If you’re craving a sweet, quick, and absolutely irresistible treat, look no further than this Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites with Cinnamon-Sugar Shake and Dipping Icing Recipe. These little bites pack all the buttery, cinnamon-swirled goodness of classic cinnamon rolls but come together in under half an hour thanks to the magic of the air fryer. With a perfectly crisp outside and melt-in-your-mouth inside, topped off by a dusting of cinnamon sugar and a luscious dipping icing, they’re the perfect snack or dessert to share (or keep all to yourself—you deserve it!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Just a few essential ingredients come together to create bursts of flavor and soft, tender texture. Each component, from the cinnamon rolls to the cinnamon-sugar shake and creamy dipping icing, plays a special part in making these bites unforgettable.
- Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls: Using Pillsbury™ Cinnamon Rolls guarantees that iconic fluffy, cinnamon-spiced dough with sweet icing ready to mix in.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds the right level of sweetness and crunch when combined with cinnamon for the shake.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that gives these bites their warm, aromatic flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese makes the dipping icing ultra-smooth and tangy, balancing out the sweetness.
- Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the icing.
- Powdered Sugar: Creates that perfectly smooth, sweet glaze for dipping.
- Milk: Just enough to thin the icing to a perfect dipping consistency for those gooey bites.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites with Cinnamon-Sugar Shake and Dipping Icing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Air Fryer Basket
Start by cutting an 8-inch round of cooking parchment paper and lining the bottom of your air fryer basket with it. This little prep step keeps the bites from sticking while allowing the heat to circulate evenly for that perfect golden brown finish.
Step 2: Slice the Cinnamon Rolls
Separate the dough into the original eight rolls, then cut each roll into four equal pieces, giving you 32 bite-sized chunks of fluffy cinnamon goodness. Place half of the pieces (16) in the air fryer basket, setting the remaining pieces aside for the second batch. Don’t forget to set the original icing aside for later use!
Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Set your air fryer to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the first batch of 16 pieces for 3 minutes, then carefully flip each bite with tongs and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove them and repeat the process with the remaining pieces. This ensures every bite is cooked evenly and perfectly tender inside.
Step 4: Mix Up the Cinnamon-Sugar Shake and Dipping Icing
While your cinnamon bites are happily air frying, shake together the granulated sugar and cinnamon inside a large resealable plastic bag. This mixture will coat the warm bites for that extra layer of delicious crunch and spice. For the dipping icing, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then blend in powdered sugar, reserved icing, and enough milk to reach a luscious, dippable consistency.
Step 5: Finish With a Cinnamon-Sugar Shake and Serve
Once the bites are warm and golden, toss them right into the cinnamon-sugar bag and shake gently to coat them evenly. Serve immediately with the creamy dipping icing on the side. Prepare for compliments and requests for seconds!
How to Serve Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites with Cinnamon-Sugar Shake and Dipping Icing Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra cinnamon crystals or a pinch of powdered sugar over the bites just before serving for a pretty, inviting presentation. Fresh mint leaves or a light drizzle of melted chocolate work beautifully if you want to elevate the look and flavor for guests.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon roll bites are perfect on their own but pair beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a mug of steaming hot cocoa. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit like berries or orange slices to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try threading several cinnamon bites onto small skewers for a fun and shareable treat, or present them in mini cupcake liners nestled on a pretty platter. If you’re feeling festive, add colorful sprinkles right before the cinnamon-sugar shake for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cinnamon roll bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours to maintain texture and flavor. If you store them longer in the fridge, they might lose a bit of their softness.
Freezing
Although best fresh, you can freeze baked cinnamon roll bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your bites in the air fryer at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 3 minutes to regain crispiness, or warm them gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Be sure to serve with fresh dipping icing for maximum indulgence.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of the canned ones?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully and lets you customize the flavors even more. Just be sure to roll and cut them into bite-sized pieces similar to the recipe instructions for even cooking.
Is it necessary to use an air fryer for these cinnamon roll bites?
While the air fryer helps achieve a quick, crispy exterior, you can bake these bites in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway through. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!
How thick should the dipping icing be?
The dipping icing should be smooth and thick enough to coat a spoon but thin enough to dip easily. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I make these bites dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes, and make sure your powdered sugar is free from bone char processing for a fully dairy-free version that still tastes great.
What’s the best way to transport these cinnamon roll bites?
Use a sturdy container with ventilation, or wrap them loosely in parchment paper inside an airtight container to prevent moisture buildup and sogginess if you’re bringing them to a gathering or event.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into warm, soft, cinnamon-sugary goodness dipped in a creamy icing, and this Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites with Cinnamon-Sugar Shake and Dipping Icing Recipe delivers just that — fast, easy, and downright delicious. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, these bites are guaranteed to put smiles all around. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear!
PrintAir Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites with Cinnamon-Sugar Shake and Dipping Icing Recipe
These Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites are a quick and delicious snack or breakfast treat made by cutting cinnamon rolls into bite-sized pieces and cooking them to a golden perfection in an air fryer. They are served warm and coated with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, accompanied by a creamy, sweet dipping sauce made from cream cheese and the original icing, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Bites
- 1 can (12.4 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Cinnamon Rolls with Original Icing (8 Count)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Dipping Sauce
- 4 oz (half of 8-oz package) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 teaspoons milk
- Reserved icing from cinnamon rolls
Instructions
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Cut an 8-inch round piece of cooking parchment paper and place it at the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cooking.
- Cut Cinnamon Rolls: Separate the dough into the 8 individual cinnamon rolls and then cut each roll into 4 equal pieces, creating 32 bite-sized pieces in total. Place 16 pieces in the bottom of the air fryer basket, setting aside the original icing for later use.
- Air Fry Bites: Set the air fryer temperature to 325°F (163°C). Cook the first batch of 16 pieces for 3 minutes, then use tongs to turn each piece over and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the air fryer and repeat the process with the remaining 16 pieces.
- Mix Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon-sugar mixture for coating the warm cinnamon roll bites.
- Prepare Dipping Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, reserved cinnamon roll icing, and 2 to 3 teaspoons of milk until the sauce reaches a smooth, dip-friendly consistency.
- Coat and Serve: Place the warm cinnamon roll bites into the bag with the cinnamon-sugar mixture and shake gently to coat each piece evenly. Serve the coated bites warm alongside the creamy dipping sauce for a delicious treat.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Adjust the milk quantity in the dipping sauce to achieve the desired consistency, adding more if necessary.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the bites before serving.
- Use tongs to safely turn the hot bites in the air fryer to prevent burns.
- These bites are best served immediately to enjoy them warm and fresh.
