Cinnamon rolls in the air fryer are a classic and beloved baking tradition in the Nordic countries – in Norway they’re called kanelknuter. They’re famous for their soft, aromatic and buttery dough, which is rolled up with a spiced filling of cinnamon and sugar and twisted into swirls. 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: how to shape cinnamon rolls
- Which toppings go well with this particular bun?
- Conclusion on cinnamon rolls in the air fryer
- FAQ
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 cinnamon rolls with an even, golden exterior and a soft, 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 cinnamon rolls 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: how to shape cinnamon rolls
Roll out the dough:
Roll the risen dough out into a rectangle on a lightly floured work surface. Make sure it is the same thickness all over, so the rolls bake evenly.
Fill and roll up:
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the whole dough and roll it up tightly from the long side, like a Swiss roll.
Cut into slices:
Cut the roll into slices of about 2–3 cm with a sharp knife.
Twist the rolls:
Twist each slice so the filling shows in the layers, and place the rolls on baking paper.
Prove and bake:
Cover the rolls and leave them to prove for about 25 min. Then bake them in the air fryer at 170 °C for 10–12 min, until golden and baked through.
Extra tip: If the dough is very soft, you can chill the rolled-up dough in the fridge for 10–20 minutes before slicing it. This makes it firmer and gives neater slices.
With these steps and tips, you’ll get lovely, even cinnamon rolls that are ready for the air fryer.
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:
- 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 quick 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 quick and convenient way to bake cinnamon rolls, so you can enjoy them freshly baked in no time.
FAQ
I bake my cinnamon rolls at 170 °C for 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end – they’re ready when they’re golden on top and baked through in the middle. If you have a small air fryer, bake them in two batches so the air can circulate around each roll.
The second prove of about 25 minutes gives the dough time to relax and become airy again after you’ve rolled and twisted it. If you skip it, the rolls will be denser. Keep them covered in the meantime so the surface doesn’t dry out.
Yes, they can be frozen for up to 3 months once baked and completely cooled. You can reheat them straight from frozen in the air fryer, and they’ll taste almost freshly baked. At room temperature they keep for 2–3 days in an airtight bag.
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. Cover and leave the rolls to prove for about 25 min.
- Preheat the air fryer to 170 °C.(Preprogram it, or let it run for a couple of minutes before cooking)
- Bake at 170 °C for 10–12 min, until the cinnamon rolls are golden and baked through.Start the online timer here
Our notes for the recipe
Your notes for the recipe
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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