You know those mornings when you wake up craving something sweet, but the thought of measuring flour and waiting for the oven feels impossible? That’s exactly why I fell in love with these 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites. They’re my emergency breakfast (or midnight snack) lifesaver!
I discovered this trick one frantic Sunday when my nieces showed up unexpectedly. My air fryer became the hero – transforming basic cinnamon roll dough into golden, buttery bites in minutes. After testing dozens of batches (some slightly too crispy, oops!), I perfected the timing so yours turn out soft inside with that perfect caramelized edge every time.
Why You’ll Love These 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them! Here’s why they’re my go-to quick fix:
- Lightning fast: From fridge to plate in under 10 minutes – no waiting for the oven to preheat!
- Impossible to mess up: Just two ingredients means less stress and fewer dishes to wash (my favorite part).
- Perfectly portioned: The bite-sized pieces mean you can grab just a few… or eat the whole batch (no judgment here).
- Better than the original: The air fryer gives them this magical crispy outside while keeping the centers soft and gooey.
Ingredients for 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites
Here’s the beautiful part – you probably already have everything you need! Just grab:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough – I like the classic Pillsbury ones with icing, but any brand works
- 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter – Trust me, splurge on the good butter here. It makes all the difference!
That’s it – seriously! Though I sometimes sneak in a pinch of sea salt over the top if I’m feeling fancy.
How to Make 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – turning that can of dough into golden, buttery bites of heaven! I promise it’s easier than you think, but I’ve got a few tricks to make sure yours turn out perfect every time.
Step 1: Prep the Dough
First, pop open that can of cinnamon rolls (that little “pop” never gets old, does it?). Unroll them on a clean surface – the dough will be sticky, so don’t panic! Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut each roll into 4 equal pieces. They don’t have to be perfect, but try to keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Pro tip: If the dough sticks to your knife, give it a quick spray with cooking oil first.
Step 2: Air Fry
Now, arrange your dough bites in the air fryer basket – leave a little space between them so they can puff up nicely. No preheating needed here (another win!). Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 5-7 minutes. At the 3-minute mark, give the basket a gentle shake to help them brown evenly. Keep an eye on them during the last minute – you want them golden, not dark brown!
Step 3: Add Butter
Here’s where the magic happens – as soon as those bites come out of the air fryer, brush them generously with melted butter. I mean really go for it! The hot dough will soak up all that buttery goodness, giving them that irresistible crisp-yet-tender texture. Wait a minute before eating (if you can resist!) – they’re molten lava hot straight out of the fryer.
Tips for Perfect 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites
After making these dozens of times (sometimes successfully, sometimes… not so much), I’ve learned a few tricks that guarantee perfect bites every time:
- Give them space! Crowding the basket leads to steamed, soggy bites. Leave at least ½ inch between pieces for that perfect crisp.
- Peek early and often. Air fryers vary – start checking at 4 minutes. They’re done when golden with slightly darker edges.
- Parchment is your friend. A small round of parchment prevents sticking without blocking airflow like foil would.
- Work in batches. It’s tempting to cram them all in, but trust me – patience pays off with evenly cooked bites!
Serving Suggestions for 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites
These irresistible bites shine on their own, but for extra magic: drizzle with the included icing, dunk in warm coffee, or serve atop vanilla ice cream. For brunch, pair with fresh fruit and a mimosa – pure bliss in every bite!
Storage and Reheating
If you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house!), pop them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To revive that fresh-from-the-fryer magic, reheat at 300°F for just 2 minutes – they’ll taste like new!
2-Ingredient Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites FAQs
I get asked about these cinnamon roll bites all the time – here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen (and my DMs!):
Can I use homemade dough instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just roll your dough into small balls about the size of marbles. The cooking time might vary slightly – start checking at 4 minutes. Though I’ll admit, the canned dough is my lazy-day hero for its perfect consistency every time.
Can I freeze these cinnamon roll bites?
You bet! Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag. When cravings hit, air fry frozen bites at 350°F for 6-8 minutes. They lose a tiny bit of that fresh-baked magic but still beat store-bought any day!
Why did mine turn out dry?
Oh no! Two likely culprits: overcooking (those last 60 seconds make a huge difference!) or not using enough butter. The butter soak is non-negotiable – it creates that signature moist interior. If yours dried out, try brushing with extra butter right after cooking next time.
Nutritional Information
Just so you know what you’re biting into (not that it stops me from eating half the batch!). These estimates vary by brand – the values shown are per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 24g
Now go enjoy them – life’s too short to count every cinnamon-sugar speck!
Did You Make This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how your cinnamon roll bites turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on social media – seeing your golden-brown creations makes my day. Now go enjoy those warm, buttery bites!
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2-Ingredient Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy 2-ingredient cinnamon roll bites made in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Cut cinnamon roll dough into bite-sized pieces.
- Place pieces in air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Brush with melted butter.
Notes
- Check frequently to avoid burning.
- Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American