Pin It The air fryer was sitting on our counter for months before I finally experimented with it for breakfast. These twists came from a Saturday morning when I wanted something sweet but refused to heat up the whole oven. The first batch disappeared before the glaze even finished setting. Now theyre our go-to when guests stay over because the kitchen stays cool and the aroma fills the house without any effort.
My sister visited last fall and we made three batches back to back tweaking the cinnamon ratio each time. She claimed the second batch was perfect but I personally think the third one hit the sweet spot. Now every time she visits she asks whether we're making twists or pancakes. The answer is almost always twists because they disappear faster anyway.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: This shortcut dough creates the flakiest texture and saves you from making pastry from scratch
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere to every inch of the dough
- Brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds a deeper caramel flavor that white sugar just cannot replicate
- Ground cinnamon: Fresh cinnamon makes all the difference here so check your spice cabinet before starting
- Powdered sugar: Creates that classic smooth glaze that drips into every crevice of the twists
- Milk: Start with one tablespoon and add more until your glaze reaches the perfect drizzling consistency
- Vanilla extract: A quarter teaspoon might seem small but it rounds out the entire flavor profile beautifully
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and let it run empty for about three minutes while you prep your workspace
- Prepare the dough:
- Unroll the crescent dough onto a lightly floured surface and press the seams together to create one solid rectangle of dough
- Add the butter layer:
- Brush the entire surface generously with melted butter making sure to cover every corner
- Make the cinnamon filling:
- Whisk together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl then sprinkle it evenly across the buttered dough
- Fold and cut:
- Fold the dough in half lengthwise like closing a book then cut it into eight equal strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Shape the twists:
- Twist each strip several times to create that spiral shape and pinch the ends firmly so they hold their shape while cooking
- Air fry until golden:
- Arrange the twists in your air fryer basket leaving space between them and cook for seven to eight minutes until theyre deep golden brown
- Prepare the glaze:
- While the twists cool slightly whisk together the powdered sugar milk and vanilla until completely smooth
- Finish and serve:
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm twists and serve immediately while theyre still slightly warm from the air fryer
Pin It Last Christmas morning I made a double batch for my family and my dad asked why I bothered with the glaze until he tasted one unglazed. He went back for seconds only after I explained the glaze was actually the best part. Now he insists on helping drizzle it himself every single time.
Make Ahead Storage
These twists are absolutely best served fresh but life does not always cooperate with warm breakfast timing. You can prepare them through the twisting step and refrigerate on a parchment lined baking sheet overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for ten minutes before air frying the next morning.
Variations That Work
Sometimes the basic version hits the spot but other times you want something extra. Chopped pecans folded into the cinnamon sugar filling add the most incredible crunch. A teaspoon of orange zest mixed into the glaze transforms these into something that feels fancy without any extra work.
Common Questions
People always ask whether these work with homemade dough and the answer is yes but the texture will be different. Store bought crescent dough creates those distinct flaky layers that make these feel like a pastry from a bakery. Another frequent question is about freezing and yes you can freeze the twisted raw dough on a baking sheet then transfer to a bag and air fry straight from frozen adding two minutes to the cooking time.
- Check your twists after five minutes since every air fryer heats differently
- Place a piece of parchment paper in the basket for easier cleanup
- Let the twists cool for at least three minutes before glazing so it sets properly
Pin It These cinnamon roll twists have become the kind of recipe that feels like comfort before you even take the first bite. Hope they find a permanent spot in your breakfast rotation too.
Recipe FAQs
- → What dough works best for the twists?
Refrigerated crescent roll or pizza dough works well, providing a flaky and tender texture.
- → Can I add nuts to the twists?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the cinnamon sugar filling for extra crunch and flavor.
- → How do I prevent the twists from sticking in the air fryer?
Space the twists apart in the basket to allow hot air circulation and avoid sticking; cook in batches if necessary.
- → Is it possible to use different sugars in the filling?
You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a subtle flavor variation.
- → How should the glaze be prepared?
Mix powdered sugar with milk and a touch of vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle over warm twists for a sweet finish.
- → How long can the twists be reheated?
Reheat in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to restore warmth and crispness without drying them out.