Make the best air fryer cinnamon rolls from scratch in under 20 minutes. No yeast is needed; these rolls are soft, fluffy, and loaded with a cream cheese frosting!
Love desserts in the air fryer? Try my air fryer cookies, air fryer brownies, and air fryer donuts.
Cinnamon rolls are notorious for being delicious but time-consuming to make. I guess that’s why they aren’t a weekly staple for many people—until now.
I’ve been a little obsessed with making them in my air fryer because they are quick, require little prep, and satisfy all my cravings.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- No yeast needed. The dough is adapted from my magic 2 ingredient dough. What I love about it is that it has no yeast in it.
- Quick and easy. Traditional cinnamon rolls usually take at least an hour to make, but these ones take less time than making a sandwich.
- Fluffy and sweet. While the exterior is tender and firm, the filling is smooth, fluffy, and the frosting is thick and luscious.
- Healthier and higher in protein. Although not as high as my protein cinnamon rolls, each of these boasts a generous 5 grams per serving!
Ingredients needed
- Self rising flour. A mix of flour, baking powder, and salt. You can find it in the baking aisle of the grocery store or just make homemade self-rising flour.
- Vanilla yogurt. Any thick vanilla yogurt works, including Greek, coconut, or dairy-free options. You must use a sweetened yogurt or else the dough will be completely tasteless. If plain yogurt is all you have on hand, I suggest adding 2 tablespoons of sugar or maple syrup to compensate.
- Filling. Butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Cream cheese frosting
- Cream cheese. softened to room temperature.
- Butter. Measured in its softened state.
- Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar). Sift VERY well to ensure there aren’t any clumps in the rolls.
How to make cinnamon rolls in the air fryer
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Make the dough. Start by mixing the flour and vanilla yogurt until a thick dough remains. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead several times until smooth.
Step 2- Roll the dough out into a large, rectangular shape. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined. Using a spoon or spatula, spread the mixture on the dough, reserving 1/4 of an inch around the sides.
Step 3- Cut. Beginning at the long end, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 8-9 equal pieces.
Step 4- Air fry. Place the cinnamon rolls in an air fryer basket and air fry for 7-8 minutes or until the dough is fully cooked. Remove them from the basket and place them on a plate or tray to cool slightly.
Step 5- Frost. Once cool, frost the tops of them and enjoy.
Can I use canned cinnamon rolls?
Many similar recipes call for Pillsbury cinnamon roll dough, which can be made up in the air fryer, too. If this is easier for you, this is how you’ll air fry them:
- Slice the cinnamon rolls into eight portions.
- Spray the air fryer basket, add them in there, and air fry for 6-7 minutes.
- Remove from the air fryer basket and spread the icing on top.
Arman’s recipe tips
- If you own an 8-inch cake tin and a large air fryer basket, you can bake the cinnamon rolls in it (as pictured). This will also help them stick together.
- Do not overbake the cinnamon rolls, as they will dry out and become less fluffy. Remember that they will continue to bake a little as they cool.
- I love adding the frosting on the hot cinnamon rolls as they seep into the dough, giving each bite some fabulous sweetness. If you want the frosting to remain on top for aesthetic purposes, let the rolls cool to room temperature.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three days.
To freeze: Place the rolls in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to two months.
Reheating: Microwave the rolls for 20 seconds or reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
More cinnamon rolls to try
-
In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and yogurt and mix well, until combined. If the dough is too thick, add more yogurt. If the dough is too thin, add more flour.
-
Lightly flour a kitchen surface and transfer the dough on top. Gently knead it several times, before rolling out into a large rectangular shape, around 1/2 an inch in thickness.
-
In a small bowl, add the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Using a spatula, spread the cinnamon mixture on top, reserving half an inch around the sides.
-
Beginning at the long end of the dough, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into eight portions.
-
Place 3 or 4 of the cinnamon rolls into an air fryer basket lined with parchment paper. Air fry at 180C/350F for 7-8 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden brown.
-
Remove the cinnamon rolls from the air fryer basket. Add remaining cinnamon rolls and repeat the process until they are all air fried.
-
Let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly, before adding the frosting. To make the frosting, add the cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl. Beat together until combined. Add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
TO FREEZE: Place the rolls in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to two months.
TO REHEAT: Microwave the rolls for 20 seconds or reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
Serving: 1cinnamon rollCalories: 151kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 5gFat: 4gSodium: 46mgPotassium: 97mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 103IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 23g
Originally published March 2022, updated and republished April 2024
