Irresistible Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists: Your New Favorite Quick & Easy Snack
Prepare to be enchanted by the delightful aroma and exquisite taste of homemade Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists! These golden, crunchy delights are bursting with warm cinnamon flavor, making every bite a melt-in-your-mouth experience you won’t soon forget. So simple yet so satisfying, it’s virtually impossible to stop at just one of these delicious cinnamon sugar pastries.
This sweet and crunchy treat is unbelievably easy to whip up using just a few simple ingredients, predominantly requiring a can of refrigerated crescent rolls. In approximately 15 minutes from start to finish, you can be savoring these irresistible pastries, perfectly paired with a hot cup of coffee, a comforting mug of tea, or even a glass of cold milk. It’s the ideal quick fix for any sweet craving!
For more delicious and easy air fryer recipes, you might also enjoy these Air Fryer Cream Cheese Puff Pastries.
Why You’ll Adore This Air Fryer Cinnamon Twist Recipe
This recipe isn’t just a snack; it’s a versatile culinary delight that you’ll want to make again and again. Here’s why these Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists are destined to become a household favorite:
- Effortlessly Quick: With minimal prep and a speedy air frying time, you can have a batch of warm, fresh cinnamon twists ready in about 15 minutes. Perfect for unexpected guests or sudden cravings!
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of common pantry staples, making this recipe accessible and budget-friendly.
- Incredibly Versatile: These twists are suitable for any occasion. Serve them as a special breakfast treat, a delightful after-school snack, a quick dessert, or even as part of a brunch spread. Their charm knows no bounds!
- Crispy Perfection, Every Time: The air fryer works its magic, ensuring each twist is beautifully golden brown and delightfully crispy on the outside, while remaining tender on the inside. No deep-frying mess, just pure air-fried bliss.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone, from kids to adults, adores the classic combination of cinnamon and sugar. They’re guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering, party, or family meal.
- Customizable Fun: While perfect on their own, these twists are also a fantastic canvas for various toppings and dipping sauces, allowing you to tailor them to your taste.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy fall-inspired dessert, a festive addition to your holiday platter, or just a simple sweet treat to brighten your day, these amazing bites of cinnamon-sugar goodness will be adored by all your family and friends.
Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon Twists
Creating these scrumptious Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists requires only a few core ingredients. The beauty lies in their simplicity and the incredible flavor they produce when combined. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Granulated Sugar: This provides the sweetness and, when combined with cinnamon, creates that iconic sugary crust.
- Ground Cinnamon: The heart of the flavor! Ensure your cinnamon is fresh for the best aromatic and taste experience.
- Refrigerated Crescent Rolls: The ultimate shortcut for quick pastries. Brands like Pillsbury Crescent Rolls work perfectly. Their buttery, flaky texture is ideal for these twists. While crescent roll dough is fantastic, you can also use puff pastry, homemade dough, pizza dough, or croissant dough for variations.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter acts as the adhesive for the cinnamon sugar and adds a rich, delicious flavor. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
Optional Additional Flavors for an Extra Kick: Feel free to get creative and customize your twists! Consider adding a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty contrast, a pinch of pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for a seasonal touch, a subtle hint of chili powder for a sweet and spicy surprise, or even mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a dollop of apple butter for added texture and flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these delightful cinnamon twists in your air fryer is incredibly simple. Follow these easy steps for perfectly golden and crispy results every time:
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture.
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir them together thoroughly until well mixed. This ensures an even coating on your twists. Set this fragrant mixture aside for later use.
- Butter and Sprinkle the Dough.
Carefully open the can of refrigerated crescent rolls and unroll the sheet of dough onto a clean work surface or parchment paper. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough sheet. Then, sprinkle approximately half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttery dough. Ensure good coverage for maximum flavor!
- Fold and Cut the Dough.
Carefully fold the dough sheet in half lengthwise, bringing one long edge over to meet the other. Gently pinch the ends and edges together to seal in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Once sealed, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 10-12 evenly sized strips, approximately ¾ to 1 inch wide.
- Twist Each Strip.
Take each dough strip and gently twist it several times, creating the iconic “twist” shape. Don’t twist too tightly, as the dough needs room to puff up. Once twisted, gently pinch the ends of each strip together to prevent them from unraveling during cooking.
- Apply a Second Coating.
For an extra boost of flavor and crispiness, brush each twisted strip with any remaining melted butter. Then, evenly sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture over each twist. This double coating ensures a wonderfully sweet and crunchy exterior.
- Load the Air Fryer Basket.
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray, or line it with air fryer parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the twisted cinnamon strips in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly, resulting in perfectly crispy twists. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air Fry to Golden Brown.
Air fry the twists at 350 degrees F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as air fryer models can vary. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color and a crispy texture. For even crispier results, you can flip them halfway through the cooking process. Serve these warm, either on their own for a simple treat or with a delicious dipping sauce.
I personally achieve fantastic results with this recipe using my Cosori 5.8 qt. air fryer. Remember that air fryer models vary significantly in size, wattage, and heating efficiency. Therefore, your cooking time might need to be adjusted by 1-2 minutes for optimal crispiness and golden brown perfection.
