Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists
These Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists are a quick and delicious treat made with buttery puff pastry and dusted with cinnamon sugar, ready in under 15 minutes.
I grew up with the sizzle of butter and cinnamon in the oven; these Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists give me that nostalgia in under 15 minutes. They’re a fast, flaky treat—perfect for breakfast on the go, an after-school snack, or a last-minute addition to a brunch spread. If you enjoy easy air fryer sweets and simple party bites, this recipe pairs nicely with other crispy air-fried recipes like air fryer bang bang salmon bites for a sweet-and-savory spread.
Why you’ll love this dish
These twists deliver big flavor with almost no fuss. You get layers of buttery puff pastry dusted with cinnamon-sugar, quickly crisped to golden perfection in the air fryer. It’s budget-friendly (one sheet of puff pastry goes a long way), kid-approved, and much quicker than making dough from scratch.
What makes it especially handy is how flexible it is: scale up for a crowd, serve with coffee, or turn it into a kid-friendly dessert with a simple cream cheese dip.
How this recipe comes together
Before you start, here’s the overall flow so you know what to expect: thaw puff pastry, slice into strips, brush with melted butter, sprinkle on cinnamon-sugar, twist each strip, then air fry until golden. Plan about 10–15 minutes active work and another 8–10 minutes cooking time. You’ll work quickly, so have the cinnamon-sugar and butter ready before you cut the pastry.
What you’ll need
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Cream cheese dip (for serving)
Notes: Use store-bought puff pastry for speed. For a dairy-free version, swap the melted butter for a plant-based spread and use dairy-free cream cheese for the dip.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it gently to smooth seams. Cut the sheet into strips about 1-inch to 1.5-inch wide.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Brush each pastry strip lightly with the melted butter, making sure edges are sealed. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar evenly over the buttered side.
- Hold each strip at both ends and twist several times to create a rope; place each twist in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space for air circulation.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, checking at 8 minutes. Turn once if your air fryer has hot spots. They should be puffed, golden-brown, and crisp.
- Remove carefully and serve warm with cream cheese dip.
Short tip: work in small batches so the twists don’t overlap; puff pastry needs space to rise.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists
- Prep
- 10 MIN
- Cook
- 10 MIN
- Total
- 20 MIN
- Serves
- 4
01Ingredients
Main Ingredients
For Serving
02Method
- Preparation
- Assembly
- Cooking
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0 OF 11 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01For best results, work in small batches so the twists don’t overlap; puff pastry needs space to rise. Store leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
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Best ways to enjoy it
Serve these warm right out of the air fryer with a small bowl of cream cheese dip for dunking. They’re wonderful with:
- A steaming mug of coffee or chai.
- Fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries to cut the sweetness.
- A plate of savory finger foods for contrast; try pairing them alongside cheesy bites or a veggie platter—air-fried textures balance especially well with these twists, such as the crunchy air fryer crispy ravioli.
For parties, arrange them upright in a mason jar or fan them on a platter so guests can grab-and-dip.
Storage and reheating tips
Store leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze cooled twists in a single layer on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. To reheat: pop frozen or room-temp twists back into the air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 3–5 minutes until crisp and warmed through. Avoid microwaving—microwaves make puff pastry soggy.
Food safety note: cream cheese dip should be refrigerated and used within 3–4 days.
Creative twists
- Chocolate-stuffed: spread a thin strip of Nutella under the cinnamon-sugar before twisting.
- Apple-cinnamon: add a few thin apple slices on top of each strip before twisting for a mini-turnover vibe.
- Savory-sweet: swap cinnamon for everything bagel seasoning and serve with herbed cream cheese.
- Gluten-free approach: use a store-bought gluten-free puff pastry, keeping in mind texture may vary.
FAQ
How long does puff pastry need to thaw?
For best results thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If rushed, leave it on the counter for 20–30 minutes until pliable but still cool. Avoid letting it get warm.
Can I bake these in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, or until puffed and golden. Check earlier since ovens vary.
Is the cream cheese dip necessary?
No, but it’s a great complement—plain cream cheese thinned with a little milk and a touch of vanilla or maple is perfect. You can also use whipped cream, mascarpone, or a simple glaze.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
You can assemble and freeze the twists on a sheet pan, then bake or air-fry straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to cook time. Prepare the dip fresh the day of serving.
Are these vegan-friendly?
They’re not as written, but you can substitute plant-based puff pastry, vegan butter, and a dairy-free cream cheese to make them vegan.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists are a fast, crowd-pleasing pastry that delivers bakery flavor with minimal effort. For a copycat take and an alternate method, see this recipe for a similar twist on the idea at Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists In The Air Fryer (Copycat Recipe). For another idea, try my Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples.
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
