These Homemade air fryer cinnamon rolls from scratch are the perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. When it comes to air fryer cinnamon roll recipes, I like having the option of preparing them the day before, and this one does not disappoint! They bake up beautifully in the air fryer with a perfectly golden brown top and a rich cream cheese glaze that melts into every layer.
There's something special about a homemade cinnamon rolls air fryer recipe. If you've never made homemade cinnamon rolls in air fryer before, this recipe is a great place to start. If you loved my Homemade Brioche Buns, you'll definitely want to try these next.
Jump to:
Video Tutorial
Try These Homemade Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
Whenever I want a cozy weekend breakfast, these small-batch cinnamon rolls are one of my first choices. I love making the dough the night before, letting it rise in the fridge overnight, and then waking up to fresh cinnamon rolls the next morning. My ultra-creamy cream cheese frosting is the perfect icing for these soft and light yeast rolls.
Why You'll Love It
- Made completely from scratch: There's something incredibly satisfying about making homemade cinnamon rolls from start to finish.
- Soft and fluffy texture: The overnight rise creates bakery-style rolls that stay soft for days.
- Rich cinnamon filling: Every bite is filled with buttery cinnamon sugar goodness.
- Cream cheese glaze: The frosting melts perfectly into the warm rolls and makes them irresistible.
Ingredients
- Bread flour: This gives you the fantastic chewy texture. My bread flour has 13.4 grams of protein. However, you will get great results using plain all-purpose flour.
- Instant yeast: If you use instant yeast like me, there is no need to activate it, just add it directly to the flour. If you prefer active dry yeast, you will need 1 ¼ teaspoon (5 g), as these two types of dry yeast are different.
- Brown sugar: Both light and dark brown sugar are good to use. However, I prefer the taste of dark brown sugar.
- Cream cheese: Either brick-style (US) or spreadable (UK) cream cheese works well. If you're using brick-style cream cheese, let it soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing. This makes it easier to combine the cream cheese with the other ingredients. If you're using spreadable cream cheese, use it straight out of the refrigerator as it's already soft.
How To Make Homemade Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch
1. In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, salt, milk, egg, and yeast and knead on low speed until it comes together, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
2. Then knead on high speed for about 6-8 minutes until the dough releases from the sides of the bowl and passes the windowpane test.
TIP: To do the windowpane test, let the dough rest for about 1 minute after mixing. Then take a small portion of the dough between your fingers and slowly stretch it until the center is very thin, and light can shine through without tearing. This means that you have kneaded and developed the dough sufficiently. If it doesn't pass the windowpane test and it tears, knead for 1-2 minutes longer. Do not overknead either, or the dough will be liquid and soupy.
3. Reduce the speed to medium-low and gradually add the butter, and knead until the butter is fully incorporated. Once all of the butter has been added, turn up the speed on high and knead until the dough is smooth and releases from the sides of the bowl. It's a soft, smooth dough that is slightly sticky.
4. Lightly spray a medium-sized bowl with nonstick spray or oil and transfer the dough to the bowl. Also, lightly oil the top of the dough and cover.
5. Let it sit in a warm place and, using a timer, time for 1 hour (rise time for instant yeast). Then put the dough in the refrigerator and chill for 1-2 hours until the dough rises and is doubled in size.
6. On a very lightly floured surface (use as little flour as possible - just enough so that the dough doesn't stick to the rolling pin and surface), flatten and shape the dough into a square with your hands and roll it out into a rectangle that is about 9 to 10-inch (23-25cm) wide, 14-inch (36cm) long, and ¼ inch (0.6 cm) thick.
7. Spread the butter on the rolled-out dough and sprinkle evenly with the sugar-cinnamon mixture on top of the butter.
8. Starting at one long side, roll up the dough tightly and cut it into 6 equal-sized rolls.
9. Place it in the prepared baking pan (you can use parchment paper or lightly grease the pan), about an inch (2.5 cm) apart.
10. Then cover and let rise in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, take the rolls out of the refrigerator and let them sit on the kitchen counter for 10 minutes. Then bake for 14-15 minutes.
11. While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. Beat the butter until creamy. Add the cream cheese and mix until smooth, creamy, and no lumps remain. Then, add the powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla and mix until creamy and well combined. The frosting is thick and creamy. If you prefer thinner frosting, you can add a little milk.
12. Then, spoon the frosting on top of the rolls that are still warm and spread evenly. Add some toppings like maple syrup and some nuts if you like.