Pro Tips for Perfectly Crispy Cinnamon Twists
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists from great to absolutely outstanding:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for air frying. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and less crispy twists. Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring each twist has enough space.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer ensures that the food starts cooking immediately at the correct temperature, leading to a more consistent and crispy result. A 2-3 minute preheat at the cooking temperature is usually sufficient.
- Even Coating is Key: Make sure both layers of butter and cinnamon sugar are applied evenly. This is what creates that delightful golden crust and bursts of flavor in every bite.
- Use Parchment Paper or Spray Liberally: To prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze, either line your air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers or spray the basket generously with a non-stick cooking spray before adding the twists.
- Monitor Closely: Air fryers cook quickly! Keep an eye on your twists, especially during the last few minutes, to prevent burning. They can go from perfectly golden to overdone in a flash.
- Optional Flip: For maximum crispiness and an even golden color on all sides, gently flip the cinnamon twists halfway through the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations
These Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists are incredibly versatile and delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with various accompaniments. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Sweet Dipping Sauces:
- Classic Glaze: A simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a tiny bit of milk or water) is always a winner.
- Caramel or Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel or chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat.
- Cream Cheese Fruit Dip: A tangy and sweet cream cheese dip provides a lovely contrast to the cinnamon.
- Raspberry or Berry Sauce: A homemade berry coulis adds a fresh, fruity touch.
- Maple Glaze or Brown Sugar Bourbon Sauce: For a more sophisticated flavor profile.
Complementary Toppings:
- Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream: Transforms them into a decadent dessert.
- Fresh Berries: A sprinkle of fresh blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries adds freshness and color.
- Chopped Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch.
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting is a simple yet elegant finish.
- Pinch of Sea Salt: A tiny bit of flaky sea salt can enhance the sweetness and cinnamon flavor.
Savory Pairings:
Surprisingly, these sweet twists can also complement savory breakfast items. Imagine them alongside a hearty Air Fryer Breakfast Pizza or a protein-packed Air Fryer Breakfast Bowl for a balanced and exciting meal.
Spice Up Your Twists:
As mentioned in the ingredients, feel free to incorporate pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for a seasonal twist. For a truly unique flavor, a tiny pinch of chili powder can add an unexpected warmth that beautifully complements the cinnamon and sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists
Here are answers to some common questions about making and enjoying these delicious cinnamon twists:
These decadent treats are truly amazing on their own, offering a perfect blend of crispiness and warm cinnamon flavor. However, to elevate your experience, consider serving them with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a rich chocolate buttercream frosting, or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. They also make a fantastic sweet accompaniment to savory breakfast dishes like an Air Fryer Breakfast Pizza or an Air Fryer Breakfast Bowl, adding a delightful contrast to your meal. Don’t forget a hot cup of coffee or tea!
To keep your cinnamon twists fresh, place them in an airtight container or a resealable storage bag at room temperature on your kitchen counter. They will remain delicious for up to 3 days. If you wish to freeze them for longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap first, then place them in a freezer-safe storage bag or an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, a quick pass in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F (150°C) will bring back their wonderful crispiness.
This recipe specifically calls for refrigerated crescent roll dough due to its convenience and perfect flaky texture, resulting in fantastic twists every time. However, you can certainly experiment with other types of dough! Puff pastry squares or sheets are an excellent alternative, offering a more delicate and airy crisp. You could also use homemade dough for a more artisanal touch, or even pizza dough for a chewier twist. Croissant dough is another great option that will yield a richer, buttery flavor. The key is to ensure the dough is pliable enough to roll, butter, and twist effectively.
The cinnamon sugar blend is incredibly versatile and can be used to create many other wonderfully amazing treats! Beyond these twists, you can make delicious cinnamon sugar tortilla chips, light and fluffy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, crispy Cinnamon Pasta Twists, and classic Cinnamon Rolls. The possibilities are endless when you have this flavorful spice combination on hand!
MORE DELICIOUS AIR FRYER RECIPES TO TRY:
- Air Fryer Cinnamon Crescent Rolls
- Air Fryer Mickey Cinnamon Rolls
- Air Fryer Apples
- Air Fryer Apple Chips
- Air Fryer Apple Fritters
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Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists
Equipment
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1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
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In a small bowl, add the sugar and cinnamon. Stir together to combine, and then set aside.
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Open the can of crescent rolls and unroll the sheet of dough. Use a pastry brush and brush the melted butter on top of the pastry sheet. Evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top of the sheet of dough.
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Fold the dough in half, lengthwise, pinching ends together to seal in the cinnamon and sugar. Cut dough into 10-12 evenly sized strips.
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Twist each strip and gently pinch the ends of each strip together.
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Next brush each twisted strip with the melted butter, and then evenly sprinkle with remaining sugar and cinnamon mixture.
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Place in the air fryer basket, that is lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, or lined with air fryer parchment paper in a single layer.
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Air fry at 350 degrees F for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown. Serve warm by itself or a yummy dipping sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.