If there’s one treat that instantly transports me to a place of pure comfort and joy, it’s these Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists. Imagine golden, flaky layers of puff pastry twirled with buttery cinnamon sugar, crisped to perfection in mere minutes. With a drizzle of creamy icing (if you wish), they’re utterly irresistible — yet so simple, they’ll quickly become your new favorite sweet snack. Whether you’re serving these for a cozy brunch, afternoon tea, or even a midnight craving, these Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists always deliver that magical blend of nostalgia and indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about these Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each one serves a delicious purpose, building flavor, texture, or a touch of whimsy. Here’s what you’ll need to work your magic:
- Puff Pastry (1 sheet, thawed): Store-bought puff pastry is a time-saving hero here, becoming delightfully crisp and flaky in the air fryer.
- Melted Butter (2 tablespoons): A brush of rich, melted butter helps all that cinnamon sugar goodness adhere and adds a luxurious flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Gives a sweet crunch and caramelization to every twist.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star spice, lending warmth and classic cinnamon roll vibes.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and brighten the flavors.
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup, optional): For a simple icing drizzle if you want to go the extra mile with presentation and sweetness.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons, optional): Whisks with powdered sugar for a silky smooth icing.
- Vanilla Extract (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A tiny splash amps up the icing’s aroma and depth.
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists
Step 1: Prep Your Puff Pastry
Start by letting your sheet of puff pastry thaw just enough to be workable, then roll it gently on a lightly floured surface. This evens out the seams and preps a perfect canvas for that lovely cinnamon sugar layer.
Step 2: Butter and Spice
Brush that luscious melted butter all over the puff pastry, making sure to get every corner. Then, in a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture evenly across the buttered surface and lightly press it in with your hands or a rolling pin to make sure it sticks for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Slice and Twist
Grab a sharp knife or, my personal favorite, a pizza cutter, and slice the pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Take each strip and give it a gentle twist. Don’t worry about perfection — a bit of rustic charm makes these Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists even more delightful!
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Arrange the twists in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each for air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway for extra crispness, until the twists are puffed and beautifully golden.
Step 5: Cool and Ice (Optional)
Let your freshly baked twists rest on a wire rack for a minute or two so they set up nicely. If you can’t resist, enjoy them warm! For a finishing touch, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle over the twists for an extra layer of sweetness and flair.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists
Garnishes
For an elegant finish, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh berries alongside your twists. Add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon over the icing if you really want to highlight that spice.
Side Dishes
Pair these Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists with a hot cup of coffee, spiced chai, or a frothy latte. For brunch, serve them next to a bowl of fresh fruit salad or alongside creamy Greek yogurt for a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the twists in a basket lined with a colorful napkin for a playful, casual look, or arrange them on a platter with the icing drizzled in eye-catching zig-zags. For parties, try threading a few twists on wooden skewers and tying them with a bit of ribbon for a whimsical handheld treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep any leftover Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps them retain their signature crisp texture and delightful flavor.
Freezing
If you’d like to have twists on hand for spontaneous cravings, freeze the baked (un-iced) twists in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to two months. Just thaw and reheat when the cinnamon craving strikes!
Reheating
For the best texture, pop leftover twists back into the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F, or warm gently in a low oven until crisped. Avoid microwaving, as that tends to make the pastry tough instead of flaky.
FAQs
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?
Absolutely! Crescent roll dough will give you a slightly different, softer texture, but it still bakes up beautifully in the air fryer with all the classic cinnamon sugar goodness.
How do I keep the twists from sticking to the air fryer basket?
To prevent sticking, either brush or spray the basket lightly with nonstick spray before adding the twists. You could also use a parchment paper liner with holes cut for airflow.
Can I make Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists ahead of time?
You can prep the twists and store them, unbaked and covered, in the fridge for a few hours before air frying. Serve freshly baked for that ideal balance of crispy and flaky!
What’s the secret to extra crispy cinnamon twists?
The key is not to crowd the air fryer basket and to flip the twists halfway through cooking for even browning. A little extra time in the air fryer (watch closely!) can also deepen that irresistible crunch.
Is the icing necessary?
The twists are delicious both ways! The icing adds another sweet layer and makes them a bit more like cinnamon rolls, but they’re super tasty straight from the air fryer if you prefer less sweetness.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists, now’s the perfect time to give these sweet, crispy treats a spot in your snack rotation. They’re quick to whip up, a joy to eat, and bound to put a smile on your face. I can’t wait for you (and your friends and family!) to fall for these as much as I have.
