Bake quick and easy air fryer cinnamon rolls using refrigerated Pillsbury cinnamon roll dough. With minimal prep and less mess, these come together in about 10 minutes and make a warm, comforting breakfast or brunch treat.
When the weather turns cozy and spicy flavors call your name, cinnamon rolls are a classic breakfast favorite. While homemade from scratch is wonderful, canned cinnamon rolls are a reliable shortcut when you want warm pastries quickly. Air frying Pillsbury cinnamon rolls shortens bake time and reduces cleanup compared to an oven, delivering perfectly baked, golden rolls in minutes.
These instructions use the larger Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls (five per can) with the included icing. I tested temperatures and timing to ensure the rolls brown nicely on top and cook through without a raw center. A key tip: do not preheat the air fryer for this recipe—starting from cold prevents over-browning on the outside while the interior remains undercooked.
Why we love this recipe
- Fast and simple — warm cinnamon rolls in about 10 minutes.
- Evenly cooked, golden tops and fully baked centers.
- Only one ingredient required: a can of canned cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients and notes
- Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls — Large canned cinnamon rolls (5 per can) with icing included. If you use a different size or brand, adjust cook times as noted below.
How to make air fryer cinnamon rolls
Scroll down to the printable recipe card for measurements and a tidy instruction list.
STEP ONE: Twist to open the can and remove the dough. Separate the individual rolls.
STEP TWO: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly grease the basket. Arrange the rolls in the basket with space between them.
STEP THREE: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). For a large can (5 rolls), cook for 6 minutes, flip each roll, then cook another 4 minutes until golden brown. For a medium can (8 rolls), cook 5 minutes, flip, then 2–3 more minutes until cooked through and browned.
Note: Air fryer models vary. Keep an eye on your first batch to fine-tune time for your appliance.
STEP FOUR: Remove the cinnamon rolls while warm and spread the included icing over them, or dust with powdered sugar. Serve and enjoy.
Tips for best results
- No preheating: Start from a cold air fryer to avoid over-browning the exterior before the center cooks through.
- Use parchment paper: Parchment liners prevent sticking and make flipping easier. If you don’t have parchment, grease the basket or use foil.
- Turn the rolls: Flip each roll halfway through so both sides brown evenly and the center fully cooks.
- Ice while warm: Spread the icing while the rolls are still warm so it melts into the swirls for a glossy finish.
Storing and reheating
Store — Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3–4 days, or keep at room temperature for 1–2 days.
Reheat — Warm rolls in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through. Iced rolls will absorb some of the icing as they warm; alternatively, reheat briefly in the microwave.
How long to cook cinnamon rolls in the air fryer
Total cook time is about 10 minutes for a large can (5 rolls): 6 minutes, flip, then 4 minutes at 350°F. For an 8-roll can, cook 5 minutes, flip, and cook 2–3 more minutes. Watch your first batch closely and adjust slightly for your air fryer model.
More air fryer breakfasts you’ll love
- Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
- Air Fryer Scrambled Eggs
- Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
- Air Fryer Everything Bagels
Love air frying? Follow along on social media or join air fryer communities to share your results and see more recipes.
Recipe
Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls (Pillsbury)
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 can Pillsbury cinnamon rolls (large Grands can, 5 rolls, with icing)
Instructions
- Twist to open and remove the dough from the can. Separate the rolls.
- Place parchment paper in the air fryer basket or grease it with cooking spray. Arrange the cinnamon rolls in the basket with space between them.
- Air fry at 350°F for 6 minutes, then turn the rolls and cook for another 4 minutes until golden and cooked through. (For an 8-roll can: 5 minutes, turn, then 2–3 more minutes.)
- Remove from the air fryer and spread the enclosed icing over the warm rolls. Serve immediately.
Notes
I used the large Pillsbury can with 5 cinnamon rolls. If you use a medium can (8 rolls), shorten the cook time as noted above. Store leftovers airtight in the fridge for 3–4 days or at room temperature for 1–2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes or microwave briefly until warm.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 roll | Calories: 320 kcal | Total Carbs: 53 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 10 g | Saturated Fat: 4.5 g | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 22 g