Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Quick and Easy Dessert Recipe

Air fryer apple cinnamon rolls are a quick and easy dessert. Perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast, these rolls combine sweet apples and warm cinnamon in a delicious, homemade pastry. Using an air fryer ensures they cook perfectly every time.

This easy recipe turns simple ingredients into delicious cinnamon rolls with a sweet apple twist. Using an air fryer cuts down on baking time and results in perfectly cooked rolls every time. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional baking methods.

Ingredients and Equipment

Ingredients

• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Pastry brush
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper

Preparation Steps

Preparing the Dough

For this recipe, you can either make dough from scratch or use store-bought dough. I recommend using refrigerated crescent roll dough for convenience.

Store-bought dough: Open the can of refrigerated crescent roll dough and unroll it on a lightly floured surface. If the dough is perforated, gently press the seams together to form a solid sheet.

Homemade dough: If you prefer to make dough from scratch, follow this simple recipe:

• In a mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast, 1 cup of warm milk, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
• Add 1/2 cup of melted butter, 2 eggs, and a pinch of salt. Gradually mix in 4 cups of all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about an hour or until doubled in size.

Making the Apple Filling

Next, let’s prepare the apple filling. This apple filling recipe is straightforward and adds a delightful twist to the traditional cinnamon roll.

1. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and finely chop the apples. Place them in a mixing bowl.
2. Filling ingredients: Add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the chopped apples. Stir well to combine.
3. Cooking the apple filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the apple mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender and the sugar has melted. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the apple cinnamon filling.
4. Finishing the filling: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Optionally, you can add 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. Let the apple cinnamon filling cool slightly.

Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls

Now it’s time to assemble the cinnamon rolls. Follow these steps to roll out dough, spread filling, and create your delicious apple cinnamon rolls.

1. Roll out dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the prepared dough into a rectangle, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Aim for an even thickness to ensure consistent baking.
2. Spread filling: Evenly spread the cooled apple cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent leakage during baking.
3. Rolling dough: Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use a gentle yet firm touch to keep the filling inside and the dough evenly rolled.
4. Cutting rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into 1-inch slices. You should get about 10-12 rolls from the dough.
5. Prepare for air frying: Place a piece of parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Arrange the assembled rolls in the basket, leaving a bit of space between each roll for even cooking.

How to Cook Apple Cinnamon Rolls in the Air Fryer

Here’s how to make:

1. Preheating air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking.

2. Prepare rolls for baking: Place the parchment paper with the assembled rolls in the air fryer basket. Make sure the rolls are spaced slightly apart.

3. Set temperature settings: Cook the cinnamon rolls at 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving a golden-brown finish without burning.

4. Cooking time: Cook the rolls for 8-10 minutes. Check after 8 minutes to avoid overcooking. The rolls should be golden brown and cooked through.

5. Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a roll. If it comes out clean, the rolls are done.

6. Cooling: Carefully remove the rolls from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes them easier to handle.

Essential note: Air fryers can vary, so keep an eye on the rolls during cooking to prevent over-browning. Adjust cooking time if necessary.

I’m very happy to share this air fryer cooking guide with you. Enjoy your delicious cinnamon rolls!

Icing the Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients for the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Making and Applying the Icing:

1. Make the icing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy. If the icing is too thick, add a bit more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
2. Apply the icing: Once the apple cinnamon rolls have cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the icing over the top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for more precise application. Make sure each roll is generously covered for the best flavor.

Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Choosing the Right Apples

Choosing the right apples is crucial for the best texture in your apple cinnamon filling. Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well during cooking and provide a nice balance of tart and sweet flavors. Avoid using soft apples as they can become mushy.

Ensuring Even Cooking

To ensure even cooking of your apple cinnamon rolls:

• Arrange rolls evenly in the air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space between each roll. This allows proper air circulation and ensures that all rolls cook evenly.
• Check halfway through cooking and rotate the rolls if necessary to promote uniform browning.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

For storing leftover cinnamon rolls:

• Store in an airtight container: Keep the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for longer storage: Place the rolls in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

To reheat:

• Microwave: Place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds.
• Air fryer: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispness.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

Here are some ideas to enhance your apple cinnamon rolls:

• Serve warm: These rolls are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the air fryer, with the icing slightly melted.
• Pair with: Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a delightful breakfast or snack.
• Add toppings: Sprinkle additional chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flavor and presentation.
• Experiment with spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the filling for a unique twist on the traditional apple cinnamon flavor.

I’m very happy to share these tips and tricks to help you make the most out of your apple cinnamon rolls.

Variations and Additions

Adding Nuts or Raisins

To add extra texture and flavor to your apple cinnamon rolls:

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) over the apple mixture before rolling the dough.
• Raisins: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of raisins evenly over the apple filling for a sweet and chewy addition.

Different Glazes

For a change from the traditional icing, try these alternatives:

Cream cheese glaze:

Ingredients:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

• In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
• Spread or drizzle over warm rolls.

Simple powdered sugar icing:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
• Drizzle over the warm rolls.

These variations and additions can help you customize your cinnamon rolls to your taste.

FAQs on Air Fryer Cooking Instructions

Final Words

Making air fryer apple cinnamon rolls is an easy recipe that results in a quick dessert or a healthy snack.

Simply prepare the dough, create the apple filling, assemble the rolls, and cook them in the air fryer.

This method is quick and ensures delicious, perfectly cooked cinnamon rolls every time.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the benefits of using an air fryer.

I’d love to hear how your apple cinnamon rolls turned out!

Happy cooking!

More Delicious and Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
• Air Fryer Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
• Air Fryer Avocado Toast with Egg
• Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
• Baby Potatoes Air Fryer

See all in at KitGiz for Air Fryer recipes.

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