Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (Cinnabon Copycat)

Craving gooey, bakery-style cinnamon rolls? These Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (Cinnabon Copycat) are soft, fluffy, and packed with sweet cinnamon sugar swirls. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, they taste just like the mall favorite—but made fresh in your own kitchen! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy weekend treat.

There is nothing better in the morning than a batch of fresh Air Fryer Homemade Cinnamon Rolls {Cinnabon Copycat}. If you were looking for a great and easy Air Fryer Breakfast Recipe that the entire family would love, this is one of my favorites, and the air fryer does a fantastic job of making a tasty pastry that everyone will love.

Homemade cinnamon rolls make one of the best breakfasts, and my kids love it when I make a fresh batch. Is there anything better with your morning coffee than a hot pastry? I do not think so; it’s one of my favorite air fryer breakfast recipes.

If you are looking for even more air fryer breakfast recipes, try some of my quick and easy Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes, including Air Fryer French Toast, Air Fryer Pancakes, and of course, my favorite Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Scones.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Soft, Fluffy Texture – These rolls are perfectly pillowy and melt in your mouth.
• Gooey Cinnamon Filling – Packed with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in every bite.
• Rich Cream Cheese Frosting – Sweet, tangy frosting that tastes just like Cinnabon’s signature topping.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
• Better Than Store-Bought – Homemade flavor and aroma that outshines any mall bakery!

Cinnabon Copycat Recipe Ingredients List

• Butter: Gives the dough a rich, tender texture and adds flavor to the rolls.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a soft, fluffy texture to the cinnamon rolls.
• Active dry yeast: Makes the dough rise and become light and airy.
• Brown sugar: Creates the sweet, spiced filling of the rolls.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the cinnamon rolls and balances the sweetness.
• Milk: Adds moisture to the dough and helps to dissolve the sugar and yeast.
• Eggs: Contribute to the dough’s structure and add richness.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds the signature warm spice flavor in the filling.
• Powdered sugar: Used to make the icing.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the icing.

How To Make Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Step One: Place flour and salt in a large mixing bowl and stir. In a small bowl, combine sugar, lukewarm milk, and instant yeast. Stir and set aside for 5 minutes. Add the yeast mixture, the melted butter, the olive oil, and the egg to the flour. Start mixing first with a wooden spoon and then use your hands to make a dough. Knead shortly to distribute all ingredients well into the dough.

Step Two: Alternatively, use a stand mixer to mix the ingredients at a low speed until making a dough. Place the dough in the bowl. Cover it with baking paper and then wrap the bowl with 1-2 kitchen towels. Leave it in a warm place for about 1,5 h. The dough should almost double its size. Roll the dough on a parchment paper sheet, making a rectangular shape (or as rectangular as possible), about 1/2 inch thick. Spread the filling evenly on top of the rectangular.

Step Three: In a medium bowl, combine cinnamon, melted butter, and sugar. Mix very well.

Step Four: Start rolling from the larger side, using the paper as support. Roll up the rectangular into a tight log. Shape it with your hands to become as even as possible. Cut the log into seven equal rolls using a sharp knife. 

Step Five: Line the air fryer with a sheet of parchment paper as wide as its basket. Arrange the rolls one next to another, preferably not touching the sides of the basket. Bake the rolls, with a cook time of 20-25 minutes at air fryer temperature of 350 degrees F/ 180 degrees C or until golden brown. Check them at the 15th minute.

Step Six: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with 1-2 tbsp of the milk. Mix very well to dissolve. Heat the rest of the milk with vanilla and powdered sugar until the mixture starts simmering. Remove from the stove and add the dissolved starch. Stir very well and return to the stove, lowering the heat. Stir continuously for 30-60 seconds until the glaze starts thickening.  Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes, stirring from time to time.

Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Tips

• The air fryer rolls would become a bit browner on top than those baked in the oven: that is ok. Check the bottoms for doneness as they would take more time to get baked. 
• You can invert the rolls during the baking if you see that the tops are too dark and the bottoms still unbaked.
• Store the leftovers in airtight containers at room temperature for 2-3 days. Ideally, before serving, reheat them in a microwave for 1 minute at medium power.

Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your active dry yeast is fresh for the best rise. If it’s old, it might not activate properly, leading to dense rolls.
• Warm Ingredients: Warm the milk slightly before adding it to the yeast mixture to help activate the yeast. The milk should be lukewarm, not hot.
• Knead the Dough Well: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic to ensure a good texture. This helps develop the gluten, making the rolls soft and fluffy.
• Roll Evenly: Roll out the dough into an even rectangle to ensure that the cinnamon and sugar filling is distributed evenly. This helps all the rolls cook uniformly.
• Avoid Overfilling: Don’t overload the air fryer basket; cook the rolls in batches if needed to ensure they get crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer before placing the cinnamon rolls inside to ensure even cooking and a consistent rise.
• Check Frequently: Air fryers cook quickly, so check the rolls frequently to avoid burning. They should be golden brown and cooked through.
• Cool Before Icing: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before adding the icing to prevent it from melting off.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Keep an eye on them and test for doneness with a toothpick.
• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to get creative with fillings, like adding nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips, to customize your cinnamon rolls.

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (Cinnabon Copycat) Recipe Faqs

Can I use store-bought dough for air fryer cinnamon rolls? Yes, you can use store-bought dough, like Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, in the air fryer. Just follow the package instructions, adjusting the cooking time if necessary.

How do I make sure the rolls are evenly cooked in the air fryer? To ensure even cooking, arrange the rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook in batches if needed.

What should I do if my cinnamon rolls are not rising properly? Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the milk was warm but not hot. Also, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place to help it rise properly.

How long do I need to cook cinnamon rolls in the air fryer? Typically, cinnamon rolls take about 20-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C) in the air fryer. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so check for doneness regularly.

Can I freeze cinnamon rolls before cooking them? Yes, you can freeze uncooked cinnamon rolls. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, let them thaw and rise before placing them in the air fryer.

How can I prevent my cinnamon rolls from sticking to the air fryer basket? Use parchment paper or lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Make sure the rolls are well-spaced and not touching.

Can I make a glaze or icing for my cinnamon rolls? Absolutely! You can make a simple glaze or icing with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle it over the rolls after they’ve cooled slightly.

What can I do if the tops of my cinnamon rolls are too brown? If the tops are browning too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil and continue cooking until they are cooked through.

Can I use gluten-free flour to make cinnamon rolls? Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, but you may need to adjust the recipe slightly. Follow the instructions on your gluten-free flour blend for the best results.

How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls? Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave before eating.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER FROZEN HASH BROWN PATTIES
• AIR FRYER CINNAMON FRENCH TOAST
• EASY AIR FRYER RICOTTA TOAST WITH ROASTED GARLIC AND TOMATOES
• AIR FRYER BAKED APPLE TOAST
• AIR FRYER PUMPKIN FRENCH TOAST

Don’t Forget To Pin!

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