Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists

Make these decadent donut twists in minutes in your air fryer. The outside is crispy, sweet, buttery, with the inside light and fluffy. Serve your Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists with a sweet cream cheese dipping sauce that is perfect for dunking.

Why use a deep fryer when you have one of the best kitchen appliances of all time (in my opinion)? I use my air fryer almost every day, and it quickly becomes an item I just can’t live without! There are so many tasty snacks and scrumptious recipes to make. Check out my growing collection of air fryer recipes.

These air fryer cinnamon sugar twists are a delicious snack or dessert to complete a meal. They are easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes. I use frozen dinner roll balls to save on time, so you don’t even need to make your own dough. Dip them in a luscious cream cheese dip that’s creamy and sweet. You’ll be craving the cinnamon sugar goodness for a long time after. I definitely was!

This recipe makes a large batch of 24 cinnamon twists. Perfect for a school snack or movie night snack. Or just because! Who needs a reason to enjoy a sweet treat?!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent treat made in the air fryer
• It tastes like a donut from the donut shop (only better!)
• Easy recipe
• Kids love these treats
• Uses pre-made dough to save on time
• Great copycat recipe for Domino’s cinnamon twists

Ingredients

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The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Frozen dinner roll dough balls: This recipe uses Rhodes frozen dinner roll dough, but any brand will work. Make sure to thaw the dough out first according to the package directions.
• Canola oil: You can also use non-stick cooking spray.
• Granulated sugar
• Cinnamon
• Salted butter

Cream Cheese Dip Ingredients

• Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature.
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar
• Milk: I used 2% milk.

How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists

Follow along to learn how to make air fryer cinnamon twists.

• Step One: Cut each dough ball in half, creating 24 portions.
• Step Two: Roll each portion of dough into 6-inch long strips. Grasp each end of the dough and twist both ends clockwise simultaneously. This will make the dough twist together. 
• Step Three: Pinch the ends together and tuck the thinnest part under. 

• Step Four: Place at least 1 inch apart in the air fryer basket. Brush both sides generously with canola oil. 
• Step Five: Cover with plastic wrap and allow to puff up for about 15 minutes at room temperature. Prepare the rest of the twists the same way and rest them on a baking sheet, covered in plastic wrap, until ready to bake.
• Step Six: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Whisk together the cinnamon and sugar in a large bowl. 

• Step Seven: Air fry the first batch for 7 minutes. Brush with a little bit more oil if they are not brown yet. Flip twists over and air fry for 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown.
• Step Eight: When the twists are finished baking, brush them (or toss them in a large bowl) with melted butter. Immediately coat generously with cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately with cream cheese dip.

• Step Nine: While the twists are baking, beat cream cheese and vanilla in a medium bowl on low speed until smooth.
• Step Ten: Add powdered sugar and beat on low until combined, adding splashes of milk until a thick, drizzly consistency is reached. 

What to Serve with Them

• Mocha Latte
• Coffee with pumpkin spice creamer
• Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
• Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Slow Cooker Chai Latte
• Cinnamon rolls

Storage Instructions

These cinnamon twists are best served fresh from the air fryer. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. 

How to Reheat

Reheat in the air fryer for 2 minutes at 350°F. You can also heat them in the microwave for about 6 seconds on high.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• All air fryers are different. I recommend checking the twists at the 6-minute mark the first time you make them. Give them a little more time if they are not golden brown yet. Basket air fryers typically brown food more quickly than the countertop oven style.
• Have the cinnamon sugar mixture ready when the twists are finished air frying. The cinnamon sugar will stick easier when the twists are piping hot.
• If your bag of dough doesn’t have speed-thawing instructions, you can try this method. Preheat the oven to 175°F, and then TURN IT OFF. Boil a few cups of water and pour into a shallow baking dish on a lower rack in the oven. Grease a large baking sheet and place each dough ball a couple of inches apart. Spray the top of each ball with non-stick cooking spray. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Place the pan with the dough balls above the dish of water. Let rise for 2 hours with the oven door closed.

Cream Cheese Dip Tips

• If your cream cheese is still lumpy after blending it, it is not warm enough. Try microwaving for 12 to 16 seconds and mix again. Repeat, if necessary.
• If your cream cheese dip is too thin, add powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it thickens up. 
• If your cream cheese dip is too thick, add splashes of milk until it’s your desired consistency. 

Dipping Ideas

The cream cheese dip is perfection, but there are other options for dipping, too!

• Chocolate sauce – Try my hot fudge sauce.
• Butterscotch sauce
• Caramel sauce
• Strawberry sauce
• Lemon sauce
• Vanilla sauce – Make your own with a cup of powdered sugar, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, and splashes of heavy cream or milk.
• Pumpkin pie dip
• Booty dip

Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Pasta Chips
• Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Twists (made with crescent roll dough)
• Air Fryer Pizza
• Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
• Air Fryer Candied Pecans
• Air Fryer Caramel Cheesecake Chimichangas
• Air Fryer Pretzel Bites

You’ll also like Baked Brown Sugar Glazed Donuts, Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls, and Mini Rum Butter Cinnamon Rolls.

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