Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists (Puff Pastry, Ready in 20 Minutes)

These air fryer cinnamon twists turn one sheet of store-bought puff pastry into 10 flaky, buttery twists rolled in cinnamon sugar, in about 20 minutes. No yeast, no oven, and the air fryer puffs every layer golden and crisp..

They scratch the same itch as the drive-thru cinnamon twists, but these are layered pastry instead of puffed and fried. Prefer to bake a big batch on a sheet pan? My oven-baked Easy Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists are made for that.

Why This Recipe Works

350°F is the sweet spot. Hotter scorches the sugar before the inner layers cook; cooler leaves the pastry pale and greasy.

The air fryer puffs pastry fast. Hot circulating air sets the layers in 8–10 minutes, so the twists are crisp all the way through.

Folding locks in the filling. Butter and cinnamon sugar go on the whole sheet, then it’s folded over, so the filling sits between the layers instead of falling off.

Ingredients You’ll Need​

Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.

• Puff pastry: One sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed in the fridge until it unfolds without cracking. All-butter pastry tastes richest.
• Unsalted butter: Melted. It glues the sugar on and helps the twists brown.
• Granulated sugar and ground cinnamon: The classic coating. A spoonful of brown sugar adds a caramel note.
• Vanilla and a pinch of salt: Small amounts that make the cinnamon taste rounder.
• Glaze (optional): Powdered sugar and milk for a quick drizzle.

How to Make Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Mix the cinnamon sugar. Stir the sugar, cinnamon and salt together in a small bowl. Stir the vanilla into the melted butter.

Step 2: Roll the pastry. Unfold the thawed sheet on a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 10-inch square.

Step 3: Butter and sugar the whole sheet. Brush on most of the butter, then sprinkle on three-quarters of the cinnamon sugar. Press it in lightly with your palm.

Step 4: Fold and cut. Fold the pastry in half so you have a 10 x 5-inch rectangle. Cut it into 10 strips, each about 1 inch wide.

Step 5: Twist and chill. Hold each strip by both ends and twist 3 or 4 times. Press the ends down, then chill the twists for 10 minutes so they hold their shape.

Step 6: Air fry. Line the basket with perforated parchment. Arrange the twists in a single layer with space between them. Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until puffed and deep golden.

Step 7: Finish and glaze. Brush the hot twists with the last of the butter and sprinkle on the remaining cinnamon sugar. Drizzle with glaze once they’ve cooled for 2 minutes.

Most 5- to 6-quart baskets fit 5 twists at a time, so plan on two batches.

Tips for Flaky, Not Soggy, Twists

• Keep the pastry cold. Warm puff pastry tears when twisted and won’t puff. If it gets soft at any point, chill it for 10 minutes.
• Look for color, not the clock. The twists are done when they’re deep golden and feel light. Pale twists are still raw between the layers.
• Flip halfway. The top browns faster than the bottom in most baskets.
• Don’t crowd the basket. Puff pastry nearly doubles in size; twists that touch steam instead of crisping.
• Sugar twice. Some sugar inside, the rest on the hot twists. Sugar added after cooking sticks better and won’t burn.

Easy Variations

• Churro-style: Add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar and serve with chocolate sauce for dipping. For the real thing, try my from-scratch Air Fryer Churros.
• Cream cheese glaze: Beat 2 ounces of softened cream cheese into the glaze.
• Pecan twists: Sprinkle 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans over the sugar before folding.
• Apple pie spice: Swap the cinnamon for apple pie spice in the fall. For a filled apple treat, my Air Fryer Apple Pie Crescent Rolls come together just as fast.

What to Serve With Cinnamon Twists

Serve them warm with coffee for breakfast, or with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce or a cream cheese dip for dessert. For a brunch spread, they go well next to my Air Fryer Banana Donuts.

Storing and Reheating

• Room temperature: Airtight container for up to 2 days. Glaze them only right before serving.
• Make ahead: Twist the strips, cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Air fry straight from the fridge.
• Freeze: Freeze unbaked twists on a tray, then bag them for up to 1 month. Air fry from frozen at 350°F for 11–13 minutes.
• Reheat: 300°F for 2–3 minutes in the air fryer. Skip the microwave; it makes puff pastry soggy.

Cinnamon Twists FAQ

How long do you air fry puff pastry cinnamon twists? Air fry them at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until puffed and deep golden. Small baskets with the element close to the food may finish in 7 minutes.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer? Preheat for 3 minutes if your model allows it. A hot start gives puff pastry its best rise.

Why didn’t my puff pastry puff? The pastry got too warm before cooking, so the butter layers melted. Chill the shaped twists for 10 minutes and work quickly.

Can I use crescent dough instead? Yes. Crescent dough gives a softer, bread-like twist; air fry it 6–8 minutes. My Air Fryer Cinnamon Crescent Rolls use the same cinnamon sugar.

Why did my twists unravel? The ends weren’t pressed down or the pastry was warm. Press the ends firmly and chill before air frying.

How do I bake them in the oven? Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 12–15 minutes. My oven-baked puff pastry twists walk through it step by step.

Are these the same as Taco Bell cinnamon twists? No. Taco Bell’s twists are puffed and fried, so they’re airy and crunchy. These are flaky pastry with a caramelized cinnamon sugar coat: same flavor, richer texture.

If you like quick cinnamon-sugar treats, my Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites take 10 minutes start to finish.