Air Fryer Cinnamon Swirls
Introduction
Cinnamon swirls (or cinnamon rolls) are a breakfast classic, and the air fryer version makes them quick, easy, and slightly healthier since they require less butter than traditional oven-baked rolls. Fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon sugar filling, and optional icing make them irresistible. Perfect for a cozy breakfast, brunch, or snack.
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough to rise if using yeast)
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes (quick yeast dough)
Air Fryer Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Ingredients (Makes 6–8 swirls)
For the Dough
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp instant yeast
1 tbsp sugar
¼ tsp salt
⅓ cup milk (warm)
1 tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling
2 tbsp butter, softened
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional: pinch of nutmeg
For the Glaze (Optional)
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp milk
¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
Add warm milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
Mix and knead until smooth (~5 minutes).
Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until doubled in size.
Roll and Fill
Roll dough into a rectangle (~½ inch thick).
Spread softened butter evenly over the surface.
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly on top.
Shape the Swirls
Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log.
Slice into 6–8 even pieces (~1–1.5 inches thick).
Air Fry the Cinnamon Swirls
Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Place swirls in a single layer in the basket (leave space to expand).
Air fry for 10–12 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Optional: brush with a little butter immediately after cooking for extra shine.
Add Glaze (Optional)
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
Drizzle over warm swirls.
Tips for Perfect Swirls
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket — allow them to expand.
Brush tops with butter before or after cooking for extra softness.
Use a mix of brown and white sugar for a richer flavor.
For extra gooey filling, add a few chocolate chips or raisins inside before rolling.
Variations
Chocolate Cinnamon Swirls
Add chocolate chips or Nutella inside before rolling.
Apple Cinnamon
Add finely chopped apples with cinnamon sugar for fruity swirls.
Cream Cheese Glaze
Use cream cheese + powdered sugar + vanilla for a richer topping.
Cardamom & Cinnamon
Replace half cinnamon with cardamom for a warm, aromatic twist.
Serving Ideas
Serve warm for breakfast or brunch.
Pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Great for kids’ snacks or a sweet treat at any time.
Precautions
Check air fryer settings — cooking time may vary depending on model.
Dough rises best in a warm, draft-free area.
Don’t skip rolling evenly — uneven thickness may cause uneven cooking.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Cinnamon Swirls are quick, fluffy, and lightly caramelized. Perfect for a cozy morning or a sweet snack, they are easier and faster than traditional oven-baked rolls. Fun to customize with chocolate, nuts, or fruit, they are a delicious treat for the whole family!