Air Fryer Frozen Cinnamon Rolls

Air fryer frozen cinnamon rolls are the quickest way to a warm, sticky breakfast bake, because the rolls cook straight from the freezer and the basket heats in minutes. At 160°C the outside turns golden while the swirls soften all the way through, and the icing melts into the layers as soon as it hits a warm roll. This method suits ready-baked rolls from the supermarket freezer.

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Air fryer frozen cinnamon rolls golden and iced on a plate
Total
17 min
Prep
2 min
Cook
12 min
Serves
4
Per serving
310kcal

Ingredients and swaps for air fryer frozen cinnamon rolls

Any ready-baked frozen cinnamon roll or swirl works, as long as the pack says it can be heated from frozen. If there is no icing in the box, mix 60g of icing sugar with a tablespoon of milk, or beat 50g of full-fat soft cheese (such as Philadelphia) with 2 tablespoons of icing sugar for a cream cheese topping.

Air fryer frozen cinnamon rolls, step by step

Tap a time to start a timer.

  1. Preheat Heat the air fryer to 160°C for , with the basket empty.
  2. Add the rolls If you like, line the basket with a perforated liner or a small piece of baking paper, then put the rolls straight from the freezer into the basket in a single layer, swirl side up, about 2cm apart. Do not thaw them first, and do not stack them.
  3. Air fry Cook at 160°C for , checking at . They are ready when golden on top and hot and soft in the centre when you press the middle.
  4. Cool briefly Lift the rolls out with tongs onto a plate and leave for , so the icing melts into the swirls without running straight off.
  5. Ice and serve Spread over the icing and dust with a little cinnamon, if you like. Serve warm.

Oven alternative and serving

Without an air fryer, bake the rolls on a lined tray at 180°C (160°C fan), gas 4, for 12–15 minutes, until hot all the way through. Serve with a strong coffee, or alongside air fryer frozen croissants for a weekend brunch. To make the dough yourself, try air fryer cinnamon rolls.

Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Frozen Cinnamon Rolls

The tops are dark but the centre is still cold.
Your air fryer runs hot or the rolls are larger than average. Lower the temperature to 150°C, cook for 2–3 minutes longer and cover the tops loosely with foil if they are colouring too quickly.
The baking paper blows around and touches the heating element.
Use a perforated liner, or cut the paper smaller than the basket and only add it once the air fryer has preheated, so the rolls hold it down.
The icing runs off in a puddle.
The rolls were too hot. Wait the full 3 minutes, and if the icing is thin, mix in a spoonful of icing sugar until it thickens.

Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Frozen Cinnamon Rolls

How long do you cook frozen cinnamon rolls in the air fryer?

About 9 minutes at 160°C, after a 3-minute preheat. Check from 7 minutes, as brands and air fryers vary.

Do you need to thaw frozen cinnamon rolls first?

No, they cook best from frozen. Thawing makes them sticky and they can collapse in the basket.

What if my rolls are raw dough rather than ready-baked?

Follow the pack instructions for the oven, but lower the temperature by about 20°C and check the centre early. If a thin knife comes out sticky, cook for a few minutes more at 150°C.

Can you reheat leftover cinnamon rolls?

Yes. Keep un-iced rolls in an airtight container for up to 1 day, then air fry at 150°C for 1–2 minutes until warm.

How did you like the recipe?

4.7 / 5 · 8 ratings