Imagine warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with caramelized edges and melty icing—ready in under 10 minutes. No oven preheating, no babysitting, and zero effort. Thanks to your air fryer and a tube of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, this isn’t a fantasy.
It’s breakfast (or dessert, no judgment) on demand.
Why waste time baking a whole tray when you can air fry two at a time like a snack-time vigilante? The air fryer turns these bad boys into golden, fluffy perfection while you scroll through memes. And yes, the icing still counts as a food group.
Why This Recipe Slaps
Speed: From fridge to face in less time than it takes to brew coffee.
The air fryer’s turbo heat means no waiting for an oven to wake up.
Texture: Crispy tops, soft centers, and edges just shy of crunchy. It’s the upgrade store-bought rolls didn’t know they needed.
Zero Skill Required: If you can open a tube (admittedly, the hardest part), you’ve already mastered this recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 tube Pillsbury cinnamon rolls (any variety, but classic works best)
- Cooking spray or parchment paper (for the air fryer basket)
- The icing packet that comes with the rolls (don’t lose it—this is critical)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep: Lightly spray the air fryer basket or line it with parchment. Avoid overcrowding—cook 2-3 rolls at a time max.
- Arrange: Place the rolls in the basket, leaving space between them.
They’ll puff up, so no cozying up.
- Cook: Air fry at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Check at 5 minutes—air fryers vary.
- Ice: Let them cool for 30 seconds (good luck waiting), then drown them in the included icing. Pro move: Warm the icing packet in hot water first.
Storage Instructions
Room temp: Keep uneaten rolls (unlikely) in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
Reheat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes.
Freezer: Wrap individually in foil, freeze for up to a month. Reheat frozen at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effort-to-praise ratio: Minimal work, maximum “wow” from anyone who eats them. Fake being a baking pro.
Portion control: Cook two rolls instead of eight.
Or don’t—we’re not here to judge your life choices.
No cleanup: Unlike oven baking, there’s no sticky tray to scrub. Just lick the icing off your fingers and move on.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding: Squish them in, and you’ll get doughy middles and sad, uneven browning.
- Skipping the spray: The rolls will stick, and you’ll cry. Use parchment if you’re anti-spray.
- Burning the icing: Add it AFTER cooking.
Melted sugar is a pain to clean.
Alternatives
Homemade dough: If you’re fancy, use your favorite cinnamon roll recipe. Adjust cook time to 8-10 minutes.
Savory twist: Skip the icing, add garlic butter and parmesan. Congrats, you invented air fryer pull-apart bread.
FAQs
Can I cook the whole tube at once?
Only if your air fryer’s huge.
Most baskets fit 2-3 rolls max. Cook in batches unless you enjoy doughy chaos.
Why are my rolls dry?
You overcooked them. Air fryers run hot—start checking at 5 minutes.
Also, don’t skip the icing. It’s the moisture MVP.
Can I use frozen cinnamon rolls?
Yep! Add 1-2 minutes to the cook time.
No need to thaw—just pretend you planned it that way.
What if I don’t have Pillsbury?
Any refrigerated cinnamon rolls work. Store brands are fine, but Pillsbury’s icing is elite. IMO.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a life hack for lazy gourmands.
Air fryer cinnamon rolls are faster than delivery, cheaper than a bakery, and tastier than your patience deserves. FYI, you’re welcome.