I learned a little-known tweak to Pillsbury Air Fryer Recipes that makes cinnamon rolls turn out consistently better, and I’m sharing the why behind it.

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I love when a lazy ingredient turns into something a little wild. I grabbed Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls with icing and, with a bit of cooking spray for the air fryer basket, got results that surprised me.

The tops caramelized just enough, the centers stayed pillowy, and the icing became this glossy, slightly toasted ribbon that begged to be torn apart. I kept thinking this is too good for a can, but it totally is.

If you’re into quick wins that feel like a small kitchen rebellion, give this a try — it’s one of my favorite Pillsbury Air Fryer Recipes moments.

Ingredients

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Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls with icing: Sweet enriched dough with cinnamon and icing, mostly carbs and sugar, comforting easy treat though
Cooking spray: Light oil mist prevents sticking, helps browning, adds calories but tiny nutrition value overall though
Milk or water (optional): A splash thins icing for smoother spread, milk adds slight protein and creamy flavor sometimes
Melted butter (optional): Brush on tops for richer taste and golden shine, gives saturated fat and indulgence too
Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Toasty nuts add crunch, fiber and heart healthy fats, give contrast to sweetness nice bite

Ingredient Quantities

1 can (8 count) Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls with icing (any variety will do)

cooking spray for the air fryer basket, as needed

1 to 2 tablespoons milk or water (optional, to thin the icing if you want)

1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing tops)

2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for topping)

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes so it’s nice and hot.

2. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

3. Open the can of Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls and separate the 8 rolls, leaving the icing packets aside.

4. If you like, brush the tops with 1 tablespoon melted butter for extra browning and flavor, otherwise skip it.

5. Place rolls seam-side down in the basket with about 1/2 inch space between them, dont overcrowd — you may need to do two batches depending on your basket size.

6. Cook at 320 to 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until theyre golden brown and the centers are set; check around 6 minutes and rotate the basket or move rolls if one side is browning faster.

7. Carefully remove the hot rolls to a plate or rack and let them sit 1 to 2 minutes so the filling settles (its super hot inside).

8. Open the icing packets, stir and add 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or water if you want a thinner glaze, microwave 5 to 10 seconds or stir until smooth.

9. Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls and sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts on top if using, then dig in while theyre warm.

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer with removable basket (for preheating and baking)
2. Cooking spray or oil mister to grease the basket
3. Pastry brush or silicone brush for brushing melted butter on tops
4. Small microwave safe bowl or measuring cup for thinning the icing
5. Spoon or small whisk to stir the icing smooth
6. Tongs or heatproof spatula to lift the hot rolls out
7. Oven mitts or a thick kitchen towel to handle the basket
8. Plate or wire cooling rack to rest and serve the rolls
9. Cutting board and knife for chopping pecans or walnuts (optional)

FAQ

Q: How long and what temp do I air fry Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls? A: Preheat your air fryer to about 320 F. Place 3 or 4 rolls with a little space between them and cook 6 to 10 minutes until golden and set. Check at 6 minutes cause air fryers vary a lot.

Q: Do I need to preheat the air fryer? A: Yes it's best. 2 to 3 minutes of preheat gives more even browning and helps the center bake through without overcooking the outside.

Q: Can I use parchment or foil in the air fryer? A: You can use perforated parchment rounds or a small piece of foil under the rolls but do not cover the whole basket or block airflow. Lightly spray the liner or basket so they dont stick.

Q: How do I keep the tops soft and not too crispy? A: Cook at the lower end of the time/temp range and don't overcook. Right after baking brush the tops with 1 tablespoon melted butter and tent loosely with a clean towel for a minute, that helps keep them soft.

Q: Should I add nuts or extras before or after cooking? A: Add chopped pecans or walnuts after baking, either pressed into the warm icing or sprinkled on top. If you add them before cooking they can burn or get too hard.

Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers? A: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat one or two in the air fryer at 300 F for 2 to 3 minutes or microwave 15 to 30 seconds. Baked rolls freeze ok for about a month, thaw then warm up the same way.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls (Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the 1 can (8 count) Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls with icing: swap for any other refrigerated cinnamon roll tube (store brand, Rhodes, etc.), or make quick rolls from a tube of canned biscuit dough — flatten each biscuit, spread butter and cinnamon sugar, roll up and slice into 8; they’ll cook fine in the air fryer.
For cooking spray for the air fryer basket: instead brush the basket with a little neutral oil (vegetable, canola) or use perforated air fryer parchment rounds or a reusable silicone air-fryer liner to stop sticking.
For the 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or water (optional): use any milk you got like almond, oat, soy or regular milk; want richer glaze use a splash of half-and-half or light cream, or thin with a tiny bit of orange juice for a citrus twist.
For the 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): substitute chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or pumpkin seeds; if you need nut-free crunch try toasted coconut flakes, crushed graham crackers or granola instead.

Pro Tips

– Preheat the basket good so the bottoms crisp up, dont skip it, a cold basket makes them soggy. Check early and rotate if one side looks darker cause air fryers cook uneven sometimes.

– Give each roll breathing room, overcrowding makes them steam not brown. If your basket is small do two batches, its faster than fixing undercooked middles.

– Brush or dab a little melted butter on top for better color and flavor, but dont drown them or the sugar will run off. For extra crunch sprinkle nuts on right after icing so they stick.

– Thin the icing with a teaspoon or two of milk or water if you want it shiny and pourable, warm it a few seconds in the microwave if its too stiff. Let the rolls cool a minute before icing cause the filling is super hot and will melt the glaze too much.