These air fryer cinnamon rolls are incredibly quick and easy. Topped with a tangy cream cheese glaze, you can be enjoying warm, fluffy rolls in about fifteen minutes.
Cinnamon rolls evoke cozy mornings, autumn scents and festive breakfasts. The aroma of freshly baked rolls drifting through the house is unbeatable — it wakes everyone up and puts smiles on faces. The downside is that traditional cinnamon rolls can take hours of prep, rising and baking. That’s where this speedy air fryer version comes in.
These rolls trade lengthy preparation for convenience without sacrificing taste. The dough uses just two main ingredients and comes together in minutes. While the air fryer warms, mix up a quick cinnamon-sugar butter and prepare a simple cream cheese glaze. In about fifteen minutes from start to finish you’ll have soft, swirled rolls ready to eat — faster than running to the store, and you likely already have everything on hand.
What are you waiting for? Grab your air fryer and let’s make cinnamon rolls the easy way.
Ingredients
White self-raising flour: Best for this recipe. If you prefer, use plain flour with baking powder (about 2 tsp baking powder per 1 cup plain flour). For a slightly healthier option, swap up to 1/2 cup for wholemeal self-raising flour — I do this often and it still tastes great.
Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and structure to the dough. Use thick Greek yogurt; plain yogurt is usually too runny. For a dairy-free alternative you could experiment with a thick coconut yogurt (untested).
Ground cinnamon: Essential for that classic cinnamon swirl.
Brown sugar: Light or dark brown sugar adds a caramel note; use whichever you prefer.
Butter: Used for the cinnamon-sugar filling.
Optional cream cheese glaze: Full-fat cream cheese makes a richer glaze. Powdered (icing) sugar sweetens and thickens it, while a splash of fresh lemon juice balances the sweetness. Add a touch of vanilla for depth.
How to make Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat the air fryer to 340°F (170°C) — most air fryers take only a few minutes to reach temperature.
Combine the flour and Greek yogurt in a bowl and mix until a cohesive dough forms. You’ll likely need to use your hands to bring the dough together, working until no dry flour remains. Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll the dough out into a rectangle roughly 30 x 15 cm, turning and re-flouring as needed to prevent sticking.
Soften the butter briefly in the microwave (10–20 seconds), then stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon to make the filling. Spread this mixture evenly over the rolled dough.
Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice the log into about eight equal pieces — cutting in half repeatedly works well. Use a sharp knife dusted with flour and a gentle sawing motion to keep the rolls from being squashed. Place the scrolls spiral-side up directly into the air fryer basket or into a greased cake tin that fits your air fryer.
Tip: Cooking directly on the air fryer basket produces a nicer golden crust but can let some filling drip into the fryer. Baking in a tin is cleaner but can leave the bottoms slightly softer. Choose the method that suits you.
Air fry at 340°F (170°C) for about 10 minutes, then check. If they need more color, add a few more minutes until golden brown.
While the rolls bake, make the cream cheese glaze: beat the cream cheese with lemon juice and vanilla until smooth, then sift in the powdered sugar and mix until well combined. If you prefer a thinner glaze, add a splash of milk to reach the desired consistency.
Brush or drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the rolls while warm, or serve them plain if you prefer.
How to serve
Serve the rolls warm on a plate and enjoy. They’re delicious fresh from the air fryer, with or without cream cheese glaze.
How to store
These cinnamon scrolls are best eaten the day they’re made while still warm. Leftovers will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, though they may dry out slightly.
The cream cheese glaze freezes well. Make a double batch and freeze extra in a small airtight container; thaw and warm a few tablespoons briefly in the microwave before drizzling over freshly warmed rolls.
Have you made this recipe? Tell me how it went in the comments below and tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations!
Looking for more yummy dessert recipes?
Try these other treats:
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake
- Cinnamon sugar pita chips
- Biscoff Cinnamon Rolls
- Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream
- Stewed pears
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📋 Recipe
Air fryer cinnamon scrolls
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (225 g) white self raising flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 cup (250 g) Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ tablespoons (30 g) butter
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
Optional cream cheese glaze
- ¼ tub (55 g) full fat cream cheese
- ⅓ cup (55 g) icing/powdered sugar
- ⅛ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 340°F (170°C) for about five minutes.
- Mix the Greek yogurt with the flour until a dough forms, using your hands if needed.
- Lightly flour the work surface and roll the dough into a rectangle about 30 x 15 cm.
- Soften the butter, stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon, and spread across the dough.
- Roll the dough up along the long edge into a log and cut into about eight pieces.
- Place the scrolls spiral-side up in the air fryer basket or a greased tin.
- Cook at 340°F (170°C) for 10 minutes, then check and continue a few minutes if needed until golden brown.
- While baking, beat the cream cheese with lemon and vanilla, then sift in the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
- Remove the rolls and serve immediately, drizzled with glaze if desired.
Notes
The cream cheese glaze freezes well — make extra, freeze in a small container, then thaw and warm a spoonful before serving.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate. For precise values calculate based on the specific brands you use.
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