Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls (No Yeast)
Quick and easy cinnamon rolls made without yeast, perfect for brunch or a cozy breakfast, ready in under 30 minutes.
I learned this quick no-yeast cinnamon roll trick on a rushed weekend morning, and it’s been my go-to ever since. These Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls (No Yeast) are tender, buttery, and iced to perfection in under 30 minutes—perfect for brunch, a cozy breakfast in bed, or a last-minute treat when guests pop by.
Why you’ll love this dish
These cinnamon rolls skip the rising time required by yeast dough, so you get warm, homemade pastries in a fraction of the time. They’re budget-friendly (minimal pantry staples), kid-approved (soft, sweet, and not overly complex), and perfect for small kitchens because they bake right in a 7-inch pan inside the air fryer. If you want fresh pastries without planning ahead, this recipe is the answer.
Step-by-step overview
Quick snapshot of the process so you know what’s involved:
- Combine dry ingredients, cut in cold butter, and stir in milk to form a soft dough.
- Roll dough into a 9 x 12" rectangle, spread the cinnamon-brown sugar filling, then roll and slice into six rolls.
- Arrange in a greased 7-inch pan and air-fry at 320°F for 10–14 minutes until golden.
- Whip a simple cream cheese glaze and drizzle over warm rolls.
This overview helps when you’re scanning—ingredients, rolling, baking, and glazing are the four key stages.
What you’ll need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (swap half for whole-wheat pastry flour for nuttier flavor)
- 4 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes
- 1/3 cup whole milk (or use 2% for a slightly lighter dough)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (2 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon milk (optional, to thin the glaze)
Notes: If you need a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter and a vegan cream cheese substitute; texture will be similar but slightly less tender. If you prefer a sweeter dough, add an extra teaspoon of granulated sugar.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F and grease a 7-inch round cake pan thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add the cold, cubed butter. Use two forks or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles damp sand with pea-sized bits of butter.
- Pour in the milk and stir with a spatula until the dough clumps together into a soft ball.
- Lightly flour your counter and roll the dough into a 9 x 12-inch rectangle.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
- Brush the dough with the two tablespoons melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the surface.
- Starting from one short side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Seal the seam by pinching the dough edge.
- Slice the log into six equal sections (about 1½ inches each). Arrange the slices, cut-side up, in the prepared pan.
- Place the pan in the air fryer basket and bake for 10–14 minutes. The rolls should be puffed and lightly golden; a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- While the rolls bake, beat together the cream cheese and the softened tablespoon of butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until creamy. Stir in 1 teaspoon milk if you want a thinner glaze.
- Remove the pan from the air fryer, let the rolls cool 2–3 minutes, then drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls (No Yeast)
- Prep
- 20 MIN
- Cook
- 14 MIN
- Total
- 34 MIN
- Serves
- 6
01Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
Glaze Ingredients
02Method
- Preparation
- Assembly
- Baking
- Glazing
Tap a step when it's done. The next one lights up.
0 OF 13 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01Serve these warm straight from the pan for the best texture. Pair with coffee or fresh fruit. Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
How did it turn out?
No ratings yet. Tap a star to be the first.
Snap a photo and tag @recipe_smoke1 so I can see how yours came out.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve these warm straight from the pan for the best texture—soft centers and slightly crisp edges. They pair beautifully with:
- A strong cup of coffee or a vanilla latte.
- Fresh fruit or a simple mixed-green salad for a brunch spread.
- A savory side like scrambled eggs and smoked salmon if you want contrast.
For a playful pairing suggestion, try them alongside an air-fried savory snack for variety; I sometimes serve them with air-fryer crispy ravioli for a sweet-and-salty brunch board: air-fryer crispy ravioli makes an unexpected but delightful companion.
Storage and reheating tips
To store: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days.
To freeze: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat: Warm a roll in the microwave for 15–25 seconds, or reheat in a 325°F oven or air fryer for 4–6 minutes until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw first or add a couple extra minutes in the oven.
Food safety: Because these contain dairy, discard leftovers left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Flavor swaps
- Apple-cinnamon: Fold 1/2 cup finely diced, sautéed apples into the filling for a fruity twist.
- Nutty pecan: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon-sugar layer for crunch.
- Orange-cream: Add 1 teaspoon orange zest to the glaze and swap half the powdered sugar for orange-flavored powdered sugar.
- Chocolate: Mix 2 tablespoons cocoa into the filling or add mini chocolate chips before rolling.
- Vegan/dairy-free: Use plant-based margarine and vegan cream cheese; use a non-dairy milk.
Common questions
How long does this take from start to finish?
A: Active work time is about 15–20 minutes (mixing, rolling, slicing). Bake time is 10–14 minutes, so plan for ~30 minutes total.
Can I make this recipe larger or use a different pan?
A: Yes—double the recipe for a larger batch, but bake in a wider pan (9-inch) and you may need to increase bake time slightly and check for doneness. In a larger pan you’ll have more rolls or thicker ones, so adjust timing and spacing.
Can I substitute active dry yeast instead for fluffier rolls?
A: This recipe is intentionally yeast-free. You can use yeast to make traditional cinnamon rolls, but that requires proofing, rising time, and different ingredient ratios. For quick results, stick with the baking powder/soda method here.
My rolls browned on the bottom before the top was done. What happened?
A: Air fryers often circulate hot air more intensely at the bottom. Use a light-colored pan, lower the air-fryer shelf if possible, and check doneness earlier. You can tent with foil for the last minute if the tops are browning too fast.
Conclusion
If you want more ideas for air-fryer cinnamon roll techniques and inspiration, this roundup on Cinnamon Rolls in Air Fryer – The Delicious Plate offers useful variations and troubleshooting. You might also like my Cinnamon Rolls in Air Fryer with Rich Glaze for Cozy Mornings.
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
