Cinnamon rolls in the air fryer are a classic and beloved baking tradition in the Nordic countries, also known as kanelknuter, and famous for their soft, aromatic and buttery dough, which is a braided dough rolled up into swirls with a spiced filling of cinnamon and sugar.In this recipe, we’ll explore the benefits of making them in an air fryer.We’ll give you insight into why cinnamon is an essential element in baking, as well as present some tasty variations and suggest suitable toppings.If you’re already a fan of cinnamon rolls or want to try a new recipe, this one will give you the inspiration to get started.
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Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Table of Contents:
- Why make cinnamon rolls in the air fryer?
- Why use cinnamon in buns?
- I recommend this aromatic tea with our cinnamon rolls
- What flavour variations of cinnamon rolls can you make?
- Step-by-step guide to braiding the dough:
- Which toppings go well with this particular bun?
- Conclusion on cinnamon rolls in the air fryer
Why make cinnamon rolls in the air fryer?
The biggest advantage of baking cinnamon rolls in an air fryer is that it significantly reduces the cooking time. Where traditional ovens can take a long time to heat up and bake, the air fryer allows for faster heating and baking.The result is kanelknuter with an even, crisp exterior and a juicy, buttery interior.
Why use cinnamon in buns?
Cinnamon is one of the oldest and most widely used spices in baking. It has a characteristic sweetness and warmth that creates a cosy, homely feeling and enhances the flavour of baked goods.When combined with sugar and butter in the filling for cinnamon rolls, the cinnamon adds a spiced and caramelised flavour that complements the light sweetness of the dough.In addition, cinnamon has an aroma that spreads quickly during baking, and it’s hard to resist the enticing scent that fills the kitchen.
I recommend this aromatic tea with our cinnamon rolls
Cinnamon rolls have a warm, spiced sweetness, and there’s nothing better with a cosy afternoon coffee than a cup of good tea alongside. A classic Earl Grey with its characteristic bergamot aroma lifts the delicate cinnamon flavour without overpowering it – the two complement each other in the most beautiful way. I can warmly recommend Just T Captain Earl Grey tea bags – they’re fresh, floral and have exactly the elegance that cinnamon rolls deserve.
What flavour variations of cinnamon rolls can you make?
While the classic combination of butter, sugar and cinnamon is a timeless favourite, there are many ways to experiment with flavour variations on kanelknuter by adding nuts. Here are two variations that might inspire you:
- Pecans:Add finely chopped pecans to the filling together with cinnamon and sugar. They add a lovely, nutty flavour and a crunchy texture that harmonises well with the soft dough of the cinnamon rolls.
- Hazelnuts:Replace part of the butter with hazelnut butter and sprinkle chopped hazelnuts over the filling. This gives the rolls a rich, nutty flavour and an extra layer of depth in the texture.
Both of these variations enrich the flavour of your cinnamon rolls by adding complexity and variety to the consistency of the filling.
Step-by-step guide to braiding the dough:
- Prepare the dough:Start by rolling out your dough into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured work surface. Make sure the dough is even in thickness to achieve uniform braids.
- Cut the dough:Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into long strips. The thickness of the strips depends on how tight and detailed you want the braid. For a simple braid, three strips are usually enough.
- Start braiding:Lay the three strips next to each other and pinch them together at one end. Begin braiding by taking the strip on the right and laying it over the middle strip, then switch to the strip on the left and lay it over the new middle strip. Continue this process until you reach the end.
- Finish the braid:When you’ve reached the end of the strips, pinch the ends together to seal the braid. If the dough has become a little loose or slack during braiding, you can gently stretch and adjust the braid to achieve the desired look.
- Let the dough rest:Before baking, it’s a good idea to let the braided dough rest for a few minutes. This helps to retain the shape during baking and ensures that the braid doesn’t come undone.
- Baking:Place the braided dough on a baking tray with baking paper and bake according to the instructions in your recipe.
Extra tip:To make braiding the dough more manageable, especially if you’re working with a softer dough, you can let the dough chill in the fridge for 10-20 minutes before you start cutting and braiding. This makes the dough firmer and easier to work with.
With these steps and tips, you should be able to braid the dough beautifully for your next bake, giving it a professional and appetising appearance.
Knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten structure. This makes the dough supple and elastic, resulting in airy and light rolls.
Tips and tricks from the author: Morten Jensen
Which toppings go well with this particular bun?
Although cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, they can benefit from being decorated to give them extra flavour and a more inviting appearance. Here are some toppings that go well with them and with kanelknuter:
- Icing:A simple icing made from icing sugar and water or lemon juice gives the cinnamon rolls a sweet and tangy lift.
- Pearl sugar:Sprinkle the cinnamon rolls with pearl sugar for an extra crunchy and sweet texture.
- Caramel sauce:For a luxurious twist, the cinnamon rolls can be served with a rich caramel sauce that creates a lovely contrast to the cinnamon.
- Chopped nuts:Sprinkle a selection of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, over the top for an extra crunchy texture and nutty flavour.
Conclusion on cinnamon rolls in the air fryer
Making cinnamon rolls in an air fryer is an efficient and healthier way to enjoy this beloved pastry.The characteristic flavour and scent of cinnamon bring warmth and cosiness to the bake, while different flavour variations with nuts add a new dimension of taste and texture.By adding suitable toppings, you can adapt your cinnamon rolls to any taste and occasion.All in all, the air fryer offers a faster and more convenient way to bake kanelknuter, so you can enjoy them freshly baked in no time.
Recipe
Cinnamon Rolls in the Air Fryer
Cooking Guide
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Airfryer size
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Recommended equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 Dough scraper
- 1 Rolling pin
- 1 Parchment paper
Shopping list
Ingredients
Dough:
- 20 g yeast
- 1 dl milk
- 50 g butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 pcs egg
- 250 g wheat flour
Filling:
- 75 g butter
- 75 g brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
How to make it
Dough:
- Melt 50 g butter in a saucepan and add 1 dl milk. Heat until lukewarm.
- Crumble 20 g yeast into a bowl and stir it into the milk mixture.
- Add 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt and 1 pcs egg, and mix well.
- Gradually add 250 g wheat flour and knead into a smooth dough.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for about 1 hour.
Filling:
- Mix soft 75 g butter 75 g brown sugar and 2 tbsp cinnamon together into a smooth mixture.
Shaping and baking:
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the filling over the dough and roll it up like a Swiss roll.
- Cut the roll into slices about 2-3 cm thick.
- Twist the slices into swirls and place them on baking paper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C. (Preprogram it, or let it run for a couple of minutes before cooking)
- Bake the cinnamon rolls in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes, until they are golden and baked through.Start the online timer here
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Nutrition per serving (Guideline)
Important about shelf life and nutrition
Nutrition per serving (guideline): Calculations are based on data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Shelf life (guideline): Shelf life data is provided, as far as possible, by public institutions, including national food authorities. Our information is therefore only indicative, and it is your responsibility to obtain and calculate accurate information about shelf life and nutrition for all recipes on airfryerkogebogen.dk
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