Air Fryer Monkey Bread
A warm and sticky dessert made from cinnamon-sugared dough, perfect for brunch or gatherings, and easy to pull apart.
I still remember the first time I pulled a warm, sticky ball of cinnamon-sugared monkey bread from the air fryer—crispy on the outside, pillowy inside, and impossibly easy to tear apart. This is the kind of dessert (or weekend brunch centerpiece) that disappears fast, and the air fryer makes it faster and cleaner than a traditional bundt-pan bake. If you want a quick crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for holidays, sleepovers, or an indulgent weekend treat, this recipe delivers without fuss. For a contrasting sweet option to include on a brunch spread, pair it with a lighter high-protein dish like this high-protein dessert recipe that keeps things balanced.
Why you’ll love this dish
Air fryer monkey bread is one of those recipes that looks impressive but is supremely forgiving. It’s:
- Fast: Ready in about 25–35 minutes total.
- No-fuss: Uses refrigerated biscuit dough or pre-made dough for an easy shortcut.
- Shareable: Pull-apart format makes it perfect for groups and kids.
- Versatile: Sweet or savory variations work equally well.
When to make it: weekends, holiday brunches, potlucks, or anytime you want a warm comfort dessert without babying the oven.
The cooking process explained
Before you dive into ingredients, here’s the quick overview so you know what to expect: cut dough into bite-sized pieces, toss in a butter/sugar (or butter/cheese/herb) coating, layer in the air fryer basket so heat circulates evenly, and cook until golden. Finish with a glaze or drizzle while warm. The entire process is hands-on for only about 10 minutes; the air fryer does the rest.
- Prep time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook time: 12–18 minutes (depending on air fryer and size)
- Makes: One 6–8 inch pull-apart loaf (feeds 6–8)
What you’ll need
- 2 cans (16 oz total) refrigerated biscuit dough, or about 24 small dough pieces (substitute: homemade yeast dough for a more bready texture)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted) — can reduce to 1/3 cup if you prefer less richness
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional glaze: 3/4 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tbsp milk + 1/2 tsp vanilla extract Notes and substitutions:
- For dairy-free: use a plant-based butter and powdered sugar glaze made with almond milk.
- For a savory twist: swap sugar + cinnamon for grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and chopped parsley; omit glaze.
Directions to follow
- Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (163°C). This lower temperature helps the interior cook through without burning the outside.
- Cut each biscuit into quarters and place them in a large bowl.
- In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Pour melted butter over the dough pieces and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Using a slotted spoon or tongs, toss butter-coated pieces in the cinnamon-sugar until well covered.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray or brush with a little butter. Arrange the coated dough pieces in the basket in a loose mound—avoid compressing them; leaving small gaps allows hot air to circulate for even browning.
- Cook at 325°F for 12 minutes, then check: the top should be golden brown. If the center still looks raw or doughy, cook in 2–3 minute increments until cooked through; total time often ranges 12–18 minutes depending on your model.
- Carefully lift the monkey bread from the basket onto a cooling rack set over a sheet of foil or parchment.
- While warm, drizzle the powdered sugar glaze over the top or spoon warm caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Let sit for 5 minutes, then serve by pulling apart the sticky pieces.
Quick safety tip: Air fryer baskets get very hot—use tongs and oven mitts when removing the bread, and allow a few minutes before serving to avoid burns from melted sugar.
01Ingredients
Dough Base
Coating
Optional Glaze
02Method
- Preparation
- Cooking
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0 OF 12 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01For a savory twist, replace sugar with grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and chopped parsley; omit glaze. Store covered at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for 3 days.
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Best ways to enjoy it
- Serve warm straight from the air fryer with a simple vanilla glaze, salted caramel, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Make a brunch board: pair with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a light savory option—this savory shawarma rice salad makes a great contrast to the sweetness.
- For a party, split into mini servings in ramekins or muffin tins and top each with a tiny scoop of mascarpone.
Presentation tip: Place the monkey bread on a wooden board, dust with cinnamon, and garnish with orange zest for a fresh perfume.
How to store & freeze
Room temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 1 day in an airtight container to preserve crisp edges.
Refrigerator: Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container; keep up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze fully cooled monkey bread in a well-wrapped foil packet or freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: Warm leftovers in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 4–6 minutes to re-crisp the exterior, or microwave in 20–30 second bursts if you need it fast (will be softer). Always check temperature—serve warm but not scalding.
Creative twists
- Apple-cinnamon: Toss pieces with small diced apple and a pinch of nutmeg; add a caramel drizzle.
- Chocolate chip: Drop mini chocolate chips between layered pieces before cooking so they melt into pockets.
- Savory herb: Replace sugar with grated Parmesan, rosemary, and a pinch of smoked paprika—serve with marinara for dipping.
- Vegan: Use vegan biscuit dough and a plant-based butter; swap glaze milk for oat milk.
- Mini versions: Use a silicone muffin tray in the air fryer for individually portioned monkey bread bites—cook time will drop by several minutes.
Helpful answers
Can I use homemade dough instead of biscuits?
Yes. Use enriched yeast dough shaped into small balls. Expect slightly longer proof and cooking time; reduce air fryer temp to 320°F and watch closely.
My top browned but center was undercooked—what went wrong?
Likely heat too high or basket over-packed. Lower temperature and/or split into two batches so air circulates.
Is it safe to make caramel in the air fryer?
Avoid making sugar-to-plate caramel inside the air fryer. If adding a caramel sauce, prepare it separately on the stove and pour over warm bread.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free biscuit dough or a reliable gluten-free yeast dough. Texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
How long does it take from start to plate?
Roughly 25–35 minutes total: 10–15 minutes prep, 12–18 minutes cook.
Conclusion
If you love crunchy edges and soft, gooey centers, air fryer monkey bread is an unbeatable quick dessert or brunch showstopper—easy enough for a weeknight treat yet special enough for celebrations. For inspiration on crisp textures in other recipes, check out this take on the crispiest chicken cutlets – Smitten Kitchen. You might also like my Easy Banana Bread Recipe.
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