📝 About This Recipe
Experience the ultimate morning indulgence with these pillowy, air-fried cinnamon rolls that boast a perfectly crisp exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth brioche center. By using the air fryer, you achieve a stunning golden-brown finish in half the time of a traditional oven, locking in the gooey buttery cinnamon filling. Topped with a velvety cream cheese icing, these rolls are a modern, time-saving twist on the classic bakery favorite.
🥗 Ingredients
The Dough
- 2 3/4 cups All-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons Instant yeast (one standard packet)
- 3/4 cup Whole milk (warmed to 110°F)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 large Egg (at room temperature)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Cinnamon Filling
- 1/4 cup Unsalted butter (very soft)
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar (packed)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Ground cinnamon
Vanilla Bean Glaze
- 4 ounces Cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup Powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2-3 tablespoons Heavy cream (to reach desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla bean paste (or pure vanilla extract)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warmed milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly foamy.
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2
Add the melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
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3
Gradually add the flour. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on low speed. If by hand, use a sturdy wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
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4
Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes (stand mixer) or 10 minutes (by hand) until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticking to your fingers.
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5
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes until doubled in size.
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6
While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Ensure your filling butter is softened to a spreadable consistency.
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7
Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 12x9 inch rectangle.
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8
Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border at the top. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the butter.
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9
Starting from the long edge closest to you, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
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10
Cut into 8 even slices using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss for a clean, non-squashed cut.
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11
Line your air fryer basket with a piece of perforated parchment paper. Place the rolls in the basket, leaving about 1/2 inch of space between them as they will expand.
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12
Let the rolls proof in the air fryer (turned off) for another 20-30 minutes until they look puffy.
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13
Set the air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Cook for 12-15 minutes. Check at the 10-minute mark; if they are browning too quickly, cover the top loosely with foil.
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14
While the rolls cook, whisk the cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla bean paste together until silky smooth.
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15
Remove the rolls from the air fryer and let cool for 5 minutes before slathering with the vanilla bean glaze. Serve warm.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use a digital thermometer to ensure your milk is between 105°F and 115°F; too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won't activate it. For the cleanest cuts, use unflavored dental floss: slide it under the log, cross it over the top, and pull quickly. Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; air needs to circulate to ensure the sides of the rolls cook through. If your air fryer runs hot, lower the temperature to 310°F to prevent the outside from burning before the center is done. You can prep these the night before: after cutting, place them in the basket, cover, and refrigerate. Air fry for an extra 2-3 minutes in the morning.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a hot cup of dark roast coffee or a creamy latte to balance the sweetness. Pair with a side of fresh seasonal berries or sliced tart apples. A glass of cold, fresh whole milk is the classic kid-friendly accompaniment. For a brunch spread, serve with crispy thick-cut bacon or savory breakfast sausage. Drizzle with a little extra salted caramel sauce for a truly decadent dessert experience.