You know those mornings when you wake up craving something sweet, but the thought of measuring flour and waiting for dough to rise makes you groan? That’s exactly why I fell in love with these Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Churros. Picture this: golden, crispy twists of cinnamon roll dough, tossed in buttery cinnamon sugar, drizzled with glaze—all ready in under 15 minutes. I first whipped these up on a lazy Sunday when my kids begged for churros, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than I could say “second batch.” Best part? You probably have all the ingredients in your fridge right now.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Churros
Oh my goodness, where do I even start? These little twists of joy check ALL the boxes. First off – they’re ridiculously fast. We’re talking breakfast-to-dessert in under 15 minutes fast. That crispy air-fried exterior gives way to that soft, doughy center we all crave in cinnamon rolls. And the ingredients? Just grab that lonely can of cinnamon rolls hiding in your fridge and a few pantry staples.
Here’s what makes them magic:
- Kid-approved (mine fight over the last one)
- No messy deep frying (goodbye, oil splatters!)
- Customizable sweetness (add more cinnamon sugar? Yes please)
- Perfect with coffee (trust me on this)
Seriously, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Churros
Okay, let’s gather our goodies! The beauty of this recipe is how few ingredients you need – I bet you’ve got most right in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll want to grab:
- 1 can (12.4 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (the kind with the icing packet!)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (real butter, please – it makes all the difference)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for that perfect crunch)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (I always add an extra pinch because why not?)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (hello, sweet glaze!)
- 1 tbsp milk (any kind works – I’ve used almond milk in a pinch)
See? Told you it was simple! Now let’s turn these basics into something magical.
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Churros
Alright, let’s make some magic happen! I promise this is so easy you’ll be making these churros on repeat. Just follow these simple steps, and in no time, you’ll be biting into crispy, sugary heaven.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first – fire up that air fryer! Set it to 350°F (175°C) and let it heat up while you get the dough ready. Open that can of cinnamon rolls (careful, that pop always makes me jump!) and unroll each one carefully. Save that icing packet – we’ll need it later!
Step 2: Cut and Twist
Now for the fun part! Take each unrolled cinnamon roll and cut it into 3-4 strips (I use kitchen scissors for this – way easier). Then, give each strip a little twist – not too tight, just enough to give them that classic churro look. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; rustic is charming!
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange your twisted dough pieces in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching (they need their personal space to get crispy!). Cook for 5-6 minutes, but peek at the 5-minute mark – you want them golden brown, not burnt. That smell? Pure happiness.
Step 4: Coat and Glaze
While they’re still warm, brush each churro with melted butter (this is where the magic happens). Mix your sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl, then roll each buttered churro in the mixture. For the grand finale? Whisk together the icing packet with powdered sugar and milk, then drizzle it all over your warm churros. Get ready for your taste buds to sing!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Churros
Listen, I’ve made these enough times to know a few tricks that’ll take your churros from good to “oh-my-gosh-give-me-the-recipe” amazing. First rule? Don’t crowd the basket – give those twists room to crisp up properly. I learned this the hard way with a batch that came out soggy (oops!).
Here are my can’t-live-without tips:
- Check at 5 minutes – air fryers vary, and nobody wants burnt churros
- Go heavy on the cinnamon sugar if you’re feeling extra (I always am)
- Let them cool just a minute before glazing so it doesn’t melt right off
- Use kitchen scissors to cut the dough – way easier than a knife
Trust me, these little tweaks make all the difference between good and “holy cow, make these every day” good.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Churros
Oh, the possibilities! These churros beg to be served warm – that’s when the glaze is gooey and the cinnamon sugar is at its crunchiest. My absolute favorite way? With a big mug of coffee for dunking (the sweet-salty combo is unreal). For dessert mode, try them à la mode with vanilla ice cream melting over the top. Kids in my house love them with a side of fresh fruit to balance the sweetness. Honestly? They rarely last long enough to need fancy presentation – just pile them on a plate and watch them disappear!
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the good news – if by some miracle you have leftovers (it happens!), these churros store beautifully. Just pop them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When that craving hits again, toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F for just 60-90 seconds to bring back that irresistible crispiness. Pro tip: Wait to add any extra glaze until after reheating so it stays perfectly drizzly!
Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Churros
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what you’re biting into (because let’s be real – we all peek at these numbers sometimes). Each delicious churro comes out to about 120 calories – not bad for such a decadent treat! You’re looking at 10g of sugar (hello, cinnamon roll goodness) and 5g of fat per serving.
Keep in mind these numbers can wiggle a bit depending on how heavy-handed you are with the glaze or cinnamon sugar (no judgment here – I always go big!). The exact brand of cinnamon rolls you use can change things too. But honestly? When that first warm, crispy bite hits your tongue, all these numbers just sort of… melt away.
FAQs About Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Churros
Can I use homemade dough instead of canned cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! While the canned dough is super convenient, homemade sweet dough works great too. Just roll it out thin, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, then cut and twist as usual. The baking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on them.
How do I prevent the churros from sticking to the air fryer basket?
A quick spritz of cooking spray on the basket before adding the dough works wonders. If you’re anti-spray (I get it!), parchment paper cut to fit your basket is a great alternative – just make sure it’s secured so it doesn’t fly around.
Can I freeze these for later?
You bet! Freeze them before the glaze step on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When cravings hit, air fry frozen churros at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, then add your toppings. They won’t be quite as perfect as fresh, but still dangerously delicious!
15-Minute Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Churros
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 8 churros
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy dessert combining the flavors of cinnamon rolls and churros, made in the air fryer for a crispy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 can (12.4 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Unroll the cinnamon rolls and cut each into 3-4 strips.
- Twist each strip and place them in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter.
- Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon, then toss the churros in the mixture.
- Whisk powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze, then drizzle over the churros.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Check for doneness at 5 minutes to avoid burning.
- Adjust cinnamon sugar ratio to taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American