Perfect Frozen Cinnamon Rolls in Air Fryer – Soft, Sweet & Done in 8 Min

I’ve made cinnamon toast countless times, but cooking frozen cinnamon rolls in air fryer completely changed the result. Unlike the oven, the air fryer gives you evenly toasted bread with perfectly melted butter and beautifully caramelized cinnamon sugar in just a few minutes. After testing different temperatures and bread types, this air fryer method has become my go-to for a quick sweet breakfast or snack.

 Why Cinnamon Toast Turns Out Better in an Air Fryer

Cooking cinnamon toast in air fryer gives noticeably better results than using a traditional oven or toaster. The fast-circulating hot air crisps the edges of the bread evenly without burning the cinnamon sugar, which can easily scorch in an oven.

Because an air fryer heats up quickly, there’s no long preheating time, making it ideal when you want a fast breakfast or snack. The butter also melts evenly across the surface of the bread instead of soaking in one spot, helping the cinnamon sugar caramelize properly.

Another advantage is portion control. An air fryer works perfectly for small batches, so you can make just one or two slices without heating the entire kitchen. This controlled heat and airflow combination is what makes air fryer cinnamon toast consistently crisp on the outside while staying soft inside.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Cinnamon Rolls in Air Fryer

Essential Tools & Ingredients

You’ll only need a few basic items:

• Air fryer (4-quart or larger)
  
• Cooking spray or oil
  
• Tongs
  
• Small spatula or knife for icing
  

Best Frozen Cinnamon Roll Brands

Most brands work well, but cooking time may vary slightly:

• Pillsbury – Most consistent results
  
• Rhodes – Larger rolls, may need extra time
  
• Annie’s / Amy’s – Natural ingredients, similar cook times
  

Optional Toppings

• Extra icing
  
• Caramel drizzle
  
• Chopped nuts
  
• Powdered sugar
  

How to Cook Frozen Cinnamon Rolls in Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set temperature to 350°F for 2–3 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and golden exterior, similar to preparing Totino’s Pizza In Air Fryer or Frozen French Bread Pizza In Air Fryer.

Tip: Preheating also helps the rolls develop a nicely golden exterior faster.

Step 2: Prepare the Basket

Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. You can also use an air fryer–safe parchment paper, but weigh it down with a roll to stop it from flying around.

Tip: Lightly spraying the rolls themselves with cooking spray can enhance browning and prevent dry edges.

Step 3: Arrange Cinnamon Rolls for Best Airflow

Leave ~1 inch space between rolls to allow proper circulation. Avoid overcrowding; small batches cook more evenly, like when making Air Fryer Frozen Mini Tacos or Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls.

Tip: Rotating the basket halfway through cooking ensures all rolls brown evenly.

Step 4:  Cook and Check Doneness

 Cook at 350°F for 6–8 minutes. Check at 6 minutes:

• Golden Brown Exterior
• Slight Resistance (center bounces back)
• Crisp Edges
• Internal Temp: 165°F

If extra browning is needed, add 1–2 minutes instead of increasing temperature. Same method applies when cooking Air Fryer Salisbury Steaks or TGI Friday’s Boneless Chicken Bites Air Fryer.

Step 5:  Apply Icing for a Gooey Finish

 Cool for 2 minutes. Spread first icing layer while warm, then second layer after 5 minutes, similar to topping Air Fryer Banana Muffins 

Tip: Warm icing slightly in the microwave for easier spreading and a more indulgent gooey texture.

Cooking Times for Different Types of Frozen Cinnamon Rolls

 Store-Bought Frozen Rolls (like Pillsbury & Annie’s)

• Temperature: 350°F
• Time is 6-8 minutes
•  Tip: Check the temperature at the 6-minute mark to prevent overcooking.

 Homemade Frozen Cinnamon Rolls

• Temperature:350°F
• Time 12-15 minutes
• Notes: Might need to flip halfway through to ensure an even browning.

 Mini or Specialty Rolls

• Temperature:  350°F
• Time 4 – 6 minutes
• Be attentive as the smaller rolls cook quicker

 Rhodes Frozen Cinnamon Rolls

• Temperature: 350°F
• Time 8-10 minutes
• Notes: These are usually larger and denser, requiring more time

Expert Tips for Making Perfect Frozen Cinnamon Rolls in Air Fryer

• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, especially if you’ve cooked dough-based items like frozen garlic bread sticks in air fryer before.
  
•  Shake or rotate the basket halfway through cooking so the rolls brown evenly, a technique that also works well when making Checkers fries in the air fryer.
  
• Avoid overcrowding the basket. Cinnamon rolls need space to expand and crisp, similar to Ore Ida tater tots in air fryer.
  
