Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Donuts (Made from Canned Rolls!)

Meet the most genius breakfast hack you didn’t know you needed: easy air fryer cinnamon roll donuts made directly from a can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. You flatten the dough, cut a small hole in the center, air fry for just 5 to 6 minutes, and finish with a drizzle of the included icing. That’s it. Three steps. Under 15 minutes. And the result is a light, golden, fluffy donut with a beautiful cinnamon swirl running through every single bite.

Here’s what makes this different from every other air fryer donut recipe out there: you’re not using biscuit dough. You’re using actual cinnamon roll dough — which means the flavor is already baked in. Every bite has that warm, buttery, sweet cinnamon taste you love from a freshly baked roll, but in a fun donut shape that kids go absolutely crazy for. And instead of wasting the centers, you air fry those too for bonus cinnamon roll donut holes.

Whether you’re making a lazy Saturday morning breakfast, hosting a weekend brunch, or just need a quick treat that looks impressive without any effort — these easy air fryer cinnamon roll donuts deliver every time.

Looking for more quick air fryer breakfast ideas? Try our Air Fryer Chocolate Glazed Donuts, Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donuts, and Air Fryer Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls.

Why These Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Donuts Are Genius

• Uses cinnamon roll dough, not biscuits — the flavor is built right in, no extra spices needed
• Ready in under 15 minutes — from opening the can to drizzling icing
• Only 2 ingredients — one can of cinnamon rolls, that’s basically it
• No deep frying — the air fryer does all the work with zero oil splatter
• Built-in icing included — the package comes with its own glaze, no extra shopping required
• Donut holes as a bonus — save the cut-out centers and air fry them too
• Works with any brand — Pillsbury, Annie’s, Immaculate, Trader Joe’s, and store brands all work
• Kid-friendly and fun — a great weekend activity that produces something genuinely delicious

If you love easy air fryer donut recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Apple Stuffed Donuts, Air Fryer Vanilla Glazed Biscuit Donuts, or Ultimate Air Fryer Donuts with Chocolate Glaze Recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Package Cinnamon Rolls – Soft, sweet dough perfect for quick homemade donuts.
• Icing Packet (comes with cinnamon rolls) – Sweet glaze for drizzling over warm, golden donuts.

Optional upgrades:

• Powdered sugar + milk glaze (for a thicker, whiter icing)
• Cream cheese icing (see variations below)
• Cinnamon sugar coating (instead of icing — see variations)
• Rainbow or chocolate sprinkles (add while icing is still wet)
• Maple syrup drizzle
• Caramel sauce drizzle

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (any model or brand)
• 1-inch round cookie cutter, bottle cap, or large frosting piping tip (to cut the donut hole)
• Cutting board
• Small bowl (for warming or thinning the icing)
• Spoon or zip-top bag (for drizzling icing)

The Genius Hack Explained — How Cinnamon Roll Donuts Actually Work

Traditional cinnamon rolls come as a spiral of dough. When you pull one from the can, it naturally wants to stay in that coiled shape. Here’s the trick: gently press and flatten each roll with your hand until it’s roughly ½ inch thick and disc-shaped. Then use a 1-inch round cutter to punch out a small hole in the center, just like any donut. The flattened disc becomes your donut ring; the little punched-out center is your donut hole.

When you air fry the flattened dough, it puffs back up, the layers separate slightly, and you get this gorgeous, light, fluffy ring with that signature cinnamon swirl visible on every surface. The icing goes on while the donuts are still warm, melts slightly into the surface, and sets into a sweet, glossy finish.

The result genuinely does not taste like a biscuit. It tastes like a cinnamon roll that became a donut, and that is exactly as good as it sounds.

How to Make Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Donuts — Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer. Set your air fryer to 320°F and preheat for 2–3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with olive or coconut oil spray.

Step 2: Flatten the cinnamon rolls. Open the can and separate the cinnamon rolls onto a clean cutting board. Using the palm of your hand, gently press and flatten each roll to about ½ inch thickness. Don’t press too hard — you want them flat enough to hold a ring shape, but still thick enough to puff up nicely.

