Air fryer monkey bread started as my shortcut attempt after a traditional oven version took forever to bake. The first time I tried it, the outside browned too fast while the center stayed doughy. After testing this three ways, I discovered that slightly lowering the temperature and using smaller dough pieces solved the issue. The first few attempts were close, but adjusting the layering of cinnamon sugar and butter finally gave that classic sticky pull-apart texture. I finally landed on soft, gooey pieces with caramelized cinnamon edges that come together surprisingly fast.
Air Fryer Monkey Bread – Gooey Cinnamon Pull-Apart in 15 Minutes
Equipment
- Air Fryer (6-quart recommended)
- Small mixing bowls
- Air fryer-safe baking dish or ramekin
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough 8 biscuits
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar optional glaze
- 1 teaspoon milk optional glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 330°F (165°C) for 3 minutes.
- Cut each biscuit into four small pieces.
- Place granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Toss the dough pieces in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Grease an air fryer-safe ramekin or baking dish.
- Layer half of the coated dough pieces into the dish.
- Sprinkle half of the brown sugar over the dough.
- Drizzle half of the melted butter on top.
- Add the remaining dough pieces.
- Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar over the top.
- Drizzle the remaining butter evenly over the dough.
- Place the dish in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 330°F (165°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- Look for golden brown tops and caramelized edges.
- Let the monkey bread cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to create a quick glaze if desired.
- Drizzle glaze over the warm monkey bread before serving.
Notes
- Air fryer models vary. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last few minutes.
- Use smaller dough pieces to ensure the center cooks evenly.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 3–4 minutes.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts between layers for extra texture.
Nutrition
CONCLUSION
This air fryer monkey bread is one of my favorite quick treats when I want something warm, sweet, and comforting without waiting for a full oven bake. The gooey cinnamon sugar layers make every bite soft, sticky, and perfect for sharing.