Quick and Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists

Cinnamon twists made in an air fryer are the perfect combination of crispy, buttery goodness, and a delightful cinnamon-sugar flavor that will satisfy your sweet tooth in no time. Whether you’re hosting a movie night, craving a quick snack, or looking for a fun breakfast treat, these cinnamon twists will make you feel like you’ve stepped into your favorite bakery. In this article, we’ll walk you through every step of the recipe, including expert tips and tricks, to help you make the best air fryer cinnamon twists you’ve ever tasted!

Why Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists Are the Perfect Treat

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we prepare crispy foods. By using hot air circulation instead of oil, the air fryer produces a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender. This cooking method is perfect for cinnamon twists, as it allows the dough to cook evenly while retaining that irresistible crunch.

Here’s why you’ll love making air fryer cinnamon twists:

• Quick and Easy: With the help of the air fryer, you can have a batch of these cinnamon twists ready in less than 30 minutes.

• Minimal Ingredients: The recipe uses basic ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen, so no need for a lengthy grocery list.

• No Deep Frying: Unlike traditional recipes that require deep frying, the air fryer gives you the same crispy texture with less oil and fewer calories.

• Kid-Friendly: With simple steps and fun twisting motions, this recipe is perfect for involving kids in the kitchen.

• Versatile: You can customize the flavor by adjusting the sweetness of the cinnamon-sugar coating or even try different dips.

Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these delectable treats!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these air fryer cinnamon twists, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. The best part? You don’t have to make your own dough from scratch! Using pre-made dough will save you a ton of time and still deliver the perfect result.

Main Ingredients:

• Frozen Dinner Roll Dough Balls: A quick and easy base for your cinnamon twists. Any frozen dinner roll dough will do, but make sure to thaw it out properly before using.

• Canola Oil: Used to brush on the dough to ensure it cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly in the air fryer. You can also substitute with non-stick cooking spray if desired.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens up the cinnamon coating.

• Cinnamon: Adds that warm, fragrant spice that makes these twists so irresistible.

• Salted Butter: Adds a rich, buttery flavor that complements the cinnamon sugar.

Cream Cheese Dip:

To make these twists even more indulgent, pair them with a creamy dip. This dip takes just a few ingredients and pairs beautifully with the warm twists.

• Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for the smoothest consistency.

• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor of the cream cheese dip.

• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the dip without leaving any graininess.

• Milk: To achieve a creamy, drizzle-worthy consistency. You can use 2% milk for a rich texture.

How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making air fryer cinnamon twists is simple and fun! Follow these easy steps for a perfectly crispy and sweet treat.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• Cut and Roll: Begin by cutting each dinner roll dough ball into half, making 24 portions in total. Roll each portion into a 6-inch long strip.

• Twist the Dough: Grasp both ends of each dough strip and twist them in opposite directions (clockwise or counterclockwise) to form the signature twist. This is the fun part!

• Pinch and Tuck: After twisting, pinch the ends of the dough together and tuck the thinnest part underneath to secure the shape.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Set the Temperature: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. This will ensure that your cinnamon twists cook evenly and get that perfect golden brown color.

Step 3: Air Fry the Cinnamon Twists

• Place in the Air Fryer: Arrange the twisted dough in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is at least 1 inch of space between each twist. This ensures they cook evenly without sticking together.

• Brush with Oil: Lightly brush both sides of the dough twists with canola oil or spray them with non-stick cooking spray. This will help the twists crisp up in the air fryer.

• Air Fry: Cook the twists for 7 minutes. After 7 minutes, check their color and flip them over. If they are not golden brown yet, air fry them for an additional 4-5 minutes or until they reach that perfect golden color.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• Mix Cinnamon and Sugar: In a bowl, combine granulated sugar with cinnamon. Adjust the ratio to your preference, depending on how strong you want the cinnamon flavor.

• Coat the Twists: Once the twists are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Brush them with a bit more melted butter, then immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step gives the twists their signature sweetness and crunch.

Making the Perfect Cream Cheese Dip

While the cinnamon twists are cooking, you can prepare the delicious cream cheese dip that will elevate the flavor. This creamy dip is smooth and sweet, making it the perfect companion for your air fryer cinnamon twists.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Dip

• Beat the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and vanilla extract together on low speed until smooth. If your cream cheese is still a bit lumpy, it may need to be softened further. You can microwave it for 12 to 16 seconds to help it reach the right consistency.

• Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, and continue beating on low until the sugar is fully incorporated.

• Adjust Consistency: Add milk a tablespoon at a time to achieve the perfect drizzly consistency. You want the dip to be smooth but thick enough to coat the cinnamon twists.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your cinnamon twists are golden brown and coated in cinnamon sugar, it’s time to serve! Place the twists on a platter and serve them hot with the cream cheese dip on the side. This is where the magic happens—each bite of warm, crispy twist dipped into the creamy, sweet dip is pure heaven. Whether you’re serving them at a party, as an after-school snack, or as a dessert, your guests will be coming back for more!

Storage and Reheating Tips

While these cinnamon twists are best enjoyed fresh, there are ways to store and reheat them to maintain their crispy texture.

