You know those days when you need a sweet treat fast, but don’t want to fuss? That’s exactly why I fell in love with these Air Fryer Maple Cinnamon Twists. I whipped them up one Sunday morning when my nieces came over—they’re impatient little food critics—and within 20 minutes, we were all dunking crispy, buttery twists into extra maple syrup. The air fryer works magic here, giving that perfect golden crunch without the mess of deep frying. Trust me, once you smell that cinnamon and maple swirling through your kitchen, you’ll be making these on repeat like I do for brunches, late-night cravings, or just because. And the best part? They’re so simple, even my butterfingers brother can’t mess them up.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Maple Cinnamon Twists
These golden twists are my go-to when I need something sweet in a hurry. Here’s why they’ll become your new favorite too:
- Ready in 20 minutes flat – From fridge to plate faster than you can say “breakfast dessert”
- That perfect crunch – The air fryer gives them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender
- Warm spice hug – Cinnamon and maple together? Pure comfort food magic
- Impressively easy – Only 5 ingredients and zero fancy skills required
- Smells amazing – Your kitchen will smell like a cozy bakery within minutes
Seriously, these disappear faster than I can make them whenever I serve them. The kids beg for them, and adults pretend they’re being “good” by only having two… then sneak back for thirds.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Maple Cinnamon Twists
Grab these simple ingredients—you might already have most in your pantry! The key is cold puff pastry; it makes twisting so much easier.
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed but still cold
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (salted for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (the darker, the better)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
No maple syrup? Honey or agave works beautifully. For dairy-free twists, swap the butter with coconut oil (melted and slightly cooled). If using vegan puff pastry, check that it’s cold before handling—it tears more easily when warm. And if you’re out of cinnamon? A pinch of pumpkin pie spice adds a fun twist. Just don’t skip chilling the pastry—it’s the secret to those perfect spirals!
How to Make Air Fryer Maple Cinnamon Twists
Okay, let’s get twisting! The best part? No fancy techniques—just follow these simple steps for golden, flaky perfection every time.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This gives you that instant crisp when the pastry hits the hot air—no soggy bottoms here!
- Roll out your puff pastry just enough to smooth any creases. No need to go crazy—we’re keeping this rustic. Cut into 1-inch strips (I use a pizza cutter for speed).
- Twist like a pro: Hold both ends of a strip and give it 2-3 gentle turns. Don’t overthink it—imperfections add charm!
- Brush with melted butter using a pastry brush (or your fingers in a pinch). Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle generously over each twist.
- Air fry in batches—don’t crowd them! Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway. Peek at the 4-minute mark—they go from golden to dark fast!
- Drizzle with maple syrup while still warm. The heat helps it soak in just enough without making them soggy.
Tips for Perfect Twists
Space them out! Give each twist room to puff up—they’ll crisp better. Work fast with cold pastry—if it gets too soft, pop it in the fridge for 5 minutes. And serve immediately—they’re best fresh from the air fryer, though I won’t judge if you eat them straight from the basket!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Maple Cinnamon Twists
These twists shine all on their own, but here’s how I love to serve them: dunked in strong coffee for breakfast (my guilty pleasure), piled high with vanilla ice cream for dessert, or alongside fresh berries when I’m pretending to be fancy. My niece swears by dipping them in extra maple syrup—because why not?
Storing and Reheating
These twists taste best fresh, but if you miraculously have leftovers (rare in my house!), here’s the trick: store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days. To revive that crisp magic, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for just 1–2 minutes—no preheating needed! They’ll taste nearly fresh-baked again. Pro tip: wait to drizzle extra maple syrup until after reheating so they stay crispy.
Air Fryer Maple Cinnamon Twists Nutrition
Let’s be real—these are a treat, not health food! The nutrition info here is just an estimate (my grandma always said “good baking can’t be counted in calories”). Actual values change based on your specific ingredients—especially how generous you are with that maple syrup drizzle!
FAQs About Air Fryer Maple Cinnamon Twists
Can I use frozen puff pastry straight from the freezer?
Hold on—don’t skip thawing! Frozen pastry shreds when you try to twist it. I leave mine in the fridge overnight (or on the counter for 30 minutes if I’m impatient). Just make sure it’s still cold when handling—warm pastry sticks to everything!
Why did my twists stick to the air fryer basket?
Been there! Either your air fryer needed a quick spritz of oil (even non-stick ones appreciate it), or the twists were touching each other. Give them space to breathe! Parchment paper liners work wonders too—just trim them to fit.
Can I make these ahead?
Sort of! You can prep the twists (twist and season them) and chill on a tray for up to 2 hours before air frying. But honestly? They’re so fast, I just make them fresh. Leftovers lose that perfect crunch—though my family still devours them stale!
Help—my cinnamon sugar fell off!
No stress! Brush with butter again right after cooking (the heat helps it stick), then sprinkle more cinnamon sugar. Or go wild—dip them in melted butter and roll in sugar like churros. I won’t tell!
Share Your Twist
I’d love to see your version of these maple cinnamon twists! Tag me in your photos so I can cheer you on—and maybe steal your brilliant variations. Did you add nuts? Swap spices? Whatever you create, snap a pic before they disappear (because trust me, they will). Happy twisting, friends! Tag me in your photos so I can cheer you on.
Print
20-Minute Air Fryer Maple Cinnamon Twists: Irresistible Crunch
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 6 twists
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these sweet and crispy air fryer maple cinnamon twists as a quick dessert or snack. They’re easy to make and full of warm cinnamon flavor with a hint of maple.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into strips.
- Twist each strip and place in the air fryer basket.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Drizzle with maple syrup before serving.
Notes
- Use cold puff pastry for easier handling.
- Check twists halfway through cooking to avoid burning.
- Serve warm for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American