Learn how to make Cinnamon Rolls in the Air Fryer — they turn out perfectly every time. The inside is warm, soft, and tender while the exterior gains a light, thin crisp. This method is a quick and reliable way to prepare store-bought cinnamon rolls like Pillsbury or other pre-made brands, and it delivers superior texture and flavor compared with baking in a conventional oven.
Why This Recipe is the Best
When you need a fast dessert or a quick celebratory breakfast, canned cinnamon rolls are an easy solution. Cooking them in the air fryer shortens the time and improves texture: you get soft, tender centers with a subtle crispness outside. This method works with Pillsbury and other brands—choose whichever you prefer.
Try other cinnamon roll ideas like TikTok Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnamon Roll Casserole, or our homemade version, The Best Cinnamon Rolls.
Key Ingredients
These air fryer cinnamon rolls require just two main ingredients. Follow the tips below for the best results.
- Refrigerator cinnamon rolls — Pillsbury works great, but any brand of pre-made cinnamon rolls will do.
- Avocado oil (for brushing the air fryer basket) — avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. Other oils are acceptable, but avoid olive oil if you’re concerned about residue accumulating on the basket over time.
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
Use the photos and steps below as a visual guide to help you achieve the ideal texture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Remove the basket and brush a thin layer of avocado oil (or your preferred high-smoke-point oil) on the basket to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a single layer in the basket about ½” apart (or slightly closer if you want them to touch and puff into each other). Place them with the cinnamon filling side up.
*If you prefer the rolls not to touch, space them further apart and reduce the cooking time by about 2 minutes.
- Cook for 6–9 minutes at 350°F. Many air fryers will be perfect around 7 minutes — you want a light golden brown on the edges and a soft, tender center.
- Bring the included frosting to room temperature and drizzle it over the warm rolls. For frosting that soaks in and sets, pour it over while the rolls are still warm. If you want the frosting to sit on top and be sticky, let the rolls cool completely before adding the frosting.
Hint: Lining the air fryer basket with a small piece of aluminum foil can make cleanup easier; just be sure air can still circulate.
Top tips
Watch the cook time closely — overcooking will make the rolls dry and tough rather than soft and tender.
Rotate the basket halfway through if your air fryer has a rotating tray, or flip the basket orientation for more even browning.
Adjust the time as needed: air fryers vary in power, so start with 7 minutes and check for doneness. We tested with a NINJA Foodi Grill XL.
Arrange rolls in a single layer, leaving room to expand for even cooking.
Recipe
Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls (Pillsbury)
Nicole
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls 1 package
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil
Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and remove the basket.
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Brush avocado oil over the basket to prevent the cinnamon rolls from sticking.
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Place the cinnamon rolls in the basket in a single layer about ½” apart or slightly closer if you want them to touch and puff together.
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Cook for 6–9 minutes. Ours reached the ideal texture at 7 minutes: lightly golden edges and soft centers. Check visually to avoid overcooking.
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For crisper edges, space the rolls more than ½” apart and reduce the cooking time by about 2 minutes.
Notes
- Serve these hot and fresh for best flavor. Store uncooked rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
- Freezing: store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw to room temperature and reheat as directed.
- Air fryer models vary, so monitor cook time and adjust as needed. This recipe was tested in a NINJA Foodi Grill XL.
- Do not overcook—overbaking dries them out.
- If your air fryer allows, rotate the basket mid-cook for more even browning.
Nutrition
Try homemade components with recipes for Cinnamon Roll Filling, Cinnamon Roll Icing, or Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls to elevate this treat.
Substitutions and Variations
Mix things up with these easy variations.
- Oil — feel free to use another neutral oil with a high smoke point. Avoid coconut oil due to its lower smoke point.
- Caramel — drizzle a homemade caramel topping over the finished rolls for extra indulgence.
- Nuts — sprinkle chopped pecans for a cinnamon-pecan twist.
- Chocolate — drizzle melted chocolate for a rich, Mexican-chocolate–style finish.
- Egg Nog — for holiday flair, try an egg-nog–style glaze.
- Maple Bacon — top with a maple glaze and crispy bacon bits for a sweet-and-salty combo.
Storing Pillsbury Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
Store uncooked rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and cook when ready. To freeze, place in an airtight container for up to 2 months; thaw to room temperature before reheating.
How to Reheat Cinnamon Rolls in the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 360°F and reheat for 3–4 minutes, checking at 2 minutes to avoid overheating.
Serving Suggestions:
- Fruit — serve with fresh fruit for contrast and brightness.
- Eggs — pair with eggs for added protein and a balanced breakfast.
- Breakfast Meat — serve with sausage or bacon if you prefer savory sides.
- Coffee, Tea, or Orange Juice — classic beverages that complement cinnamon rolls perfectly.