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What To Serve With Cinnamon Rolls

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

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These air fryer cinnamon rolls have soft, fluffy centers and lightly crisp edges thanks to the circulating heat. The recipe includes proofing the dough for one hour and cooking the rolls spaced apart in the air fryer basket for even browning. Finish with a smooth glaze while the rolls are warm for a perfect sweet treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour provides structure and chew
  • 2.25 teaspoon active dry yeast proof in warm milk until foamy
  • 0.75 cup milk warm to 100-110°F (safe to touch), used for yeast proofing and dough
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon used for yeast proofing, rest added to dough
  • 1 large egg optional for richness
  • 0.25 cup butter softened for dough
  • 2 tablespoon butter softened for filling
  • 0.33 cup brown sugar for filling
  • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon fresh, less than 6 months old preferred
  • 1 cup powdered sugar sifted for glaze
  • 2 tablespoon milk for glaze
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract for glaze

Equipment

  • Air fryer Used to bake the cinnamon rolls with even browning and soft centers
  • Mixing bowl For mixing and proofing dough
  • Rolling pin To roll dough into rectangle
  • Parchment paper To line air fryer basket and prevent sticking
  • Whisk To mix the glaze ingredients smoothly

Method
 

  1. Warm milk to 100-110°F, stir in yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar, let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy. If no foam forms, restart with fresh yeast.
    0.75 cup milk, 2.25 tsp active dry yeast, 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  2. Mix flour, remaining sugar, softened butter, optional egg, and proofed yeast mixture until dough forms. Knead 5-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm spot 1 hour until doubled.
    2.5 cups all-purpose flour, 0.25 cup granulated sugar, 0.25 cup butter, 1 large egg, 2.25 tsp active dry yeast, 0.75 cup milk
  3. Punch down dough. Roll dough on floured surface into 12x8 inch rectangle. Spread 2 tablespoon softened butter evenly over dough. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly on top. Roll tightly from long side and cut into 6-8 equal slices.
    2 tbsp butter, 0.33 cup brown sugar, 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  4. Preheat air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes. Cut parchment paper to fit basket. Place rolls cut-side up in basket spaced 1 inch apart. Cook rolls 12-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Test with toothpick; it should come out clean.
  5. While rolls cook, whisk sifted powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour glaze over warm rolls immediately after removing from air fryer so it soaks in and sets with a shiny finish.
    1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, 0.5 tsp vanilla extract

Notes

  • Leave 1-inch gaps between rolls in air fryer basket to prevent soggy edges caused by trapped steam.
  • Warm milk must be 100–110°F to activate yeast without killing it; too hot or cold affects rise.
  • Preheat air fryer basket for 3 minutes to create a crispy bottom crust and prevent sticking.

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