This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I also earn from Instacart affiliate links. This does not affect my recipe testing or recommendations.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls (From the Can, Perfectly Fluffy)
Pillowy soft Pillsbury cinnamon rolls with golden tops and gooey centers — ready in 8 minutes flat.
Total Time
10 min
Difficulty
Easy
Servings
5
Calories
340 cal
Why This Works
The air fryer's rapid convection heat creates a golden crust on the outside while the steam trapped inside the roll keeps the center soft and gooey. The lower temperature (350°F vs. the oven's 400°F) gives the rolls time to puff up before the outside sets.
My Recipe Testing Notes
This is one of the most popular air fryer recipes on the internet for good reason — it genuinely works better than the oven. I tested Pillsbury Original, Grands!, and Pillsbury Cinnabon rolls. All three cooked perfectly at 350°F for 8 minutes. The critical step is lining the basket with parchment paper (with holes poked in it) or using a small cake pan — the rolls need a contained space so they puff up instead of spreading out. Without containment, they spread flat and don't get that tall, fluffy shape.
Ingredients
Original or Grands! both work. Grands! need 2 extra minutes.
Poke holes in it for airflow, or use a small 6-inch cake pan
Warm slightly for easier drizzling
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.
Line the basket with parchment paper (poke 8-10 holes with a fork for airflow) or place a 6-inch round cake pan in the basket.
Arrange cinnamon rolls in the lined basket or pan, leaving a small gap between each roll.
Air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes (10 minutes for Grands!) until tops are golden brown and rolls are cooked through.
Let cool for 2 minutes, then drizzle with the included icing while still warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature for air fryer cinnamon rolls?
350°F is ideal. Higher temperatures (375°F+) will brown the outside before the center cooks through, leaving you with a raw doughy middle. At 350°F, the rolls have time to puff up and cook evenly.
Do I need to flip cinnamon rolls in the air fryer?
No — unlike many air fryer recipes, cinnamon rolls should not be flipped. They're delicate and will deflate if disturbed mid-cook. Just let them cook undisturbed for the full 8 minutes.
Can I make homemade cinnamon rolls in the air fryer?
Yes! Homemade rolls follow the same principle but may need 12-15 minutes depending on thickness. The key is using a pan to contain them and checking with a toothpick — it should come out clean when inserted in the center.
Why are my cinnamon rolls flat in the air fryer?
Usually because they weren't contained. Without parchment paper or a pan, the rolls spread outward instead of rising upward. Always use a liner or small pan to give them walls to rise against.
Written by Sarah Jenkins
Former restaurant line cook turned home kitchen obsessive. I've tested over 200 air fryer recipes and I share exactly what works, what doesn't, and the temperatures that make the difference.
Read more about Sarah →
