Making cinnamon rolls in the air fryer is so simple and you won't even need to heat up your whole oven. This recipe yields a perfect 12 cinnamon rolls.
Heat the milk to 110-115 degrees. Add to the bowl of a stand mixer and whisk in the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let sit for 10 minutes. The yeast should foam and bubble.
Add the egg and melted butter and whisk to combine.
Add in the flour and salt. Place the dough hook attachment on the mixer and knead for 4-5 minutes. The dough should be slightly sticky. Add more flour, 1-2 tablespoons at a time if needed to reach a firm dough ball that just barely sticks to your finger when pulled away.
Transfer the dough to a large well-oiled bowl, cover with a tea towel and leave to rise for 1 hour in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to ¼ inch thick rectangle.
Fill the dough:
Spread the melted butter over the dough, leaving a ¼ inch border all around.
Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the buttered dough, pressing the mixture gently into the butter with your fingers.
Starting from the long side, roll up the dough into a log and pinch the edges together. Make sure the seam is down.
Using a serrated knife or dental floss, trim the edges from either side to remove the space without filling. Slice the dough log into 12 equal rolls.
Spritz the air fryer basket with oil and put the individual rolls in the basket with a couple of inches space between each roll. You will need to work in batches.
Let the rolls rise for 15 minutes.
Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook the cinnamon rolls for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden brown on top.
Remove the air Fryer basket and leave the rolls to cool for 5 minutes.
To make the frosting:
To a medium bowl, add the butter and cream cheese. Use an electric mixer to beat until smooth and combined
Add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and mix until fully combined, light and fluffy.
Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve while cooking the second batch of rolls.
Notes
Cooking times may vary depending on the brand of the air fryer. Check the rolls at 8 minutes and continue baking until golden brown and the center is no longer gooey.Do not overcrowd the air fryer as the rolls will need room to expand as they cook.Reheat cinnamon rolls in a 350 degree air fryer for 1 minute or in the microwave.