Irresistible Air Fryer Cinnamon Crescent Rolls: Your Quick & Easy Sweet Treat
Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, but without the fuss of traditional baking. Drenched in rich melted butter and a sweet, aromatic cinnamon sugar mixture, these golden brown Air Fryer Cinnamon Crescent Rolls are an absolute game-changer for busy mornings, a delightful afternoon snack, or a quick dessert. Using just a handful of simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you can create bakery-fresh taste in mere minutes. Say goodbye to lengthy proofing times and complicated steps – these crescent rolls are designed for speed, simplicity, and irresistible flavor!
Why You’ll Love These Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Crescent Rolls
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this incredibly simple yet utterly delicious recipe for Air Fryer Cinnamon Crescent Rolls. First and foremost, they offer an unbelievably quick way to enjoy the comforting taste of homemade cinnamon rolls without the usual time commitment. Forget about waiting for dough to rise or spending precious morning minutes mixing and kneading. With just four basic ingredients, you can have warm, fresh-baked pastries on your table in under 15 minutes, making them perfect for those hectic weekdays or spontaneous weekend cravings.
These delightful treats aren’t just fast; they’re also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a grab-and-go breakfast, a satisfying after-school snack for the kids, or a quick dessert to impress guests, these cinnamon crescent rolls fit the bill. Their individual serving size makes them easy to manage, minimizing mess and maximizing enjoyment. The golden, flaky exterior gives way to a soft, tender interior generously swirled with a sweet, buttery cinnamon filling that’s simply divine. The air fryer ensures a perfectly even bake and a wonderfully crisp texture that’s hard to achieve in a conventional oven so quickly.
If you’re already a fan of quick and easy air fryer desserts, you’ll find these cinnamon crescent rolls to be a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire. You might also enjoy experimenting with other delightful recipes like these cream cheese puff pastries, or simply making classic air fryer crescent rolls for a savory option. This recipe is a testament to how the air fryer can transform everyday ingredients into extraordinary treats with minimal effort.
Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Cinnamon Crescent Rolls
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity, requiring only a few readily available ingredients. You likely already have most of these staples in your pantry and refrigerator, making these cinnamon rolls an effortless option for any time hunger strikes. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious air fryer pastries:
- Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough: This is the star ingredient that makes this recipe so quick and easy. One standard can, like Pillsbury Rolls, typically contains 8 crescent triangles. Any brand of refrigerated crescent dough will work beautifully for this recipe. Make sure it’s cold when you start for easier handling.
- Granulated Sugar: This provides the classic sweetness and helps create that wonderful sugary crust when combined with butter and cinnamon. You can adjust the amount to your personal preference for sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is crucial for that signature warm, spicy flavor that makes these rolls irresistible. Use a fresh, high-quality cinnamon for the best aromatic results.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter acts as the binding agent for the cinnamon sugar and gives the rolls a rich, moist texture. Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the overall saltiness of the dish; however, if you only have salted, it will still work, just be mindful of any additional salt in other ingredients.
That’s it! Just four simple ingredients stand between you and a batch of warm, sweet, and perfectly golden Air Fryer Cinnamon Crescent Rolls.
How to Make Cinnamon Crescent Rolls in Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these delicious cinnamon crescent rolls in your air fryer is incredibly straightforward. Follow these easy steps to achieve perfectly golden and gooey results every time. Remember, the air fryer cooks quickly, so keep an eye on your rolls, especially during the first batch.
Transform simple crescent roll dough into a delightful sweet treat with your air fryer. This recipe is quick, easy, and yields perfectly golden, cinnamon-sugar-filled rolls.
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Prepare the Dough:
Begin by carefully unrolling the refrigerated crescent roll dough. Lay it flat on a clean surface, like a cutting board or parchment paper. Gently separate each triangle of dough along the perforated lines. Ensure each triangle is distinct and ready for filling.
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Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Paste:
In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. This should only take about 30-45 seconds. Once melted, add the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to the butter. Stir vigorously with a spoon or whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture forms a thick, spreadable paste. If it’s too runny, you can add a tiny bit more sugar.
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Fill and Roll the Crescents:
Take a small amount of the cinnamon-sugar mixture and evenly spread it over the entire surface of each crescent roll triangle. Don’t be shy, but avoid overfilling as it might leak out during cooking. Starting from the widest end of the triangle, carefully roll each piece of dough towards the pointed tip, forming the classic crescent shape. Place the rolled crescents seam-side down to prevent them from unrolling.
