Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites Recipe

I recently whipped up a batch of Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls Pillsbury Bites that quickly caught my attention. Featuring refrigerated cinnamon rolls glazed with a blend of melted butter, brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then finished with a powdered sugar icing, this treat offers a playful twist on a classic dessert ready in just 25 minutes.

I recently discovered this awesome twist on a classic treat by cooking cinnamon roll bites in my air fryer and I have to say, it totally blew my mind. I used an 8-count can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls which came with its own icing packet, and I drizzled 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter over them before sprinkling a mix of 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Trust me, this simple step makes a huge difference. I then popped them into the air fryer and within 25 minutes, I had a batch of delicious dessert bites that reminded me of those cinnamon roll donuts you see online.

And when I whipped up a glaze using 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, the flavor soared to a whole new level. This recipe turned out to be a perfect blend of easy and unexpected, and I can already think of a ton of ways to mix it up further.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe for a bunch of reasons:

1. I love how quick and easy it is to make. I can just pop the cinnamon rolls into my air fryer and in like 25 minutes I have dessert ready. Its super chill and doesn’t take forever.

2. I like that the cinnamon sugar butter mix gives it a perfect sweet and spicy flavor. The way the brown sugar and cinnamon meld together when brushed on each roll makes every bite amazing.

3. I appreciate how the glaze takes it to another level. Drizzling that mix of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla over the warm rolls just makes the dessert extra indulgent.

4. I really enjoy that it’s a fun twist on a traditional treat. Instead of baking from scratch, using canned cinnamon rolls in the air fryer makes it a cool hack that still tastes delicious.

Ingredients

• Cinnamon Rolls: Soft dough treats supplying carbs and sugar for quick energy.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and healthy fats, making bites extra moist.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens and adds moisture while naturally caramelizing in the heat.
• Cinnamon: Infuses warm spice, antioxidants, and a bit of fiber for balanced taste.
• Powdered Sugar Glaze: Drapes on a smooth, sugary finish for that perfect sweet touch.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 can (8 count) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing packet)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)
• 2 teaspoons milk (for the glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the glaze)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.

2. Open the can of cinnamon rolls and gently separate them from the packaging.

3. In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

4. Brush the mixture over each cinnamon roll ensuring they’re well coated.

5. Place the cinnamon rolls in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not crowded.

6. Air fry them for about 10-12 minutes until they are golden and slightly firm.

7. While the rolls are cooking, mix 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in a separate bowl to make the glaze.

8. Once done, remove the rolls and let them cool for a minute.

9. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer
2. Small mixing bowl for the butter-sugar-cinnamon mix
3. Separate bowl for the glaze
4. Measuring spoons and cups
5. Pastry brush for coating the rolls
6. Tongs or spatula for transferring the cinnamon rolls from the air fryer
7. Can opener if the can of cinnamon rolls doesn’t have an easy-pull lid

FAQ

Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have unsalted butter, try using salted butter and just cut back on any extra salt elsewhere.
• If you’re out of brown sugar, you can mix a bit of molasses into white sugar as a substitute.
• If you don’t have ground cinnamon, a pinch of pumpkin pie spice can work too for that warm flavor.
• For the powdered sugar in the glaze, you can blitz up regular granulated sugar in a blender until it’s super fine.
• If milk isn’t available, almond milk or soy milk can be used in its place without a hitch.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure to let your air fryer preheat fully and dont crowd the rolls in the basket; this helps them cook evenly and get a nice crisp on the outside.
2. Consider turning the rolls halfway through the cooking time so every side gets a good golden-brown finish.
3. Stir the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon mix really well before brushing on the rolls, so each one gets an even coating that enhances its flavor.
4. Drizzle your glaze as soon as you take the rolls out so that it melts slightly into the warm pastry, making everything extra tasty.