Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried making Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists yet, you’re missing out on the easiest little treat ever! I stumbled upon this recipe when my niece begged for something sweet, and all I had was a lonely sheet of puff pastry in the freezer. Ten minutes later? Magic. These crispy, sugary twists taste like you spent hours baking, but honestly, they’re quicker than running to the store. The air fryer gives them that perfect golden crunch while keeping the centers just a tiny bit soft. Now my family demands them every weekend – and I don’t mind one bit because cleanup’s a breeze too!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists
Trust me, these little twists will become your new obsession! Here’s why:
- Crazy quick: From freezer to table in 20 minutes flat – faster than preheating my oven!
- So easy: Just roll, sprinkle, twist and air fry. My 8-year-old niece can make them (and does!).
- Perfect texture: That magical air fryer crisp outside with just a hint of softness inside.
- Versatile: Equally amazing as an after-school snack or dressed up with ice cream for dessert.
- Smells heavenly: Your kitchen will smell like a cinnamon roll bakery – bonus!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists
Gather these simple ingredients – I promise you probably have most in your pantry already! The magic happens with:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but still cool – trust me, room temp gets too sticky)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, and yes, salted works in a pinch)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (pack it lightly – no need to press down hard)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (the good stuff – your nose will know)
That’s it! Well, unless you want to get fancy – but more on that later.
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists
Okay, let’s get twisting! These come together so fast you’ll barely have time to lick the cinnamon sugar off your fingers (not that I’d judge). Follow these simple steps for perfect twists every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
First, unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. I like to give it a gentle roll with my rolling pin just to smooth out any creases – no need to go crazy, just enough to make it cooperate. Brush that beautiful melted butter all over the surface, getting right to the edges. Pro tip: Work quickly while the pastry’s still cool – warm pastry turns into a sticky mess!
Step 2: Add Cinnamon Sugar
Now for the fun part! Mix your sugar and cinnamon together in a little bowl (I always sneak a pinch to taste-test). Sprinkle it evenly over the buttered pastry – I use my fingers to distribute it like I’m seasoning a pizza. Don’t dump it all in one spot or you’ll get cinnamon sugar avalanches when you twist! A light dusting does the trick.
Step 3: Twist and Cook
Slice the pastry into 12 strips (a pizza cutter works great here). Grab each end of a strip and twist in opposite directions – don’t worry about perfection, rustic twists taste just as good! Space them in your preheated air fryer basket (350°F) with room to puff up. Cook for 8-10 minutes until they’re golden and crisp at the edges. Watch closely after 8 minutes – they go from perfect to overdone fast!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists
After making dozens (okay, hundreds) of batches, here are my foolproof tricks for twist perfection:
- Space them out! Overcrowding = steamed twists instead of crispy ones. I do batches if needed.
- Peek at 8 minutes – air fryers vary wildly. Mine always finishes at 8:30 exactly.
- Let them rest 2 minutes before eating – the sugar stops being molten lava by then.
- Cold pastry handles better – if it gets sticky, pop it in the fridge for 5 minutes.
Oh, and lick your fingers after sprinkling cinnamon sugar – that’s not a tip, that’s just mandatory joy.
Variations for Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe (which is perfect as-is, honestly), try these fun twists! Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the sugar mix for extra warmth. For special occasions, drizzle with vanilla glaze or dip in melted chocolate. My niece loves rainbow sprinkles on hers – messy but adorable!
Serving Suggestions
These cinnamon twists shine all on their own, but oh boy – try dunking them in your morning coffee or pairing with vanilla ice cream for instant dessert magic! Fresh berries on the side make me feel slightly virtuous about eating three… or four.
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the good news – these cinnamon twists rarely last long enough to store! But if you somehow have leftovers (magic trick, I know), pop them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crispy for about 2 days. When ready to enjoy again, just toss them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes – they’ll come out warm and crisp like they’re fresh!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but let’s be real – we’re eating cinnamon sugar twists here, not kale chips! While I can’t give you exact numbers (every brand of puff pastry and butter varies slightly), I can tell you this much: each twist is a perfectly portioned little indulgence. They’re not exactly health food, but made in moderation with quality ingredients, they fit right into a balanced diet. My philosophy? Enjoy every buttery, cinnamon-y bite without stressing about the details – life’s too short not to savor homemade treats! For more general information on the benefits of using an antioxidants found in cinnamon, check out this resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen puff pastry straight from the freezer?
Oh honey, don’t even try it! You’ll end up with a crumbly mess. Thaw your pastry in the fridge overnight or on the counter for about 30 minutes – just until it’s pliable but still cool. Frozen pastry tears easily, and cold pastry gives you those perfect flaky layers.
Why do my cinnamon twists come out soggy?
Two likely culprits: overcrowding the air fryer basket (give those twists room to breathe!) or not preheating your air fryer first. That initial blast of hot air is what gives them that signature crispiness. Also – don’t skip the butter! It helps the sugar caramelize into crispy perfection. If you are looking for more general food safety guidelines, the FDA has great tips.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the twisted pastry strips and keep them chilled on a baking sheet for up to 2 hours before cooking. The cinnamon sugar might weep a little, but they’ll still taste amazing. Just add an extra minute to the cook time since they’ll be extra cold.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F for just 1-2 minutes – they’ll crisp right back up! The microwave turns them rubbery (learned that the hard way). If they seem dry, a quick spritz of water before reheating works wonders.
20-Minute Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists – Irresistible Crunch!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 twists
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and sweet cinnamon twists made easily in your air fryer. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry and brush with melted butter.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the pastry.
- Cut the pastry into strips, twist each strip, and place in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to regain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American