Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Donuts

Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Donuts are basically the magic shortcut your mornings have been begging for. Seriously, who knew that popping refrigerated cinnamon roll dough into the air fryer could turn out these fluffy, cinnamon sugar-coated treats that taste like they just came from a cozy bakery? I stumbled onto this idea one groggy weekend when I wanted something fun but without the whole dough-making hassle. Spoiler: it was a total win, even if I did overfill the basket once or twice because, hello, air fryer newbie trying to fit donuts in! These sweet little rounds, finished off with a drizzle of icing, are perfect for a laid-back breakfast or an afternoon snack that feels like a little celebration.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

1/2 cup sugar 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon 1 12.4 ounce tube refrigerated cinnamon rolls

Method

First, mix up the cinnamon sugar by combining half a cup of sugar with half a tablespoon of cinnamon in a bowl. This simple combo is what gives the donuts their irresistible crunch and spice kiss on the outside. Next, grab your tube of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and get them ready — I like doing this over a cutting board because things get sticky fast. Gently open the tube, set aside the icing packet for later (don’t forget this step or you’ll be frosting-less and kind of sad). Then, with a small round cookie cutter or even a shot glass (whatever you have handy), poke out the centers of each cinnamon roll to make donut holes — because extra bites to munch on are always a win. Now for the fun part: air frying. Place a few donuts and their little holes into the air fryer basket. Leave about an inch of space around each because I learned the hard way that crowding them just makes a sticky, smooshed mess. Depending on your air fryer, you might need to do this in batches. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, keeping an eye on them because every machine is a tiny bit different. When they’re that perfect golden brown, you’ll know it. Right after they come out, spritz those babies lightly with some cooking spray (just a quick mist) and then dunk each one into the cinnamon sugar bowl so it clings beautifully. Place the coated donuts on a wire rack to cool — well, as much as they can cool before someone inevitably grabs one. Finally, grab that saved icing packet, snip a tiny corner off the bag, and drizzle the sweet icing all over the warm donuts. The contrast of warm cinnamon sugar and cool icing is just unbeatable.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes (including batches)

Total Time

25 minutes

Servings

About 8 donuts and holes — Honestly, these Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Donuts have become my go-to when I want something quick, cozy, and just a little indulgent without turning the kitchen upside down. Perfect for mornings when you want that donut vibe without the donut shop line! Give ’em a try—you might find yourself sneaking back for seconds before anyone else does.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare cinnamon sugar

Mix together sugar and cinnamon in a bowl; set aside.

Prepare dough

Open the tube of cinnamon rolls and place them on a cutting board.

Remove and set aside the icing packet.

Use a small round cookie cutter or shot glass to cut out the center of each cinnamon roll to create donut holes.

Air fry

Arrange donuts and donut holes in the air fryer basket, leaving 1 inch space between each.

Cook in batches if necessary.

Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown.

Coat and cool

Lightly spritz cooked donuts with cooking spray.

Immediately dunk donuts into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.

Place donuts on a wire cooling rack.

Repeat with remaining donuts.

Add icing

Spoon reserved icing into a small resealable bag and snip off a corner.

Drizzle or pipe icing over warm donuts.

Cook techniques

Using Refrigerated Dough for Speed and Fluffiness

Honestly, grabbing that tube of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough is a total game changer. It’s like a cheat code for soft, fluffy donuts without all the fuss of mixing and kneading. Just slice, hole it out, and you’re halfway there. Also, if you forget to take it out early—no worries—it’s still workable, just a teensy bit tougher to poke holes through.

Cutting Out Donut Holes

Here’s a little kitchen oops moment: I’ve used everything from a tiny cookie cutter to a shot glass for the holes, depending on what I had on hand. Neither is perfect, but hey, rustic donuts are adorable and delicious. Just make sure you save those little circles—they’re like bonus mini-donuts!

How to Air Fry Without Overcrowding

Don’t cram your air fryer basket! Trust me, spacing about an inch apart makes a huge difference so air circulates right, giving you that golden, evenly crisped surface. I once tried to throw in a whole dozen at once (been there, learned that), and they came out soggy. Patience, my friend, and work in batches.

Spritzing and Coating with Cinnamon Sugar

Here’s a cute trick that changed my game: spritz the donuts with a quick cooking spray right after air frying. That little touch makes the cinnamon sugar stick like a charm, instead of just sliding off. It’s messy but so worth it – you’ll be licking your fingers before you know it.

Piping Icing Like a Pro (Kind Of)

Using the icing packet from the cinnamon rolls in a tiny zip bag with just a snip at the corner is my lazy but effective hack. Don’t worry about perfect lines—wobbly squiggles add character and taste just as sweet. Pro tip: drizzle while donuts are warm for that melty, dreamy effect.

