Save I bought an air fryer on a whim during a winter sale, and for weeks it sat on the counter looking sleek and unused. One Saturday morning, I had a can of crescent dough about to expire and a craving for something sweet without turning on the oven. I twisted up these cinnamon rolls more out of curiosity than confidence, and they came out golden, flaky, and gone within minutes. My kitchen smelled like a bakery, and I felt like I'd unlocked a secret shortcut to happiness.
I made these for my sister one morning when she showed up unannounced, still in her pajamas and complaining about her week. We sat at the kitchen table with coffee and warm twists, and she kept saying she couldnt believe they came from a can. Sometimes the simplest recipes become the most comforting, not because theyre fancy, but because theyre easy enough to make when you need them most.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: This is your base, and honestly, the kind that comes in a tube works perfectly here—no need to make dough from scratch when convenience tastes this good.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter soaks into the dough and helps the cinnamon sugar stick, creating those sweet, caramelized edges we all fight over.
- Brown sugar: It melts better than white sugar and adds a deeper, almost toffee-like flavor that makes these twists feel indulgent.
- Ground cinnamon: Use the good stuff if you have it—fresh cinnamon makes a noticeable difference in smell and taste.
- Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract: This simple glaze turns warm twists into something bakery-worthy, and you can make it as thick or thin as you like.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it warm up for about 3 minutes. This helps the twists cook evenly and get that perfect golden color.
- Prep the dough:
- Unroll it on a floured surface and press the seams together so it becomes one smooth sheet. Brush melted butter all over—dont be shy, this is where the flavor starts.
- Add the filling:
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle it evenly across the buttered dough. Fold the dough in half lengthwise and press gently to seal it.
- Cut and twist:
- Slice the folded dough into 8 strips, then twist each one a few times and pinch the ends so they hold their shape. Theyll look a little messy, and thats completely fine.
- Air-fry:
- Place the twists in the basket with a little space between them, and cook for 7 to 8 minutes until theyre puffed and golden. If your basket is small, work in batches.
- Make the glaze and finish:
- While the twists cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle it over the warm twists and serve immediately.
Save The first time I brought these to a brunch potluck, someone asked for the recipe and seemed almost disappointed when I said it started with canned dough. But thats the beauty of it—you dont need to prove anything to make something people love. These twists taste like effort, even when they barely require any.
How to Store and Reheat
These are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 300°F for 1 to 2 minutes, and theyll crisp right back up like they just came out.
Ways to Switch It Up
I once added chopped pecans to the filling, and it gave the twists a little crunch that made them feel more special. You can also swap brown sugar for coconut sugar if you want a slightly less sweet version, or drizzle them with cream cheese frosting instead of the vanilla glaze for something richer.
What to Serve Them With
These twists go perfectly with hot coffee, a chai latte, or even a glass of cold milk if youre feeling nostalgic. I like to make them on lazy weekend mornings when theres no rush and nowhere to be.
- Serve them warm with a little extra cinnamon sprinkled on top for drama.
- Pair them with scrambled eggs or fresh fruit to balance out the sweetness.
- Make a double batch if youre feeding a crowd, because they disappear faster than you think.
Save Theres something quietly satisfying about pulling off a recipe this simple and having it turn out this good. I hope these twists become your go-to whenever you need a little sweetness without the fuss.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use pizza dough instead of crescent roll dough?
Yes, both refrigerated crescent roll dough and pizza dough work well, offering slightly different textures but equally delicious results.
- → How do I prevent the twists from sticking in the air fryer?
Place the twists with space between each in the air fryer basket. If needed, cook in batches to avoid sticking.
- → Can I add nuts to the filling for extra texture?
Absolutely, chopped pecans or walnuts can be mixed into the cinnamon sugar filling to add crunch and flavor.
- → What is the best glaze consistency to drizzle over the twists?
Mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth but slightly thick, so the glaze coats without running off too quickly.
- → Is it possible to reheat the twists if not eaten immediately?
Yes, reheat them in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to restore warmth and crispness.