Step 3: Cut the donut holes. Using a 1-inch round cookie cutter, the cap of a water bottle, or the back end of a large frosting piping tip, press straight down into the center of each flattened roll to cut out a small circle. Set the little cut-out circles aside — those are your donut holes!

Step 4: Air fry the donuts. Place the cinnamon roll donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching (they expand as they cook). Depending on your air fryer size, you will likely need to cook in 2 batches. Air fry at 320°F for 5–6 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the donuts are puffed and cooked through. There is no need to flip.

Step 5: Air fry the donut holes. Once the donuts are done, place the small cut-out circles in the basket. Air fry at 320°F for 3–4 minutes until golden. Watch closely — they are small and cook fast.

Step 6: Warm and drizzle the icing. While the donuts are still warm, pop the included icing packet in the microwave for 5–8 seconds. This thins it just enough to drizzle beautifully rather than plop in a thick glob. Immediately drizzle the warm icing over the warm donuts. The icing will melt slightly into the surface and set into a perfect glossy finish.

Step 7: Serve immediately. These easy air fryer cinnamon roll donuts are best served warm, right out of the air fryer. Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Donuts Every Time

• Don’t skip the flatten step. Straight from the can, cinnamon rolls are too thick and coiled to hold a donut ring shape. A gentle press to about ½ inch thickness is what gives you that classic donut look and ensures the center cooks through properly.
• Use a 1-inch cutter, not larger. Going bigger than 1 inch removes too much of the swirl — you lose the cinnamon flavor in the center and the donut becomes too thin. The 1-inch hole is the sweet spot.
• Cook at 320°F, not higher. Cinnamon roll dough browns much faster than biscuit dough because of the sugar content. At 350°F or higher, the outside can over-brown before the inside is fully cooked. Stay at 320°F and they come out golden and perfectly cooked all the way through.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket. These expand noticeably as they cook. Leave at least 1 inch between each donut so the hot air can circulate around all surfaces. A crowded basket means uneven cooking and pale spots.
• Warm the icing before drizzling. The icing in the Pillsbury packet is thick by design. Five to eight seconds in the microwave turns it into a beautiful pourable glaze. Skip this step and you end up with clumps instead of that satisfying drizzle.
• Ice while warm, not hot. Let the donuts sit on a rack for 60–90 seconds after coming out of the air fryer. If they’re too hot, the icing slides right off. If they’re completely cool, it won’t melt and spread. Slightly warm is the sweet spot.
• Use Pillsbury Grands for larger donuts. Standard Pillsbury Original (8-count, 12.4 oz) gives you nicely sized donuts. If you want bigger, bakery-style rings, use Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls — just add 1–2 minutes of cook time.
• Make extra icing if needed. One icing packet covers about 5–6 donuts. If you want heavier coverage or extra for dipping the donut holes, mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 teaspoons of milk for a quick backup glaze.

Flavor Variations to Try

• Classic iced cinnamon roll donuts. Follow the recipe as written and use the included icing — this is the crowd-pleaser everyone requests.
• Cream cheese iced cinnamon roll donuts. Beat 2 oz softened cream cheese with ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Spread or drizzle over cooled donuts for a tangy, rich cream cheese frosting that tastes like a bakery cinnamon roll.
• Cinnamon sugar coated (no icing). Skip the icing entirely. Right out of the air fryer, brush donuts with melted butter and immediately roll in a mixture of ½ cup granulated sugar + 1½ teaspoons cinnamon. This version is incredible warm, with a crackly, sweet sugar crust.
• Maple glazed cinnamon roll donuts. Replace the included icing with a quick maple glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup + 1 tablespoon milk. Drizzle over warm donuts for a deeply autumnal, cozy flavor.
• Chocolate drizzled cinnamon roll donuts. Use the included icing AND drizzle with melted chocolate or chocolate sauce for a cinnamon-chocolate combination that tastes like a fancy bakery creation.
• Pumpkin spice cinnamon roll donuts. Use Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls or Pillsbury Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls (seasonal) for a fall-flavored version that pairs perfectly with warm apple cider.
• Caramel apple cinnamon roll donuts. Drizzle warm donuts with caramel sauce and serve with a side of diced sautéed cinnamon apples for a full dessert-style treat.
• Sprinkle party donuts. Apply the icing, then immediately shower with rainbow sprinkles before the icing sets. Perfect for birthday mornings, celebrations, or any day you want to make someone feel special.