Recipe Tips
- Please resist the urge to add more flour to the dough as needed. If the dough is still sticky and doesn't release from the sides of the bowl after mixing on high speed for 6-8 minutes, add 1 teaspoon of flour at a time until you reach that point. Depending on the protein content and the absorption rate of the flour, the altitude, humidity, and temperature, you may need more or less flour. Also, use as little flour as possible when rolling out the dough. Flour the surface and the rolling pin just very lightly.
- The lower baking temperature helps prevent the tops from browning too quickly.
- You can make these air fryer cinnamon rolls in the oven by baking at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. After 10-15 minutes of baking time, cover loosely with aluminum foil to avoid heavy browning if necessary.
What To Serve With This
- Crispy bacon
- Breakfast sausage
- Greek yogurt
- Coffee
- Cappuccino
- Fresh orange juice
FAQs
Yes. After shaping the rolls, let them rise at room temperature until doubled before baking.
The tops should be lightly golden brown, and the centers should feel set when gently touched.
Absolutely. Add a tablespoon of milk until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
Recipe
Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 ½ cups bread flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅜ cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
Filling
- ⅓ cup packed dark brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
Frosting
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¼ cup cream cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- pinch of salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer fitted with a hook attachment, add the flour, sugar, salt, milk, egg, and yeast and knead on low speed until it comes together about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through. Let rest for 20-30 minutes.
- Then knead on high speed for about 6-8 minutes until the dough releases from the sides of the bowl and passes the windowpane test.* Reduce the speed to medium-low and gradually add the butter and knead until the butter is fully incorporated. Once all of the butter has been added, turn up the speed on high and knead until the dough is smooth and releases from the sides of the bowl. It's a soft, smooth dough that is slightly sticky.
- Lightly spray a medium-sized bowl with nonstick spray or oil and transfer the dough to the bowl. Also, lightly oil the top of the dough. Cover and let sit in a warm spot (68-75°F / 20-24°C) for 1 hour. Then put the dough in the refrigerator and chill for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Lightly spray a 7 or 8-inch (18-20cm) pan - whatever size fits your air fryer basket - with nonstick spray or oil and set aside.
- In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar and cinnamon and set aside.
- On a very lightly floured surface (use as little flour as possible - just enough so that the dough doesn't stick to the rolling pin and surface), flatten and shape the dough into a square with your hands and roll it out into a rectangle that is about 9 to 10-inch (23-25cm) wide, 14-inch (36cm) long, and ¼ inch (0.6 cm) thick. Spread the butter on the rolled-out dough and sprinkle evenly with the sugar-cinnamon mixture.
- Starting at one long side, roll up the dough tightly and cut it into 6 equal-sized rolls and place it in the prepared baking pan, about an inch (2.5 cm) apart. Lightly spray a piece of plastic wrap with nonstick spray and cover the pan. The non-stick spray ensures that the dough does not stick to the plastic foil after it has risen. Let rise in the refrigerator overnight.
- Take the rolls out of the refrigerator and let them sit on the kitchen counter for 10 minutes. In the meantime, preheat the air fryer to 310°F (154°C) for 5-10 minutes. Then bake the rolls for 14-15 minutes. While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment, beat the butter until creamy. Add the cream cheese and mix until smooth, creamy, and no lumps remain, about 1-2 minutes. Then, add the powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla and mix until creamy and well combined. The frosting is thick and creamy. If you prefer thinner frosting, you can add 1 tablespoon (15ml) of milk.
- Remove the rolls from the air fryer and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Then spoon the frosting on top of the still warm rolls and spread evenly. In an airtight container in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days. Reheat leftovers in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds before serving.
Notes
Cooking Time and Temperature
Air Fry at 310°F (154°C) for 14-15 minutes.Taste & Texture
These air fryer cinnamon rolls from scratch are incredibly soft and fluffy with buttery cinnamon swirls throughout. The warm cream cheese glaze melts into the rolls, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
- Use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar.
- Add raisins for a classic cinnamon roll variation.
- Mix a little maple extract into the glaze for extra flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar filling.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds or warm briefly in the air fryer.
Serving Recommendations
I love serving these warm with a hot cup of coffee or a cappuccino. They're also perfect alongside fresh fruit for a special breakfast or brunch spread.Proper Storage Tips
- Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing.
- Keep them in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
- Store the rolls and extra glaze separately if making ahead.
- Warm slightly before serving for the best texture.
Pro Tips
- Don't add too much flour during shaping. A soft dough makes softer rolls.
- The overnight dough rise creates the best flavor and texture.
- Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before adding the glaze.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the centers soft and fluffy.
- If the tops brown too quickly, loosely cover them with foil while finishing the bake.
Video
You can find the video in the post above. If you don't see a video, please check your browser settings.
shelley wingrove
These are now my go to, for cinnamon rolls. Amaz8ng results air fryer!