•  Preheat your air fryer for 2–3 minutes for consistent results, just like you would when cooking Red Baron French bread pizza in air fryer.

• Let rolls cool slightly before icing to keep it gooey and prevent melting away.
  
• Cover with foil if tops brown too fast to cook the center without burning.
  
• Track brand-specific cooking times for consistent results with your favorite frozen rolls.

Avoid These Common Mistakes When Air Frying Frozen Cinnamon Rolls

•  Overcrowding the basket causes steaming instead of crisping, the same issue people face with frozen chicken wings in air fryer.
  
• Skipping preheat – Rolls cook unevenly and may stick to the basket.
  
• Applying icing too early – Icing melts and loses its gooey texture.
  
• Burning the tops – Tops brown too fast; cover with foil if needed to cook the center properly.
  
• Ignoring brand differences – Different brands cook differently; adjust time and temperature accordingly.
  
• Not checking midway – Air fryer models vary; always check rolls halfway through for best results.

Extra Flavor Ideas for Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

 Creative Cinnamon Roll Variations

• Honey Cinnamon Toast – Drizzle honey on top before or after air frying.
  
• Brown Sugar Cinnamon Toast – Swap sugar with brown sugar for deeper flavor. a technique often used in recipes like duck fat potatoes in air fryer.
  
• Cream Cheese Cinnamon Toast – Add a creamy filling inside each roll.
  
• Gluten-Free Bread Option – Use gluten-free dough for dietary preferences.
  

Fun Toppings & Fillings

• Chopped Nuts – Sprinkle walnuts or pecans over rolls for a nutty crunch.
  
• Cream Cheese Filling – Make small slits in rolls and add cream cheese before cooking.
  
• Caramel Drizzle – Replace traditional frosting with warm caramel sauce.
  
• Nutella Surprise – Add a small dollop of Nutella in the center before air frying.
  

Delicious Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast Upgrade – Serve with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
  
• Savory Pairing – Enjoy alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausages.
  
• Dessert Twist – Add a scoop of ice cream on top for indulgence.
  
• Beverage Pairing – Sip freshly made hot chocolate or coffee for the full experience.
  
• Snack Duo – Pair with air fryer super pretzels for a sweet & salty combo.

Frozen Cinnamon Rolls In Air Fryer Cooking Time:

Frozen cinnamon rolls typically take 6 to 8 minutes to cook in the air fryer at 350°F However, there are a variety of factors that can impact this time frame:

• Rolls’ size Larger rolls will require 8-10 minutes
• Brands with distinct brand names: Certain brands are more dense and need more time to develop.
• The model of the air fryer: Different versions might be cooler or hotter
• The altitude of higher elevations might require minor time adjustments

Always begin checking at the 6-minute mark, and then modify as needed.

Storage & Reheating Tips for Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Best eaten fresh – Enjoy immediately for the fluffiest, softest rolls.

Store leftovers properly – Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 day to maintain freshness.

Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 1–2 minutes, a method that works just as well as reheating tamales in air fryer

Avoid microwaving – Microwaves can make the rolls soft and chewy instead of crisp.

Pro tip – Reheating in the air fryer revives the texture almost like freshly baked.

Air fryer reheating works especially well, similar to how Frozen Biscuits in Air Fryer regain their texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Can I make cinnamon toast without butter?
Yes, but butter gives better flavor and browning. You can use margarine or dairy-free butter as an alternative

Why is my cinnamon toast burning?
Your air fryer may run hot. Lower the temperature by 25°F and check earlier for perfect results.

Can I cook cinnamon rolls in an air fryer without freezing?
Absolutely! Air fryers cook fresh or frozen rolls directly—no need to thaw beforehand.

How long do frozen cinnamon rolls take to cook in the air fryer?
Most frozen rolls cook in 6–8 minutes at 350°F, depending on size and brand.

Do I have to flip frozen cinnamon rolls in the air fryer?
Generally, no. The circulating air ensures even cooking. Flip only if you notice uneven browning halfway.

Make Your Morning Magical with Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Frozen cinnamon rolls in air fryer are the perfect way to enjoy a warm, sweet treat without the wait. Quick, easy, and always delicious — they’re ideal for busy mornings or weekend brunch.

Once you get the timing right, the results are consistently fluffy inside and golden outside. Try different toppings like cream cheese frosting, caramel drizzle, or chopped nuts to make them your own. Now that you know how to make frozen cinnamon rolls in air fryer perfectly, try it with your favorite toppings and let the magic begin.

Give this method a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments! I’d love to hear your favorite brands or any fun twists you try. And don’t forget to join our newsletter for more easy air fryer recipes every month.

Craving something quicker? Try this quick and delicious air fryer cinnamon toast recipe—it’s ready in minutes!