Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists
Make these decadent donut twists in minutes in your air fryer. The outside is crispy, sweet and buttery with the inside being light and fluffy. Serve your Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists with a sweet cream cheese dipping sauce 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’s quickly become one 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 Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists
- Decadent treat made in the air fryer
- 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
- 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 Cinnamon Twists
- Step One: Cut each ball of dough in half, creating 24 portions.
- Step Two: Roll each portion of dough into 6 inch long strips. Grasp each end of 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 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 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 an additional 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown.
- Step Eight: When the twists are done baking, brush then (or toss 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.
Equipment Needed
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What to Serve with Cinnamon Sugar Twists
- 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
- All air fryers are different. I recommend checking the twists at the 6 minute mark the first time you make them. If they are not golden brown yet, give them a little more time. Basket air fryers will typically brown food more quickly than the countertop oven style.
- Have the cinnamon sugar mixture ready to go when the 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 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, this means it was 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, 1 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 Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls and Mini Rum Butter Cinnamon Rolls.
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If you make the recipe, rate it on the recipe card below and tag me on Instagram and use #simplystacie. I like sharing the photos on my Instagram stories!
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists with Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 12 frozen dinner roll balls thawed according to package directions
- 3 tbsp canola oil
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp salted butter melted
Cream Cheese Dip
- 4 oz cream cheese room temperature
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 5 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Cut each ball of dough in half, creating 24 portions.
- Roll each portion of dough in a 6 inch long "snake". Grasp each end of dough and twist both ends clockwise simultaneously. This will make the dough twist together.
- Pinch the ends together and tuck the thinnest part under.
- Place at least 1 inch apart in air fryer basket. Brush both sides generously with canola oil.
- 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.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Whisk together the cinnamon and sugar in a large bowl. 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 an additional 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the twists are baking, beat cream cheese and vanilla in a medium bowl on low speed until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and beat on low until combined, adding splashes of milk until a thick drizzly consistency is reached. Set aside.
- When the twists are done baking, brush then (or toss in a large bowl) with melted butter. Immediately coat generously with cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately with cream cheese dip.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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