Save to Pinterest One Saturday morning, my air fryer sat unused on the counter while I craved something warm and sweet without the usual oven wait. I grabbed a can of refrigerated dough on impulse, wondering if I could turn it into something better than the plain crescents I'd made a hundred times. Twenty minutes later, my kitchen smelled like a cinnamon roll bakery, and I realized I'd stumbled onto a breakfast shortcut that actually tastes like you tried. These twists have become my go-to when I want to feel accomplished before 9 AM.
I made these for my sister during a lazy Sunday brunch, and she kept eating them straight from the plate while I was still drizzling the glaze. Watching someone genuinely surprised that you made them in an air fryer is its own kind of satisfying. She asked for the recipe before finishing her coffee, which felt like the highest compliment.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated crescent roll or pizza dough: The secret shortcut that makes this possible—no mixing, no rising, just unroll and go. I've learned that slightly cold dough is easier to work with than dough that's been sitting out.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brushes on easily and lets the cinnamon sugar actually stick instead of sliding off.
- Brown sugar: Darker and more complex than white sugar, it caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer heat.
- Ground cinnamon: This is where the magic happens—don't skimp on the amount, as it's the star flavor here.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves into a smooth glaze that drips just right when it's still warm.
- Milk and vanilla extract: Transform the powder into something that tastes homemade instead of just dusted on top.
Instructions
- Heat and prepare:
- Set your air fryer to 350°F and let it preheat for three minutes. This matters more than you'd think—a properly heated basket means evenly golden twists instead of pale ones.
- Ready the dough:
- Unroll your dough onto a lightly floured surface and press gently to seal any seams that separated during unrolling. You want it as one cohesive rectangle before you brush it.
- Add butter and filling:
- Brush the entire surface with melted butter—this is what makes them flaky. Mix your brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle it evenly across the buttered dough so every bite has that spiced sweetness.
- Fold and cut:
- Fold the dough in half lengthwise so the filling is tucked inside, then gently press along the seam to seal it. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into eight equal strips across the fold.
- Twist and shape:
- Take each strip and twist it several times—the more twists, the more visual appeal and crunchy edges. Pinch both ends so the filling stays tucked inside during cooking.
- Air-fry to golden:
- Place your twists in the basket with space between each one so air can circulate. If your basket feels crowded, work in batches. Cook for seven to eight minutes until they're golden brown and sound crisp when you tap them.
- Glaze while warm:
- While the twists cool for just a minute, whisk together powdered sugar, one to two tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract. The warmth of the twists helps the glaze flow smoothly and soak in slightly.
Save to Pinterest There's something almost meditative about folding and twisting these pieces of dough with your hands, watching something simple transform into something that looks like you spent an hour on it. When my neighbor smelled them cooking and asked what I was making, I felt proud enough to send her home with two twists, still warm from the basket.
Why the Air Fryer Works So Well
The air fryer's direct, concentrated heat means these twists bake quickly without needing to preheat your whole kitchen. The circulating air gets every surface golden and slightly crisp, something that's harder to achieve in a traditional oven. Since they cook in eight minutes, they're still warm when you add the glaze, which tastes infinitely better than drizzling cold pastries.
Customizing Your Twists
While the basic version is irresistible, small changes can shift the whole personality of the recipe. I've swapped in coconut sugar for a subtly different depth, and I once added finely chopped pecans to the cinnamon mixture, which added a welcome crunch and richness. Even changing the vanilla to almond extract creates something that feels like a completely different treat.
Storage and Reheating
These are truly best eaten within a few hours of cooking when the glaze is still set and the pastry is at its crispest. If you need to save them, keep them in an airtight container and refresh them in the air fryer at 325°F for one to two minutes—they'll regain their just-made texture. I've kept leftovers for a day, but honestly, they rarely last that long.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them from drying out and staling.
- Reheating in the air fryer works far better than the microwave, which makes them rubbery.
- Eat them the same day for the best texture and flavor impact.
Save to Pinterest These cinnamon roll twists have become proof that breakfast doesn't have to be complicated to be special. The next time you want something that tastes like effort without actually being any, here's your answer.
Recipe FAQs
- → What dough works best for these twists?
Refrigerated crescent roll or pizza dough provides a flaky, tender base that's easy to work with and air fries evenly.
- → How do I achieve a crispy, golden finish?
Ensure even spacing in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 7-8 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- → Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled into the cinnamon sugar mixture for added crunch and flavor.
- → How is the glaze prepared?
Mix powdered sugar with milk and a hint of vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle over warm twists for a sweet finish.
- → Can these twists be reheated?
Yes, reheating in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes helps restore their crispness and warmth without sogginess.