Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls: Gooey Bakery-Style Perfection in 10 Minutes

October 2025, by LunaChef

Picture this: It’s a slow Sunday morning, the house smells like warm butter and cinnamon, and you’re about to serve rolls so soft they melt under your fork.
These homemade air fryer cinnamon rolls give you that fresh-from-the-bakery magic, golden outside, pillowy inside, and dripping with creamy glaze, all in a fraction of oven time.

For years, I thought soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls required patience, proofing, and a perfectly tuned oven. Then my air fryer changed everything. With a little yeast, a few pantry staples, and the right technique, you’ll get bakery-style results in under 30 minutes of active time.

Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dough

• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

• 3 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin)

For Brushing

• 1 tablespoon melted butter

The Perfect 4-Step Method

Step 1: Make the Dough (10 minutes + 1 hour rise)

What You Need:
Warm milk, yeast, sugar, butter, eggs, flour, and salt.

The Technique:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add melted butter, egg, and yolk; whisk until combined.
3. Stir in flour and salt gradually until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead on a lightly floured surface 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.

Why this works: The warm milk activates the yeast, while the melted butter keeps the dough tender, the secret to that soft, bakery-style texture.

Step 2: Roll and Fill (10 minutes)

What You Need:
Dough, softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon.

The Technique:

1. Roll risen dough into a 14×9-inch rectangle.
2. Spread softened butter evenly.
3. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle generously over butter.
4. Roll up tightly from the long side; pinch seam to seal.
5. Cut into 8–10 even rolls using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife.

Step 3: Second Rise (20–25 minutes)

1. Place rolls on parchment inside the air fryer basket (leave space to expand).
2. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a towel.
3. Let rise again until slightly puffy, about 20 minutes.

Why chilling works: Allowing the dough to rest and rise twice gives you feather-light layers that puff beautifully in the air fryer.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection (10 minutes)

Settings:

• Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
• Time: 8–10 minutes
• Method: No flipping needed

The Process:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.
2. Brush rolls lightly with melted butter.
3. Air fry until tops are golden and centers are set.
4. Cool slightly before glazing.

Visual cues for doneness: Rolls should be puffed and golden with slightly caramelized edges. Centers should spring back gently when touched.

Flavor Variations

1. Pecan Caramel Swirl – Add chopped pecans and drizzle caramel sauce after air frying.
2. Maple Cream Cheese Glaze – Replace milk with maple syrup in glaze.
3. Apple Pie Rolls – Add diced cinnamon apples inside before rolling.
4. Orange Cream Glaze – Mix orange zest and juice into the icing for a citrus kick.
5. Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls – Blend ½ tsp cardamom and nutmeg with the cinnamon.

Perfect Pairings

Classic Brunch Treat:

• Serve warm with vanilla latte or chai tea.
• Add fresh berries for color and balance.

Holiday Breakfast Board:

• Pair with bacon, scrambled eggs, and fruit.
• Dust rolls with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

Dessert Twist:

• Drizzle with extra glaze and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a late-night treat.

Storage Tips

Immediate Serving (Best Option):

• Serve within 5 minutes of glazing for the gooey center.
• Reheat leftovers at 320°F for 2–3 minutes.

Make-Ahead Dough:

• Prepare through Step 2, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
• Bring to room temperature 45 minutes before air frying.

Freezer Strategy:

• Freeze shaped, unbaked rolls on a tray until firm, then store in a zip-top bag.
• Thaw overnight in fridge and air fry as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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