You can find this easy recipe for air fryer cinnamon buns on page 180 of my fourth book, The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook: 15 Minute Feasts. This book is all about simple and delicious air fryer meals that are ready in a flash.
There is nothing quite like the cosy, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon buns drifting through your home. It instantly evokes those early-morning bakery runs, when the windows are steamed up, the ovens are humming, and trays of golden swirls are pulled out just in time for the breakfast crowd. The best part? With this recipe, you get all that magic without stepping foot outside. These buns bring that same toasty cinnamon sweetness right into your own kitchen, filling the air with a scent that’s impossible to resist.
Perfect with a strong morning coffee or a velvety hot chocolate, they are the sort of treat that feels indulgent yet completely achievable, even on a busy day. That’s because the recipe uses premade pizza dough – a brilliant shortcut that cuts out the fuss of mixing, kneading and waiting for dough to prove. You still get soft, fluffy buns with that classic swirl, but in a fraction of the time.
Whether you are baking them for a lazy weekend breakfast, a mid-morning pick-me-up, or as a surprise treat for the family, these cinnamon buns deliver all the joy of the traditional version in the quickest, easiest way. Comforting, speedy and utterly delicious – what more could you want?
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 10 – 12 minutes
MAKES 4 buns
KIT you will need an air fryer and a large mixing bowl or blender
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cinnamon Buns
flour, for dusting
400g of pizza dough (shop bought)
60g of butter, softened
2 tbsp of ground cinnamon
3 tbsp of demerara sugar, plus 1 tbsp more for the top
1 egg, beaten
olive oil spray
Method
First of all, lightly flour your work surface, then remove the pizza dough from its packaging and unroll it gently. If it springs back slightly, give it a moment to relax, then roll it into a large rectangle shape about 1 to 2cm thick. Try to keep the edges fairly even to help with rolling later.
Then in a blender or mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, cinnamon and 3 tablespoons of demerara sugar. Mix the ingredients together well until you have a smooth, spreadable paste. Set aside while you preheat your air fryer to 200°C for around 4 minutes.
Next, lay the dough with the long edge facing you. Spread the cinnamon butter evenly across the surface, leaving a 2 to 3cm gap at the top and bottom. Fold the bottom inch up, then begin rolling tightly upwards, keeping the shape as neat as possible. You should end up with a firm sausage of dough. Lightly flour your hands, as it can get a little sticky here.
Then using a sharp knife, cut the sausage in half lengthways to reveal the cinnamon layers, then cut each half again so you have four strips. They may unravel a little bit, but don’t worry. Twist each strip into a loose knot and tuck the ends underneath.
So next brush the tops of the buns with beaten egg and sprinkle with the remaining sugar. Lightly spray the air fryer crisper plate with oil, then place the buns inside, leaving space between them. Cook at 180°C for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden and risen. Allow your cinnamon buns to cool slightly before serving warm.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Buns
So using premade pizza dough makes these cinnamon buns wonderfully quick, but a few simple tricks can help you elevate them even further. First, make sure your dough is at room temperature before you start rolling. Cold dough tends to spring back and resist shaping, whereas room-temperature dough relaxes and stretches more easily, giving you a smoother, more even swirl.
When mixing the cinnamon butter, ensure the butter is properly softened. If it’s too firm, it won’t spread easily and may tear the dough. Too melted, and it can leak out during cooking. You want that ideal, creamy consistency so it glides across the dough without pooling.
Rolling the dough tightly is key to those beautifully defined layers. If you find the roll slipping, lightly flour your fingertips for better grip. When cutting the dough into four strips, use a sharp knife and press down firmly rather than sawing back and forth—this keeps the layers clean and prevents dragging.
So twisting the strips into knots may feel a little messy, but trust the process. The slight unevenness actually creates lovely caramelised edges in the air fryer. If the filling spills a bit, simply scoop it up and smear it back over the buns.
Spacing in the air fryer is important. Overcrowding can prevent the buns from rising properly and may cause uneven browning. If your air fryer is small, cook the buns in batches for the best result. They only need 10–12 minutes, so the extra round is quick.
After cooking, let the buns cool for a few minutes. This helps the layers set and makes them easier to handle. For an extra treat, dust with icing sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from icing sugar and a splash of milk. Serve warm for maximum cosiness.
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