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Prepare for Air Frying:
Spray your air fryer basket generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, or line it with air fryer parchment paper for easy cleanup. Carefully place the rolled crescent rolls into the air fryer basket. It’s crucial to leave a small space between each pastry, as they will expand slightly during cooking. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning. This usually means 4-6 rolls per batch, depending on your air fryer size.
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Air Fry to Golden Perfection:
Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Air fry the crescent rolls for approximately 5-7 minutes. Keep a close watch as cooking times can vary significantly between different air fryer models and wattages. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and a puffed-up appearance. If they aren’t quite ready, add additional cooking time in 1-2 minute increments until they reach your desired crispiness and color.
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Serve and Garnish:
Once perfectly cooked, carefully remove the hot rolls from the air fryer basket using tongs. Transfer them to a serving plate. For an extra touch of sweetness and presentation, sprinkle them generously with powdered sugar. Alternatively, you can drizzle them with melted chocolate for a decadent twist, or a simple frosting glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk. For the ultimate indulgence, top with a dollop of cream cheese frosting – a truly classic combination! Serve immediately while warm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Cinnamon Crescent Rolls
Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your Air Fryer Cinnamon Crescent Rolls turn out perfect every time and to help you make the most of this versatile recipe:
Leftover cooked cinnamon crescent rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm. You can also freeze *unbaked* cinnamon rolls! Simply prepare them up to step 3 (rolling them), then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to eight weeks. When ready to bake, place frozen rolls directly into the air fryer and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, monitoring closely until golden brown.
Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for making mini cinnamon roll bites. After unrolling and separating the crescent dough, use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut each triangle into smaller strips or squares. Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then roll them into smaller spirals or balls. Adjust the air frying time accordingly; smaller bites will cook faster, likely in 3-5 minutes. This is a brilliant idea for kids’ sleepovers, birthday parties, super bowl parties, holiday gatherings, or any little get-togethers with friends where bite-sized treats are a hit!
Yes, you absolutely can use brown sugar! If you prefer the taste of brown sugar, it’s a great substitute that adds a deeper, more molasses-like flavor, which pairs perfectly with the warm notes of cinnamon. Brown sugar also tends to make the filling a bit gooier, which some people love. You can use it in the same 1:1 ratio as granulated sugar. For an extra rich flavor, you can even use a mix of both granulated and brown sugar.
Certainly! While the classic cinnamon-sugar filling is delightful, feel free to get creative. You could add a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), mini chocolate chips, or a thin layer of cream cheese before rolling for a cheesecake-like twist. Just be mindful not to overfill, as it might cause leakage during cooking.
Any type of air fryer – basket style or oven style – will work for this recipe. The most important thing is to ensure you don’t overcrowd the basket. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook in more batches. Basket air fryers are typically great for even browning on all sides of these small rolls.
Air fryers vary, and sometimes hot spots can cause uneven browning. If you notice this, try shaking the basket gently halfway through cooking, or if using an oven-style air fryer, rotate the tray. Ensure you’re not overcrowding the basket, as proper air circulation is key for even cooking.
These Air Fryer Cinnamon Crescent Rolls are a testament to how quick and easy it can be to enjoy a warm, sweet treat. Whether it’s for a last-minute breakfast, a cozy dessert, or just because, they are sure to become a beloved recipe in your home. The simple ingredients and fast cooking time make them an ideal choice for any occasion.
MORE EASY AIR FRYER DESSERT RECIPES:
- Air Fryer Donuts
- Air Fryer Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Air Fryer Baked Apples
- Air Fryer Pizookie
- Air Fryer Bananas
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Air Fryer Cinnamon Crescent Rolls
Rate
Equipment
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Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 can Refrigerated Crescent Dough
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
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To make this recipe, begin by unrolling and separating each crescent roll.
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In a small microwave safe bowl, melt the butter. Then, stir in the cinnamon and granulated sugar until butter mixture thickens into a paste.
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Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of each crescent roll and then roll in a crescent shape.
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Spray the Air Fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or line with Air Fryer parchment paper. Place rolls in air fryer basket, leaving a small space between each pastry.
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Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes until crescent rolls are golden brown. Add additional cooking time if necessary, depending on the size of your Air Fryer.
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Carefully remove cooked rolls from the Air Fryer. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, drizzle with melted chocolate or frosting glaze, or top with cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- I make these in my Cosori 5.8 Air Fryer. Depending on the size and wattage of the Air Fryer, you may need to add 1-2 additional minutes to cook time.
- Leave enough room between each pastry, allowing room for the roll to puff as it cooks.
- Do not stack or overlap in the basket. The dough may not cook evenly.
- You can make 4 or 8 in a batch, depending on what will fit in your basket.
- For an easy glaze, whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk until smooth.
- For a rich cream cheese frosting, beat together 2 oz softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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