Storing the Cinnamon Twists

• Room Temperature: Store leftover cinnamon twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for a short time, but be sure to eat them within a day for the best flavor and texture.

• Refrigeration: If you need to store them for longer, you can refrigerate the twists. However, the texture may change slightly as they will lose their crispiness. To revive them, follow the reheating instructions below.

Reheating the Cinnamon Twists

• Air Fryer Method: To reheat, simply place the cinnamon twists back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 2 minutes. This will help restore their crispy texture.

• Microwave Method: If you’re in a rush, you can microwave the twists for 6 seconds on high. While this will warm them up, it won’t be as effective at restoring their crispiness as the air fryer method.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cinnamon Twists Every Time

Making air fryer cinnamon twists is incredibly easy, but here are a few expert tips to ensure you achieve perfection every time:

Tip 1: Air Fryer Variations

• Basket vs. Oven-Style Air Fryers: Keep in mind that air fryers come in different designs. Basket-style air fryers tend to brown food more quickly, so check your twists at the 6-minute mark. If you have an oven-style air fryer, you may need to add a few more minutes to ensure they reach the perfect golden brown.

• Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure to leave space between the dough twists in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, and the twists may end up soggy instead of crispy.

Tip 2: Experiment with Flavors

• Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavor profiles for your cinnamon twists. Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a deeper flavor, or drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the twists for an extra indulgence.

• Different Dips: While the cream cheese dip is a classic, you can also serve these cinnamon twists with other sweet dips like chocolate, butterscotch, or even a fruit-flavored glaze.

Tip 3: Dough Customization

• Pre-Made Dough vs. Homemade Dough: If you want to get a little more hands-on, you can substitute frozen dinner roll dough with your favorite homemade dough recipe. Just make sure the dough is soft and easy to work with for the best results.

• Speed-Thawing Tip: If you forget to thaw the dough, here’s a quick method. Preheat your oven to 175°F and turn it off. Boil some water and place it in a shallow baking dish on the lower rack of the oven. Place your dough balls on a greased baking sheet and let them rise in the oven for about 2 hours.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists

Air fryer cinnamon twists are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with a variety of beverages and side dishes to enhance the experience. Here are some great ideas for what to serve alongside your cinnamon twists:

• Coffee: The rich, bold flavor of coffee complements the sweetness of the cinnamon twists. Consider serving a Mocha Latte or a classic Cappuccino for an indulgent treat.

• Hot Chocolate: For a cozy, wintertime treat, serve these cinnamon twists with a cup of cinnamon hot chocolate or a Pumpkin Spice Latte.

• Chai Latte: The spiced flavors of a chai latte pair beautifully with the warm cinnamon and sugar of the twists.

• Milk: Sometimes, nothing beats a simple glass of cold milk to accompany a sweet treat like these twists.

Nutritional Breakdown of Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists

For those keeping an eye on their dietary intake, it’s important to know the nutritional value of the treats you’re enjoying. Here’s a general nutritional breakdown for air fryer cinnamon twists:

Keep in Mind:

• Caloric Consideration: These cinnamon twists are a delicious indulgence. The calorie count is relatively high, so enjoy them in moderation, especially if you’re watching your caloric intake.

• Substitutions: To make the recipe slightly healthier, you can substitute the butter with a lighter alternative like coconut oil or olive oil. For a lower-sugar version, reduce the sugar in both the dough and cinnamon coating.

How to Make the Recipe Gluten-Free

If you or someone you know follows a gluten-free diet, don’t worry—this recipe can be easily adapted! You can substitute the frozen dinner roll dough with a gluten-free dough that works for baking or frying. Many brands offer pre-made gluten-free dough balls, and they will work perfectly in this recipe.

Gluten-Free Tips:

• Look for gluten-free dinner roll dough or pizza dough at your local grocery store. Some brands even offer ready-to-bake options.

• Check the ingredients to ensure they are free from hidden gluten additives. Some gluten-free doughs might require a longer resting period, so be sure to follow the package instructions.

A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion

Air fryer cinnamon twists are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways:

• Breakfast: Enjoy them as a morning treat with your coffee or tea. They can even be served with a side of fruit for a balanced start to your day.

• Dessert: Serve them after dinner as a sweet finish to your meal.

• Snack: A perfect snack for kids and adults alike. They’re great for movie nights, after-school treats, or just when you need a little something sweet.

• Party Food: If you’re hosting a party, these cinnamon twists can be easily made in batches. They’re sure to be a hit with your guests!

Conclusion on Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists

Air fryer cinnamon twists offer a delicious and simple way to enjoy a sweet, crispy treat without the mess of deep frying. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delightful snack or dessert that the whole family will love. Whether you enjoy them with a decadent cream cheese dip, a chocolate sauce, or just as they are, these cinnamon twists will bring warmth and sweetness to your day.

Pro Tip: For extra indulgence, serve them with a hot drink like coffee, hot chocolate, or even a spiced chai latte for the ultimate cozy experience.

Next time you’re craving something sweet and crispy, reach for your air fryer and make these Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists. They’re quick, easy, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings!