Air Fryer No Rise Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating incredibly delicious Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Rolls – a perfect treat that will delight your taste buds and fill your home with an irresistible aroma. These quick and easy rolls are a game-changer for anyone seeking a delightful snack, a cozy breakfast, or even a special addition to lunchboxes. What makes them truly stand out is our ingenious yogurt dough, which requires absolutely no yeast and no lengthy proofing time. Forget the waiting; with just a few simple, everyday ingredients, these warm, gooey rolls will be ready to enjoy in less than 30 minutes. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a bakery with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

Golden brown Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Rolls dusted with cinnamon on a rustic wooden cutting board, ready to be served.

These Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a recipe; they represent a beautiful synergy of some of my favorite culinary elements. The classic combination of sweet, tart apples and warm, aromatic cinnamon is already a winner in my book. But when you marry that timeless duo with the simplicity of two-ingredient dough and the efficiency of the air fryer, you create something truly magical. The result is a batch of perfectly tender, fluffy rolls with a luscious, spiced apple filling that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is the complete absence of yeast, eliminating the need for any proofing or rising time. This means less waiting and more immediate gratification! Our secret lies in the effortless Greek yogurt and self-raising flour dough. This dynamic duo comes together to form the easiest and most flavorful dough you’ll ever work with, making homemade cinnamon rolls accessible to even the most novice bakers. It’s a truly revolutionary approach to classic baked goods.

Nestled within these soft, pillowy rolls is a delectable apple pie-inspired filling. Imagine tender chunks of apple bathed in rich melted butter, sweet brown sugar, and a generous sprinkle of fragrant cinnamon. As the rolls cook, this filling caramelizes and melds beautifully with the dough, creating a gooey, irresistible core in every bite. The aroma that wafts from your air fryer while these rolls are baking is nothing short of heavenly – a true sensory delight that signals a comforting treat is on its way.

I find myself making a batch of these glorious rolls often, especially for a relaxed morning tea on a lazy weekend. They also make an impressive and special breakfast or brunch item when you want to treat your loved ones. And let’s be honest, which child (or adult!) wouldn’t be thrilled to discover one of these warm, fragrant rolls tucked into their lunch box? They’re versatile enough for any occasion and always a crowd-pleaser.

A closer look at Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Rolls with their golden crust and visible apple filling, presented on a wooden board.

Are you new to the wonderful world of air frying? Or looking to master your air fryer skills? Be sure to explore our comprehensive Air Fryer Cooking Chart, packed with essential cooking times and temperatures for all your favorite foods. Plus, discover invaluable tips and tricks on how to get the absolute most out of your air fryer, turning every meal into a crispy, golden success.

🍎 INGREDIENTS FOR AIR FRYER APPLE CINNAMON ROLLS

All the simple ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Rolls laid out on a wooden board: Greek yogurt, flour, butter, apple, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

One of the best aspects of these Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Rolls is that the ingredients are almost always staples in my pantry and fridge. This means a delicious batch is never far away! Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to gather to whip up these fantastic treats. You’ll find the full, precise measurements listed in the comprehensive printable recipe card further down this page.

  • Greek Yoghurt: This is the star of our two-ingredient dough, providing both moisture and a subtle tang. Opt for plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for the best texture and richness in your dough. Its thickness helps achieve that perfect, soft consistency without any yeast.
  • Self-Raising Flour: This pre-mixed flour already contains baking powder, which is crucial for giving our yeast-free dough its rise and fluffiness. If you’re in America or don’t have self-raising flour on hand, you can easily substitute it with all-purpose or plain flour plus baking powder. For every cup of all-purpose/plain flour you use, add 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Be mindful that American self-rising flour often contains salt, which is ideal for biscuits but less so for sweet cinnamon rolls, so mixing your own is usually best for this recipe.
  • Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is brushed onto the rolled-out dough, creating a rich base for the filling and contributing to a beautiful golden crust. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the rolls.
  • Apple: The core of our delicious filling! I personally love using a crisp, slightly tart apple variety like Pink Lady or Granny Smith, as their flavor holds up beautifully against the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon. Make sure to dice your apple finely so it cooks down perfectly and distributes evenly throughout the rolls.
  • Brown Sugar: This provides a deep, molasses-rich sweetness to the filling that complements the apples and cinnamon wonderfully. It also helps create that signature gooey texture we all love in a good cinnamon roll.
  • Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for apple dishes, cinnamon adds warmth, aroma, and a classic comforting flavor to these rolls. Don’t be shy with it!

🍴 INSTRUCTIONS: Crafting Your Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Making these apple cinnamon rolls is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect, golden-brown rolls every time:

Greek yogurt being stirred in a glass mixing bowl, the first step in making the two-ingredient dough.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough. Begin by placing the Greek yogurt into a spacious mixing bowl. Give it a good stir to ensure it’s smooth and ready. Next, add in approximately 1 cup of self-raising flour (or your plain flour/baking powder mix, as per the ingredient notes). Stir these two ingredients together thoroughly until they start to combine. Continue to gradually add more flour, about a quarter cup at a time, mixing until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and forms a shaggy ball. The exact amount of flour can vary slightly depending on the consistency of your yogurt.

Step 2: Knead the Dough. Once a ball forms, lightly flour a clean work surface (a wooden cutting board or countertop works well) and tip the dough out onto it. Knead the dough gently with your hands for about one to two minutes. The goal here isn’t extensive gluten development, but rather to bring the dough together into a cohesive, non-sticky mass. If the dough still feels overly sticky, add a little more flour to your hands and the surface and continue kneading until it’s pliable, holds its shape well, and no longer adheres to your hands or the surface.

The two-ingredient dough, perfectly kneaded and shaped into a neat rectangle on a lightly floured wooden surface, ready for filling.

Step 3: Roll and Fill. Using a well-floured rolling pin, roll the dough into a large, even rectangle. Aim for a thickness of about ⅛ to ¼ inch (3-6mm). Don’t worry if it’s not a perfect rectangle; simply get it as close as you can. Next, brush the entire surface of the rolled-out dough with your melted butter, spreading it right to the edges. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the butter, followed by the cinnamon. Finally, scatter the finely diced apple pieces evenly across the surface of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This layering creates pockets of flavor in every bite.

The rolled-out two-ingredient dough generously covered with melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, preparing for the apple pieces.

Step 4: Roll and Slice. Starting from one of the longer sides of the rectangle, carefully and tightly roll the dough up into a log. A tight roll ensures beautiful spirals in your finished rolls. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 8 equal pieces. Take your air fryer basket or trays and lightly grease them or line them with parchment paper if desired (this helps with potential sticking). Arrange the cut cinnamon roll pieces in the basket or on the trays, making sure to leave a little space between each one. This spacing is important to allow the rolls to expand and cook evenly without crowding. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook these in two separate batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.

The apple cinnamon roll log being sliced into individual rolls on a wooden cutting board, revealing the beautiful spirals of dough and filling.
Unbaked apple cinnamon rolls neatly arranged in an air fryer basket, with space between each for optimal cooking.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C / 350°F. Once preheated, carefully place the basket or trays containing the rolls into the air fryer. Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, especially after the 10-minute mark, as air fryer models can vary in cooking time and intensity. You’re looking for the rolls to turn a beautiful golden brown on top and be cooked through and fluffy in the center. Once cooked, carefully remove the rolls from the air fryer and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a rack prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy and allows the rolls to set.

Golden brown apple cinnamon rolls actively cooking in an air fryer basket, steam gently rising.

🥣 STORAGE ADVICE FOR AIR FRYER APPLE CINNAMON ROLLS

To keep your Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Rolls fresh and delicious, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack first. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, these rolls freeze exceptionally well. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop a frozen roll into the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or warm in the air fryer at 150°C (300°F) for 3-5 minutes until heated through and soft.

💭 TOP TIPS FOR PERFECT AIR FRYER APPLE CINNAMON ROLLS

Achieving bakery-quality Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Rolls is easier than you think with a few clever tips:

  • Mastering the Two-Ingredient Dough: The foundation of these rolls is our incredible two-ingredient dough. For comprehensive guidance on getting the perfect consistency every time, I highly recommend checking out my dedicated guide. It covers all the nuances, tips, and tricks to ensure your dough is just right.
  • Work Quickly with the Dough: This particular yogurt-based dough tends to become stickier the longer it sits at room temperature. For the best results and easiest handling, once you’ve achieved the right non-sticky consistency, work efficiently. Roll it out, apply your delicious filling, and get it rolled up and sliced without excessive delay.
  • Embrace Imperfection: Don’t stress about rolling out a perfectly symmetrical rectangle. Honestly, I rarely achieve one myself! The key is to get the dough relatively thin and uniform in thickness, then proceed with brushing on the butter and layering the sugar, cinnamon, and apple. The rustic charm of a slightly uneven roll adds to its homemade appeal.
  • Air Fryer Size Matters: If you own a smaller air fryer model, it’s highly likely you’ll need to cook these cinnamon rolls in two separate batches. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking, where some rolls are crispy while others remain undercooked. Giving each roll enough space ensures consistent, golden-brown perfection.
  • Preventing Sticking: These rolls can sometimes stick a little to the air fryer basket. While I often just use an egg flip to gently pry them out without much fuss, you can almost entirely prevent sticking by lightly spritzing your air fryer basket with cooking oil before adding the rolls. However, be cautious about the type of oil spray you use. Traditional aerosol spray oils found in cans from the supermarket can contain propellants and additives that may damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer over time. Instead, use a refillable oil mister that sprays pure oil (like olive, avocado, or canola oil) or simply brush a thin layer of oil onto the basket with a pastry brush.
  • Monitor Cooking Closely: Air fryers can vary significantly in their power and how evenly they cook. Around the 10-minute mark, start checking your scrolls. You want them to be beautifully golden brown on the outside and cooked through. If they’re browning too quickly, you can reduce the temperature slightly or cover them loosely with foil.
  • No Air Fryer? No Problem! If you don’t have an air fryer, or simply prefer oven-baked goods, you can still enjoy this fantastic recipe. Simply adapt it to my oven-baked apple cinnamon scrolls recipe. It uses the same delicious yogurt dough and filling, just with adjusted baking instructions for a conventional oven.
A close-up of a perfectly cooked Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Roll, showcasing its golden spirals and rich filling, on a wooden surface.

♨️ MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES TO EXPLORE

Once you discover the ease and efficiency of air frying, you’ll want to use it for everything! The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can transform countless dishes, from savory sides to sweet treats. If you’ve loved these Apple Cinnamon Rolls, I encourage you to broaden your air fryer horizons with some of my other favorite recipes:

  • Air Fryer Carrot Fries: A healthier and incredibly tasty alternative to traditional fries, crispy and sweet.
  • Air Fryer Baked Apples: A warm, comforting dessert that’s quick and simple, perfect for a cozy evening.
  • Air Fryer Granola: Homemade granola with a delightful crunch, customizable with your favorite nuts and dried fruits.
  • Air Fryer Apple Pies: Individual mini apple pies that are golden and flaky, ready in a flash.
  • Air Fryer Bagels: Yes, you can even make homemade bagels in your air fryer – chewy on the inside, crispy on the outside!
  • Air Fryer Scones: Light and fluffy scones, perfect for afternoon tea, baked to perfection.
  • Air Fryer Apple Crisps: A delightful, crunchy snack that satisfies your sweet cravings healthily.
  • OR see all Air Fryer Recipes to explore a wide range of possibilities for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert!

Do you want to stay up-to-date with even more fantastic Air Fryer recipes, innovative cooking tips, and clever tricks? Be sure to join our vibrant and growing Facebook Group – Air Fryer Recipes, Tips & Tricks. It’s a supportive community where you can share your creations, ask questions, and discover new ways to love your air fryer!

If you’ve had the pleasure of trying these delightful Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Rolls and enjoyed them as much as I do, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please feel free to pop a comment and a star rating below to share your thoughts and feedback. Your input helps other home cooks discover and enjoy these recipes too!

You can also make sure to FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to keep up to date with more delicious recipes, cooking inspiration, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into my kitchen. Happy cooking!

📋 RECIPE CARD

Golden brown Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Rolls with a dusting of cinnamon on a rustic wooden cutting board.

Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Rolls {No Yeast}

Yield:
8 Rolls
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
25 minutes

Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect treat for snacks or lunch boxes. These quick and easy rolls are made with yogurt dough – no yeast or proofing required. All you need is a few simple, everyday ingredients and these rolls will be ready in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Greek Yoghurt (plain, full-fat recommended)
  • 1 ½ cups Self-Raising Flour (SEE NOTE 1 for substitution)
  • 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter, melted
  • ½ cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Cinnamon
  • 1 Apple (such as Pink Lady or Granny Smith), finely diced

Instructions

  1. Place Greek yoghurt in a mixing bowl and stir. Add 1 cup of flour and stir to combine. Gradually add more flour until the dough forms a cohesive ball, pulling away from the bowl.
  2. Tip the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead gently with your hands for 1-2 minutes. Add more flour if sticky, continuing until the dough holds its shape and doesn’t stick.
  3. Use a well-floured rolling pin to roll the dough into a rectangle shape (approx. ⅛-¼ inch thick). Brush evenly with melted butter, then cover with brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the finely diced apple pieces on top.
  4. Starting from a long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 8 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls in your air fryer basket or trays, ensuring a little space between each for rising. Cook in two batches if your air fryer is smaller.
  5. Cook in a preheated air fryer at 180°C / 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

1. Flour Substitution

If you are in America, or simply don’t have self-raising flour available, you can easily create your own. Substitute the self-raising flour with a mix of all-purpose (plain) flour and baking powder. For every cup of all-purpose/plain flour, you will need to add 2 teaspoons of baking powder. For this recipe, which calls for 1 ½ cups of flour, you would use 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour combined with 3 teaspoons of baking powder. American self-rising flour often contains salt, which can alter the taste of sweet rolls, so mixing your own is preferable.

2. Storing and Reheating

Once your delicious Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Rolls have fully cooled down, store them in an airtight container or a robust ziplock bag. They will keep well at room temperature for up to 2 days, maintaining their softness and flavor. For longer storage, these rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, simply place cooled rolls on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I highly recommend a quick zap in the microwave for 30-60 seconds (from room temperature or frozen) to warm them up; there’s nothing quite like a warm, gooey apple cinnamon roll!

3. Essential Tips for Making Perfect Apple Cinnamon Rolls

  • For a deeper dive into making the ideal dough, don’t miss my comprehensive two-ingredient dough guide. It’s packed with insights to ensure your dough is always spot on!
  • This dough performs best when you work quickly with it. It tends to become stickier the longer it’s exposed to room temperature. So, once you’ve achieved the desired non-sticky consistency, swiftly roll it out, add the filling, and roll it up.
  • Don’t get hung up on creating a perfectly shaped rectangle for your dough. Even if it’s a bit rustic, the final rolls will still be wonderfully delicious. Focus on even thickness rather than flawless geometry.
  • If your air fryer is on the smaller side, cooking the rolls in two batches is a wise decision. This prevents overcrowding, ensuring each roll has ample space to rise, brown evenly, and cook through properly.
  • To prevent sticking, a light spritz of cooking oil in the air fryer basket can work wonders. Be mindful of the type of spray oil; opt for a refillable mister with pure oil rather than aerosol cans, which can damage non-stick surfaces. Alternatively, a quick brush of oil will suffice.
  • Keep a watchful eye on your rolls starting around the 10-minute mark in the air fryer. Cooking times can vary, and you want to pull them out when they are beautifully golden and fragrant, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
  • No air fryer? No problem! This versatile recipe can also be adapted for oven baking. Check out my classic oven-baked apple cinnamon scrolls for the same fantastic flavors, just prepared in a traditional oven.
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 185Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 303mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 2gSugar: 16gProtein: 4g

© Cassie Heilbron


Cuisine:

Western

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Category: Air Fryer