How to Store and Reheat

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep the icing side up to prevent the glaze from sticking to the container lid.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The icing will firm up in the fridge — bring to room temperature or reheat before serving.
• Reheating: Warm in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave for 10–15 seconds. Note the icing will melt slightly when reheated — this is normal and actually makes them taste freshly made.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, reheat in the air fryer, and add fresh icing before serving. Do not freeze iced donuts — the glaze becomes sticky and weeps when thawed.

What To Serve With Cinnamon Roll Donuts Air Fryer Recipe

These Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Donuts are sweet, fluffy, and perfect on their own, but they pair beautifully with a cozy breakfast or brunch spread. Serve them alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or a savory egg casserole to balance the sweetness.

They also go great with a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a vanilla latte for an indulgent morning treat. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just enjoying a lazy weekend morning, these donuts are the perfect sweet finish to your meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you really make donuts from cinnamon rolls? Yes, and it’s one of the best air fryer hacks out there! Flatten each cinnamon roll, cut a hole in the center with a 1-inch round cutter, and air fry. The result is a fluffy, cinnamon-swirl donut with built-in flavor — no extra spices or glaze ingredients needed (the icing comes right in the can).

What brand of cinnamon rolls works best? Pillsbury Original Cinnamon Rolls (the 8-count can) are the easiest to find and most consistent. Pillsbury Grands give you a larger, bakery-style ring. Annie’s Organic and Immaculate Baking Co. both work great for a cleaner-ingredient option. Trader Joe’s seasonal varieties add fun flavor twists. Virtually any refrigerated cinnamon roll brand will work.

Do I need to cut a hole in the center? No — you can skip the hole entirely and air fry the flattened rolls as solid discs. They cook through just fine and look like thick, rustic donuts. However, cutting the hole creates the classic ring shape, gives you bonus donut holes, and helps the center cook more evenly. It’s highly recommended.

What if I don’t have a round cutter? Use whatever you have! A water bottle cap, a shot glass, the metal lid from a small jar, or even the back of a large piping tip all work perfectly for cutting a 1-inch hole.

Why did my donuts come out pale? The most common causes are an uncrowded basket that still didn’t have enough preheat time, or cooking at too low a temperature for your specific air fryer model. Try preheating your air fryer fully before the first batch and check at the 5-minute mark — if they’re pale, cook in 1-minute increments until golden.

Why did my donuts come out too dark? Cinnamon roll dough has more sugar than biscuit dough, which means it browns faster. If yours are browning too quickly, reduce the temperature to 310°F or check at 4 minutes. Every air fryer is different — the first batch is always the calibration batch.

Can I use Pillsbury Grands (the jumbo rolls)? Yes! The Grands size gives you bigger, more impressive-looking donuts. Add 1–2 extra minutes of cook time (check at 7 minutes with a toothpick) as they’re thicker and take longer to cook through.

Can I make the whole recipe ahead of time? The donuts are best fresh and warm. For the best results, prep and cut the dough up to 30 minutes ahead and refrigerate on a plate covered with plastic wrap, then air fry just before serving. The icing can be pre-warmed and stored in a small bowl with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface.

Can I double the recipe? Absolutely — just work in batches. Cook one batch while you prep the next. They stay warm well on a cooling rack loosely tented with foil while you finish the remaining batches.

More Easy Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love

• Ninja Foodi Possible Cooker Pro Breakfast Casserole
• Air Fryer Ham Casserole
• Air Fryer Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole
• Air Fryer Chicken And Broccoli Casserole
• Air Fryer Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Made these easy air fryer cinnamon roll donuts? Leave a star rating and a comment below — I love hearing from you! Tag @forktospoon on Instagram to show off your creation.