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.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Swap half for whole-wheat pastry flour for nuttier flavor
- 4 teaspoons granulated sugar Add an extra teaspoon for a sweeter dough if desired.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes Keep cold for best texture.
- 1/3 cup whole milk Or use 2% for a slightly lighter dough.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar Light or dark.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Glaze Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (2 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon milk (optional) To thin the glaze.
Instructions
Preparation
- 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.
Assembly
- 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 and 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.
Baking
- Place the pan in the air fryer basket and bake for 10–14 minutes, until the rolls are puffed and lightly golden; a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Glazing
- While the rolls bake, beat together the cream cheese and 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 for 2–3 minutes, then drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve.
Notes
Serve 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.