer cinnamon rolls is incredibly straightforward and quick. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:

1. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Begin by lightly spraying your air fryer basket with cooking spray. This prevents the cinnamon rolls from sticking, ensuring easy removal once cooked. Carefully unroll the canned cinnamon rolls and arrange them in a single layer in the prepared basket. It’s perfectly fine if the edges of the biscuits slightly touch, but avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. If necessary, cook in batches.
2. Air Fry the Rolls: Close the air fryer and cook the cinnamon rolls at 360 degrees F (approximately 180 degrees Celsius) for 8-9 minutes. Air fryer models can vary, so it’s a good idea to check on them around the 6-minute mark. Don’t be alarmed if they appear quite colorful or deeply golden brown on the outside; this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re burned, but rather perfectly caramelized by the circulating hot air. To ensure they are cooked through, gently press the center of a roll; it should feel soft and spring back. For absolute certainty, an internal temperature of around 200°F (93°C) indicates doneness.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing: While your cinnamon rolls are baking to perfection in the air fryer, it’s the ideal time to whip up the homemade cream cheese icing. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Start on a low speed to incorporate the powdered sugar to avoid a sugar cloud, then increase to medium. If the icing seems too thick, add another tiny dash of milk (1/4 teaspoon at a time) until you reach your desired pourable consistency.
4. Glaze and Serve: Once the cinnamon rolls are fully cooked and removed from the air fryer, transfer them to a serving platter. Allow them to cool for just a minute or two – this helps the icing set beautifully without melting completely into the roll. Generously pour or spread the luscious homemade cream cheese icing over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy them while they are still warm and wonderfully fluffy!

Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Achieving perfectly cooked and delicious air fryer cinnamon rolls is easy with these insider tips:

• Know Your Air Fryer: Every air fryer model is slightly different in terms of wattage and heating efficiency. It’s always best to start checking your cinnamon rolls a little earlier than the suggested cook time, perhaps around the 6-minute mark. Look for a golden brown color and a soft, springy center. You can also gently poke them with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they are likely done.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For even cooking, avoid stacking or excessively crowding the cinnamon rolls. Cook them in a single layer if possible. If you’re making a larger batch, cook them in two or more batches.
• Preheat for Best Results: While not always strictly necessary, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the rolls can help ensure more consistent and even cooking from the start.
• Homemade vs. Canned Icing: While the recipe includes a fantastic homemade cream cheese icing, you can certainly use the icing that comes with the canned rolls for an even quicker preparation. Just remember to add it only after the rolls are fully cooked and slightly cooled.
• Cooking Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: If you’re venturing into making cinnamon rolls from scratch, you can still use your air fryer! The cooking method is similar to canned rolls. Start checking your homemade rolls at the 8-minute mark, and adjust cooking time as needed until they are golden brown and cooked through.
• Use Parchment Paper Liners: For even easier cleanup, consider using air fryer-safe parchment paper liners. Ensure the liner is specifically designed for air fryers and doesn’t block air circulation around the rolls.
• Cool Slightly Before Icing: While it’s tempting to douse them in icing immediately, letting the rolls cool for 1-2 minutes on the platter allows the icing to sit beautifully on top without completely melting off.

Storage and Reheating

If you happen to have any leftover air fryer cinnamon rolls (a rare occurrence, we know!), here’s how to store and reheat them to maintain their deliciousness:

• Storage: Place any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. It’s generally not recommended to refrigerate cinnamon rolls, especially with cream cheese icing, as refrigeration can cause the rolls to dry out and the icing to harden and become less appealing.
• Reheating in the Air Fryer: For the best results, reheat individual rolls in your air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps bring back some of their original freshness and soft texture.
• Reheating in the Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave a single roll for 15-30 seconds. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the roll tough.
• Reheating in the Oven: For larger batches, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying.

Customizing Your Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

While these air fryer cinnamon rolls are fantastic as is, there are plenty of ways to customize them to suit your taste:

• Icing Variations:
  • Maple Cream Cheese Icing: Substitute a portion of the milk with maple syrup for a delightful fall twist.
  • Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese icing for a bright, tangy flavor.
  • Coffee Icing: Dissolve a tiny bit of instant coffee granules in the milk before adding it to the icing mix for a subtle mocha flavor.
• Additional Toppings:
  • Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over the icing for added crunch and flavor.
  • Chocolate Chips: A handful of mini chocolate chips can be sprinkled on top of the warm rolls before the icing, or mixed into the icing itself.
  • Shredded Coconut: Toasted coconut flakes add a tropical flair.
  • Fresh Berries: A few fresh raspberries or blueberries can add a pop of color and freshness.
• Roll Enhancements:
  • Before cooking, you can brush the tops of the rolls with a little melted butter and sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar for an even richer, crispier top.

Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Issues

Even with a simple recipe, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are some solutions to common air fryer cinnamon roll problems:

• Rolls are too dark/burned on the outside but raw in the middle: This usually means the temperature is too high, or the cooking time is too long for your specific air fryer. Try reducing the temperature by 10-20 degrees F and extending the cooking time slightly, checking frequently.
• Rolls are dry: Overcooking is the most common culprit for dry rolls. Keep an eye on the cooking time and consider reducing it by a minute or two if they consistently come out dry. Ensure your air fryer isn’t set too high.
• Icing is too runny: This typically happens when too much milk is added to the cream cheese icing. Add milk slowly, a quarter teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s already too runny, you can try adding a little more powdered sugar (a tablespoon at a time) to thicken it.
• Icing is lumpy: This is usually due to using cold cream cheese or butter. Ensure both are properly softened to room temperature before mixing. Using an electric mixer helps ensure a smooth consistency.
• Rolls are sticking to the basket: You might not have used enough cooking spray, or your air fryer basket might not be non-stick. Ensure a generous coating of spray, or use air fryer parchment liners for easy removal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some common questions about making air fryer cinnamon rolls:

• Q: Can I use frozen cinnamon rolls?
  A: Yes, you can! For frozen rolls, you might need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes (e.g., 10-12 minutes) and possibly lower the temperature slightly (e.g., 350°F / 175°C) to ensure they cook through without burning. Always check for doneness.
• Q: Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
  A: Preheating is recommended for more even and consistent cooking, especially for baked goods. 3-5 minutes at the cooking temperature should be sufficient.
• Q: How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are done?
  A: They should be golden brown on top and feel soft and slightly springy when gently pressed in the center. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
• Q: Can I make the cream cheese icing ahead of time?
  A: Absolutely! You can prepare the icing in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whisk or beat with an electric mixer before using, as it might stiffen slightly.
• Q: What if my air fryer is smaller/larger than average?
  A: For smaller air fryers, you might need to cook fewer rolls at a time, splitting the batch into multiple rounds. For larger air fryers, you might be able to fit more rolls, but still ensure they are in a single layer for optimal airflow and cooking.
• Q: Can I add extra cinnamon or sugar to the rolls?
  A: Yes! For an extra boost of flavor, you can lightly brush the tops of the unbaked rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before placing them in the air fryer.

More Quick & Delicious Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Enjoy

If you loved the simplicity and speed of these air fryer cinnamon rolls, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic recipes:

• Air Fryer Pop Tarts
• Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
• Nutella Cinnamon Rolls (from scratch, but adaptable for air fryer!)

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