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Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

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4 from 4 reviews

These Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists with Cream Cheese Dip are crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside, delivering a sweet, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. Made using frozen dinner roll dough twisted into elegant shapes, air-fried to golden perfection, and served with a creamy, smooth vanilla cream cheese dip, they make a perfect easy-to-make treat any time.

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Sugar Twists

  • 12 frozen dinner roll dough balls (such as Rhodes), thawed according to package directions
  • 23 tablespoons canola oil or nonstick cooking spray
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted

For the Cream Cheese Dip

  • 4 ounces (½ brick) cream cheese, room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 5+ tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Cut each thawed dinner roll dough ball in half to create 24 portions. Roll each portion into a 6-inch long ‘snake.’
  2. Form Twists: Grasp both ends of the dough snake and twist them clockwise simultaneously so the dough twists together. Pinch the ends and tuck the thinnest part underneath. Place each twist at least 1 inch apart in your air fryer basket.
  3. Oil and Proof: Brush or spray both sides generously with canola oil or nonstick cooking spray, then cover with plastic wrap and let puff up at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Prepare all twists similarly on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap until ready to bake.
  4. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375℉ (190℃) to preheat while the dough is puffing.
  5. Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and cinnamon.
  6. Air Fry First Batch: Place the first batch of twists in the preheated air fryer. Cook for 7 minutes. If they are not browned, brush or spray with a little more oil, flip each twist over, and air fry an additional 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Make Cream Cheese Dip: While the twists bake, beat cream cheese and vanilla extract in a medium bowl on low speed until smooth. Add powdered sugar and continue beating on low until combined. Gradually add milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach a thick but drizzly consistency. Set aside.
  8. Coat Twists: After baking, brush the twists immediately with melted butter. While still warm, toss or brush generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat well.
  9. Serve: Serve the warm cinnamon sugar twists immediately with the prepared cream cheese dip for dipping.

Notes

  • Make sure to thaw the frozen dough completely according to package instructions for best results.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave at least 1 inch of space between twists to ensure even cooking.
  • You can adjust the cinnamon sugar amount to taste for more or less sweetness.
  • If you don’t have canola oil, any neutral oil or nonstick spray works well.
  • The cream cheese dip can be made ahead and refrigerated, just give it a quick stir before serving.
  • Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure your air fryer is at the correct temperature for best texture.