These air fryer cinnamon rolls cook at 320°F for about 16 minutes, with a careful flip halfway through. I used Pillsbury Grands with cream cheese icing, and the extra time made all the difference. The tops looked good well before the centers were ready.

I gave one to my wife, and she said it was the best cinnamon roll she'd had in a long time. They really were delicious. A warm cinnamon roll covered in cream cheese icing is already a good start to the day, but this batch was one I'll happily make again.

What you need

• Refrigerated cinnamon rolls: I used a 5-count can of Pillsbury Grands with cream cheese icing. Keep the dough refrigerated until you are ready to cook.
• The included icing: Set it aside when you open the can. It goes on after cooking.
• A spatula: A wide silicone spatula helps support the rolls when you flip and remove them.
• Parchment, if your air fryer allows it: I cooked mine on parchment. Use oven-safe parchment that fits your basket, with the food holding it down.
• An instant-read thermometer, if you want one: It's a handy way to check the center without relying on the color of the top.

Grands are bigger than the regular 8-count Pillsbury cinnamon rolls. That size difference matters, so check smaller rolls earlier rather than giving every can the same 16-minute cook.

How to make cinnamon rolls in the air fryer

1. Set the temperature to 320°F (160°C). If your air fryer calls for preheating, let it reach temperature before adding the rolls. Preheat without loose parchment inside.
2. Arrange the rolls in one layer. Add the parchment with the dough, if using, and leave a little room for the rolls to expand. Don't stack them or squeeze in the whole can if your basket is too small. Keep any dough for a second batch refrigerated.
3. Cook for about 8 minutes, then carefully flip. Slide the spatula underneath each roll and turn it over gently. The rolls are still soft at this point, so support them instead of pressing down.
4. Cook for about 8 minutes more. My Grands cinnamon rolls took 16 minutes total. Start checking the centers a little sooner on your first batch, especially if your air fryer tends to cook quickly.
5. Check the center before icing. The dough should be baked through, without a wet, gummy middle. An optional temperature check of about 190°F in the thickest part is helpful. If needed, keep cooking in 1–2-minute increments.
6. Carefully remove and add the icing. Use the spatula to lift the hot rolls onto a plate. Let them settle for a minute or two, then spread on the cream cheese icing and serve warm.

Don't stop when the tops look done

At the 8-minute mark, these cinnamon rolls already looked and smelled good on top. Underneath, they still needed more time. It's easy to see that golden top and think breakfast is ready, but the middle is what you want to check.

The halfway flip gives the other side time to cook. Be gentle with it: the dough is still soft, and a spatula works well for getting underneath the whole roll.

How long to cook Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls

My batch finished at 320°F in 16 minutes. Use that as your starting point for refrigerated Grands, then check your own batch. Roll size, spacing, preheating, and the cooking mode can all affect the timing.

A thermometer is optional, but mine read about 190°F when the rolls were done. King Arthur Baking also uses 190°F as a doneness guide for cinnamon rolls. Without a thermometer, cut into a roll before adding icing and check that the center is set. If it is still gummy or wet, give it a little longer.

Is the Bake setting the same as Air Fry?

Not necessarily. On some air fryers, Bake uses gentler airflow than Air Fry. COSORI documents different fan speeds for those modes on its Iconic model, for example. That can change how quickly the outside browns, even at the same temperature.

Keep the temperature at 320°F and watch the dough rather than assuming both buttons will finish at exactly the same time. The halfway flip and center check are useful whichever cooking mode your model uses.

Can you use a smaller can of cinnamon rolls?

You can use smaller refrigerated cinnamon rolls, but check them earlier. This timing is for the larger Grands rolls. Frozen cinnamon rolls and homemade dough need their own directions, so don't use this cook time for those.

Can you cook the whole can at once?

Only if it fits comfortably in one layer with room to expand. If it doesn't, cook in batches. Check a later batch early because the air fryer is already warm.

Do you need parchment paper?

Parchment made lifting and cleanup easier for my batch. Follow your air fryer manual, trim the paper to fit, and keep it away from the heating element. Always add it with the food weighing it down. Our air fryer parchment guide has more tips.

More easy air fryer breakfasts

If you like a breakfast that starts with something already in the kitchen, try Pop-Tarts in the air fryer or air fryer French toast. You can also browse our air fryer breakfast recipes for more ideas.