FAQ

Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of refrigerated?

You bet! Homemade dough works but will take a bit longer to prepare and bring to the right temperature for cutting and frying. Just keep in mind the air fryer time might change slightly as homemade dough can vary in thickness and moisture.

What if my donuts aren’t crisp enough after air frying?

Try giving them a tiny extra minute or two in the air fryer, but watch closely so they don’t burn. Also, don’t forget to space them out properly—overcrowding slows the crisping magic way down.

Can I skip the cooking spray before cinnamon sugar?

Skipping the spritz usually means the sugar won’t stick as well and might fall off while eating. If you’re avoiding sprays, a quick dip in melted butter could do the trick instead, messy but delicious.

How do I store leftovers, if there are any?

Wrap these babies tight in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1-2 days. They’re best fresh really, but if you want to revive them, a quick 20-second zap in the microwave helps soften that cinnamon roll magic back up.

Can I reheat donut holes without drying them out?

Totally. Pop them in the air fryer for just a minute or two at 350°F to warm through and get a slight crisp without turning them into little donut rocks. Microwave works too, just keep it brief.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Apple Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bites

Try tossing your air fryer cinnamon sugar donuts with tiny bits of sautéed apples and a dash of nutmeg before coating them in cinnamon sugar. The warm apple flavor pairs like a dream with the cinnamon. I once accidentally added too much apple and the donuts got a bit soggy—but hey, that just meant more apple goodness, and nobody complained. If you want to get fancy, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top instead of the usual icing for a sweet twist.

Maple Glazed Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Swap out the store-bought icing for a quick maple glaze made from powdered sugar and real maple syrup. It’s so simple yet hits all the cozy notes you want in a breakfast treat. I tried this on a whim one morning when I was out of the cinnamon roll icing, and honestly, it might’ve become my favorite way to eat these donuts. Just glaze while they’re still warm and get ready for sticky fingers—and don’t forget the napkins!

Chocolate Dipped Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

If you’re a chocoholic like me, melt some semi-sweet chocolate chips and dip half your donuts into the chocolate before sprinkling on the cinnamon sugar. The mix of crispy sugar shell and melty chocolate is crazy good. Full disclosure, I made a bit of a mess dripping chocolate all over the kitchen counter, but the cleanup was so worth it. Plus, those little donut holes look super cute dipped this way.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Donut Sandwiches

I know, peanut butter and jelly might sound wild, but split your cooked donuts in half and sandwich in your favorite peanut butter and strawberry jam or grape jelly. The cinnamon sugar plus the PB&J combo turns simple into snack time magic. My kid totally dubbed these “donut sandwiches” and now asks for them like every weekend — which means two things: I’m winning as a mom today, and I’m probably running low on peanut butter.

Brown Sugar and Pecan Topping

For a crunchy twist, sprinkle chopped pecans mixed with a pinch of brown sugar and cinnamon on top of your glazed donuts. The nuts add this beautiful texture contrast and a slightly toasted flavor that makes these donuts feel a bit fancy. Sometimes I toast the nuts a little too long, and they get super dark — but hey, a little crunch never hurt nobody, right? It’s a great combo when you want something a bit more grown-up from your cinnamon sugar routine.

Orange Zest and Cream Cheese Drizzle

Add bright, fresh orange zest into your cinnamon sugar coating or mix it into the icing before drizzling. The citrus zing gives a lovely balance to all that sugary warmth. I tried this once when I was testing “citrus meets classic donut” combos, and even my typically donut-snubbing husband couldn’t resist grabbing seconds. Finish off the look with a gentle cream cheese glaze to make it feel like a bakery-level treat straight from your air fryer.

Churro Style Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

If you’re craving that authentic churro vibe, dust your donuts with a mix of cinnamon, sugar, and a touch of ground cloves or nutmeg. Add a tiny sprinkle of salt for depth and ditch the icing altogether. It’s nostalgic and perfect with a hot cup of coffee on a chilly morning. One time, I nearly left the cloves out because I wasn’t sure — glad I didn’t, because it made the whole snack just sing. Definitely try this if you love “less is more” flavor profiles.

Spiced Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Mix a little pumpkin pie spice into your cinnamon sugar coating to bring in those autumn vibes early. If you’re feeling ambitious, warm a bit of canned pumpkin with maple syrup and cinnamon to make a dip for the donut holes. I attempted this combo during a super rushed Halloween morning, and admittedly, the pumpkin dip got a bit lumpy, but the taste was worth the mess. It’s a seasonal spin that brings instant cozy feels.

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