Save I discovered air-fryer cinnamon roll twists by accident one rushed Tuesday morning when I had exactly ten minutes before my sister arrived and nothing sweet to offer. The frozen dough sat in my fridge like a puzzle waiting to be solved, and somehow twisting it around cinnamon and sugar felt both desperate and inspired. When they came out golden and puffy, their edges crispy and centers soft, I realized I'd stumbled onto something that tastes like a bakery visit but takes less time than brewing good coffee.
My neighbor actually called it—she'd heard the air fryer humming through our shared wall and showed up at the door just as I was drizzling the glaze, drawn by the smell alone. We ended up sitting on my kitchen counter eating them straight off the plate, the warm icing running down our fingers while we talked about our week. That's when I understood these twists were more than breakfast; they were an invitation.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough (8 oz / 225 g): This is your foundation, and using quality dough really matters—cheap versions won't puff up the same way, so spend a little extra if you can.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tbsp): The melted butter acts like glue for the cinnamon sugar and creates those irresistible golden edges, so don't skip it or substitute it.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup / 50 g): Brown sugar holds moisture better than white sugar, which keeps your filling from drying out during the quick air-fry.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 tsp): This is where the magic lives—use fresh cinnamon if possible, as old spice fades into the background when you need it most.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup / 60 g): Sifting this before mixing saves you lumpy glaze and shows in every bite.
- Milk (1–2 tbsp): Start with one tablespoon and add gradually until your glaze hits that drizzle-sweet spot without becoming runny.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 tsp): A quarter teaspoon is gentle enough not to overpower, but noticeable enough to round out the sweetness.
Instructions
- Warm up your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for the full three minutes—this matters more than you'd think because a properly heated basket means golden edges instead of pale centers. It's the first choice that determines everything else.
- Prep and butter the dough:
- Unroll your dough gently on a lightly floured surface and press out any seams so it stays together when you fold it. Brush the entire surface with that melted butter using long, even strokes, getting into every corner like you're painting a small canvas.
- Mix and layer your cinnamon sugar:
- Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl first, then sprinkle it generously over the buttered dough so every bite will have that warm spice. This is where your restraint pays off—don't oversaturate, but don't be shy either.
- Fold and seal:
- Fold the dough in half lengthwise and gently press down the seam so the filling stays tucked inside during twisting and cooking. You're not looking for a tight seal, just enough pressure that it holds together.
- Cut and twist with intention:
- Slice the folded dough into eight equal strips, then hold each strip at both ends and twist it three to four times—too many twists makes them dense, too few and they won't look special. Pinch the ends to seal so everything stays wound together in the heat.
- Arrange and air-fry:
- Place your twists in the basket with space between each one so hot air can circulate freely—crowding them steams instead of crisps them. Air-fry for seven to eight minutes, checking at the six-minute mark so you catch them at that perfect golden moment.
- Glaze while warm:
- While the twists cool just enough to handle, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle generously over each twist so it soaks in slightly while they're still warm. The warmth helps the glaze set but stay glossy.
Save I remember my daughter taking her first bite and going quiet in that way kids do when something surprises them in the best way—her eyes got big and she asked if we could make them every Sunday. That single question made me realize these twists had become part of our routine, our small tradition, something she'd probably remember long after I stop making them.
Why the Air Fryer Changes Everything
The air fryer doesn't just cook faster—it's almost like it caramelizes the sugar differently, creating this glossy exterior that feels more bakery than home kitchen. The butter in the filling gets absorbed and crisped instead of greasy, which sounds technical but tastes like the difference between good and unforgettable. I've tried these in the oven and they're fine, but they never quite achieve that same combination of crunch and steam.
Customizing Your Twists
Once you've made these once, you'll want to play with them—that's the beautiful part about such a simple base. I've added chopped pecans to the filling for nutty warmth, swapped in maple sugar for deeper caramel notes, and even brushed them with espresso powder mixed into the glaze for a mocha version that stopped conversations. The dough is forgiving enough to handle experimentation without falling apart.
Storing and Second-Day Life
These are absolutely best fresh and warm, but I've kept them in an airtight container for two days and they still taste pretty good at room temperature. If you want that crispy-fresh feeling back, pop them in the air fryer for just a minute or two at 325°F and watch them come alive again—it's like a small kitchen resurrection. The glaze may soften slightly when reheated, but a drizzle of fresh glaze takes about thirty seconds and brings them back to their original magic.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature and eat within two days for best texture.
- You can also freeze unbaked twists and air-fry them directly from frozen, adding just a minute or two to the cooking time.
- Make the glaze fresh each time rather than trying to store it, because it's so quick and always tastes better when you do.
Save These twists remind me that the best recipes aren't about complexity or fancy ingredients—they're about creating moments. A little butter, some cinnamon sugar, and eight minutes of heat transform ordinary into something people genuinely want to wake up for.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What dough works best for these twists?
Refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough both provide a flaky, tender base perfect for twisting and baking in the air fryer.
- → Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the cinnamon sugar mixture for extra crunch and flavor.
- → How do I prevent the twists from sticking in the air fryer?
Place twists with space between them in the air fryer basket and cook in batches if needed to allow even airflow and avoid sticking.
- → Is there a way to vary the sugar in the filling?
You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar to introduce a slightly different sweetness and flavor profile.
- → How should the twists be stored if not eaten immediately?
Store cooled twists in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat briefly in the air fryer for freshness before serving.