Last winter morning, I was running late and craving something indulgent but easy — you know, that sweet-meets-savory comfort you can smell from down the hall. I’d tried baking bacon cinnamon rolls in the oven before, but they always came out either too soft or unevenly crisp. Then one Saturday, I tested them in my air fryer — and everything changed. The bacon turned perfectly crisp without drying, and the cinnamon dough puffed into golden, pillowy spirals that stayed tender for hours. I’ve tested this version three different ways, and this method wins every single time.
Why This Air Fryer Bacon Cinnamon Rolls Works
The air fryer’s circulating heat crisps bacon evenly while caramelizing the cinnamon sugar faster than an oven ever could. Cooking at 350°F (180°C) keeps the dough soft while giving that golden exterior — a balance I struggled to achieve with baking sheets. Pre-cooking the bacon just until flexible (about 8 minutes at 400°F / 200°C) prevents breakage when rolling. The result? Crisp-salty bacon wrapped in gooey cinnamon layers, sealed under a warm, glossy glaze. After testing this in my Cosori and Instant Vortex models, I can promise — this air fryer trick finally solved the soggy-bottom issue.
Air Fryer Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Perforated parchment paper
- Tongs
- Cookie spatula
Ingredients
- 1 can 5-count refrigerated cinnamon rolls (Grands or Annie’s)
- 10 strips regular-cut bacon
- ¼ cup glaze included in can
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Air fry bacon at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, until crispy but still flexible. Transfer to a paper towel to absorb grease.
- Prep the dough: Open the can, separate rolls, and gently unroll each one so the filling side faces up.
- Assemble: Lay two bacon strips end-to-end across each unrolled dough strip (use one for smaller rolls). Roll it back up to seal the bacon inside.
- Air fry: Arrange rolls in your basket with space between them. Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 8 minutes, then flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until golden.
- Glaze and serve: Warm the icing in the microwave for 5 seconds and drizzle over hot rolls. Serve immediately for the ultimate sweet-salty bite.
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion
There’s just something magical about how an air fryer transforms ordinary ingredients into something bakery-worthy. These Air Fryer Bacon Cinnamon Rolls have become my go-to for cozy brunches — that perfect mix of crispy, gooey, and sweet that keeps everyone reaching for seconds. If you loved this one, try my Air Fryer Fried Oreos, Air Fryer Lemon Bars, or Air Fryer Baked Apples. Each one brings that same golden, crispy comfort right to your breakfast table.