Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites Recipe – Quick, Crispy
The Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites Recipe is a quick and delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. These bite-sized wonders are made by slicing store-bought cinnamon rolls into smaller pieces and cooking them to golden perfection in the air fryer. The air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air ensures a crisp outer layer while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Once cooked, the bites can be drizzled with the included icing or topped with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, taking less than 10 minutes to cook, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings. With minimal prep and cleanup, these cinnamon roll bites are a crowd-pleasing favorite that combines convenience with irresistible flavor. Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or as a fun snack for the whole family!
Air fryer cinnamon roll bites are a delicious and easy-to-make treat perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert. With the help of an air fryer, you can enjoy these fluffy, sweet, and cinnamon-infused bites in a fraction of the time it would take to bake them in a traditional oven. The best part is that these bites are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them as-is or top them off with a creamy glaze, making them customizable for your taste preferences.
Using pre-made cinnamon rolls as the base, this recipe allows you to enjoy the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls without the need to prepare dough from scratch. Thanks to the air fryer, the bites cook up crisp on the outside while remaining soft and warm on the inside, delivering a perfect bite every time. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe is a simple and fun way to satisfy your cinnamon roll cravings.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- A pinch of salt (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment:
- Air fryer
- Small bowl for cinnamon-sugar mix
- Small bowl for glaze
- Pastry brush (optional)
- Tongs or spatula for flipping
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes (optional, for the glaze)
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories (per serving): Approximately 250-300 calories (depends on the brand and quantity of cinnamon rolls used)
Nutrition (approximate per serving):
- Calories: 250–300 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 14g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
Cuisines: American
Course: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls: Start by unrolling the cinnamon rolls from the can. Each roll is usually divided into eight small pieces. Cut each roll into 4 pieces, making bite-sized pieces. You can use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to achieve uniform pieces.
2. Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt (optional). In another bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Use a pastry brush or spoon to coat each piece of cinnamon roll dough with the melted butter. Then, dip or roll the butter-coated cinnamon pieces into the cinnamon-sugar mixture until each bite is evenly coated.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step ensures that the bites cook evenly and gives them a golden, crispy texture.
4. Cook the Cinnamon Roll Bites: Arrange the coated cinnamon roll pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there is some space between the pieces to allow hot air to circulate, ensuring they cook evenly. If necessary, work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air fry at 350°F for 6-8 minutes. Shake or flip the cinnamon roll bites halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. The bites should come out golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside.
5. Prepare the Glaze: While the cinnamon roll bites are cooking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve: Once the cinnamon roll bites are cooked and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bites or dip each bite into the glaze as you go. Serve immediately while they’re still warm for the best experience.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites:
- Experiment with Flavors: You can add a variety of spices, such as nutmeg or cloves, to the cinnamon-sugar mix to customize the flavor profile.
- Add Ins: Try adding chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the cinnamon rolls before cooking for added texture and flavor.
- Air Fryer Size: If you’re making a large batch, be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Work in batches for the best results.
- Serve with Extras: For extra indulgence, serve the bites with a scoop of ice cream or a side of whipped cream for a delicious dessert experience.
- Make It Healthier: If you prefer a healthier version, opt for a reduced-sugar cinnamon roll dough or use a sugar substitute for the cinnamon-sugar coating.
Why Choose Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites?
Air fryers have become popular in recent years due to their ability to cook food quickly with little or no oil, resulting in crispy textures without the need for deep frying. Air fryer cinnamon roll bites take advantage of this feature, offering a healthier and faster way to enjoy cinnamon rolls. Unlike traditional deep frying or baking, the air fryer gives these bites a crispy exterior with a soft, doughy interior in just minutes.
Benefits of Making Cinnamon Roll Bites in the Air Fryer:
- Quick Cooking: Air fryers preheat faster and cook food more efficiently than traditional ovens, reducing cooking time by more than half.
- Less Mess: No need for large baking sheets, mixing bowls, or dealing with sticky dough. The air fryer basket is all you need.
- Crispy Texture: The air fryer uses hot circulating air to crisp up the outside of the cinnamon rolls, creating a satisfying crunch that you don’t get when baking in the oven.
- No Need for Deep Frying: Unlike deep frying, this method uses minimal or no oil, making the bites much lower in fat.
- Customizable: With the option to add extra toppings or adjust the glaze, you can easily cater to your family’s or guests’ tastes.
Conclusion:
Air fryer cinnamon roll bites are a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a quick and indulgent treat. The ease and speed of the air fryer make this recipe ideal for busy mornings or last-minute dessert cravings. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy warm, crispy, cinnamon-infused bites that are sure to be a hit. Plus, the added bonus of the sweet glaze makes each bite even more irresistible. Whether served as a breakfast snack, dessert, or treat for guests, these cinnamon roll bites will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.