5 from 38 votes
Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls are made from a yeast-based dough enriched with butter, sugar, and milk, rolled with a cinnamon-spiced brown sugar filling. After proofing, the dough is shaped, filled, and air fried for a quicker bake. A cream cheese frosting with Greek yogurt and maple syrup adds a creamy, slightly tangy finish. This method yields soft, tender rolls with a warm cinnamon flavor.
Prep Time
1 hr 10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
Servings:
8
rolls
Calories:
296 kcal
Course:
Dessert, Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
The Dough:
- ½ cup whole milk or full-fat oat milk
- 1 pack instant yeast
- 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (reserve ¼ cup) spooned & leveled
- 1 teaspoon salt
The Filling:
- 2 tablespoon butter unsalted or salted, but add ¼ teaspoon salt if using unsalted!, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar packed, or light brown sugar
- 1.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
The frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese room temperature, regular or neufchatel
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt room temperature, vanilla flavor
- ¼ cup maple syrup room temperature, real
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
- milk or oat milk, for thinner frosting, 1-2 tablespoon
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, add the milk. Microwave in three 20-second increments, so it is warm to about 110°F (not hot). Whisk and add instant yeast sugar. Then whisk in melted butter and salt. Add 1 & ¾ cup of flour & mix with spatula. It will be sticky, but it should not be stuck to the bowl. Use the extra ¼ cup of flour to dust your surface with flour and knead the dough for 5 minutes until it can form a smoother ball. It should be soft, smooth, and not sticky by the end.
- Proof the dough: Lightly oil a clean mixing bowl and place the dough ball into it. Cover with a dish towel and place somewhere relatively warm (I love the inside of the microwave). Let sit for an hour to rise, or until it doubles in size.
- Make the filling: Meanwhile, make your cinnamon butter by mixing the softened butter, brown sugar & ground cinnamon together.
- Roll out cinnamon rolls: On a lightly floured surface, roll the proofed dough out into a rough rectangle with a rolling pin, about ¼ inch in thickness. Do not overwork the dough. Spread the cinnamon butter mixture all over the dough. Then, Roll the dough up from the long end (hot-dog style) and seal the edge gently. This recipe makes 6 - 8 thick cinnamon rolls.
- Air fry the cinnamon rolls: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and add parchment to the bottom of the basket. Evenly space out the cinnamon rolls, so they don’t overlap; sides touching is ok. Air fry the cinnamon rolls for about 5 minutes until golden. FLIP. Air fryer for another 2 - 3 more minutes until they will look very golden and borderline overcooked. They will be crispy on the outside and super soft on the inside, trust me… PERFECT!
- Make the frosting: Meanwhile, make the frosting by placing all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and beating with a handheld electric mixer on medium for 1 – 2 minutes until fluffy and smooth. You can also you a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cinnamon rolls while they are still warm. Enjoy!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Use instant yeast for the best rise and texture in the dough.
- Whole milk or full-fat oat milk can be used interchangeably; almond milk is a suitable alternative.
- Butter may be substituted with vegan or dairy-free options such as Earth Balance sticks or melted coconut oil.
- Cream cheese can be regular or Neufchatel, and dairy-free alternatives are acceptable.
- For variations, swap cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice or add cardamom alongside cinnamon.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days or in the refrigerator.
- Freeze rolls without frosting in a freezer bag for up to two months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or let thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.
Nutrition Information
Calories
296kcal
(15%)
Carbohydrates
38g
(13%)
Protein
7g
(14%)
Fat
11g
(17%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
(6%)
Monounsaturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Cholesterol
30mg
(10%)
Sodium
363mg
(15%)
Potassium
128mg
(3%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
18g
(36%)
Vitamin A
355IU
(7%)
Vitamin C
0.02mg
(0%)
Calcium
74mg
(7%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 rolls
Amount Per Serving
Calories 296
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 296kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 38g | 13% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 363mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 128mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 18g | 36% |
| Vitamin A | 355IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 0.02mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 74mg | 7% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.