Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Casserole
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I used to think cinnamon rolls couldn’t get any better until I tried making them in the air fryer. Now my Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Casserole comes out golden and soft every time, with custard soaking through the layers and crispy edges. The smell of cinnamon and vanilla fills the kitchen while it bakes. It’s the kind of cozy casserole your grandma would make, but so much easier.
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I make this for Christmas morning, Thanksgiving, Easter, holiday brunches, and potluck gatherings when I need a quick breakfast that feels special. You can prep it the night before, which makes hosting so much easier. It keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days or freezes well for up to 2 months.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
You’ll have this warm, custardy casserole ready in no time with just a few simple steps.
Prep Your Baking Dish
Grease the 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, making sure to cover the bottom and sides. A silicone brush works great, or you can use a paper towel. This prevents sticking and gives the edges a rich, buttery flavor.
Cut and Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Cut each frozen cinnamon roll in half and arrange them in the buttered dish, close but not crowded, so they bake evenly. If the rolls are large, cut them into quarters to help them fit and cook through.
I usually use a sharp kitchen knife for clean cuts through the frozen dough.
Make the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth and fully combined, with no streaks, so every bite has the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
A wire whisk works perfectly for getting a smooth custard without any lumps.
Pour Over the Rolls
Pour the egg mixture over the cinnamon rolls, making sure they are completely coated. Press down any pieces not fully soaked with a spoon so they absorb evenly.
Bake or Refrigerate
At this point, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the rolls from drying out and refrigerate it overnight, or bake it right away.
If you’re making it ahead, the custard will soak into the rolls even more overnight, which creates an extra tender texture.
When you’re ready to bake, place the dish in the air fryer basket uncovered and bake at 160°C (320°F) for 15 minutes. This lets the hot air circulate, giving the casserole a golden, slightly crisp top instead of steaming.
Add the Finishing Touches
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes so the custard sets slightly. Then drizzle the icing and a touch of maple syrup on top to highlight the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls. Serve and enjoy!
I like using a silicone spatula to spread the icing around if it’s too thick to drizzle easily.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 8 frozen cinnamon rolls
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- Icing from the cinnamon roll tubes
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter and spread evenly.2 tablespoons butter
- Cut each cinnamon roll in halves and arrange them evenly in the dish (if your cinnamon rolls are too big, you can cut them in 4 parts each).8 frozen cinnamon rolls
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined.4 large eggs, ½ cup milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla, 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls.
- You can either cover and refrigerate overnight or bake immediately. Bake in the air fryer at 160ºC (320°F) for 15 minutes, until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes and drizzle with the icing and maple syrup.¼ cup maple syrup, Icing from the cinnamon roll tubes
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Check your air fryer size: If a 9×13 dish is too big for your air fryer, use an 8×8 and cut the recipe in half, or bake in batches.
- Use frozen rolls straight from the freezer: Don’t thaw the cinnamon rolls before cutting. They slice cleaner frozen and will thaw as the custard soaks in.
- Press down gently after pouring: Press the cinnamon rolls down gently with the back of a spoon after adding the custard so they soak up more of the egg mixture and bake evenly.
- Don’t skip the cooling time: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking so the custard sets and doesn’t run when you serve it.
- Reheat in the air fryer for best texture: Instead of microwaving leftovers, throw them in the air fryer for 2 minutes at 160°C to crisp up the golden top again.
- Keeps well for days or months: This casserole stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for 2 months, perfect for meal prep or easy leftovers.
Nutrition
How to Store Leftovers
To prevent drying, store any leftover casserole in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, air fry at 160°C for 2 minutes, warm in the oven, or microwave for 30 seconds. Air frying restores the golden top of the cinnamon rolls while keeping the center soft and gooey.
For longer storage, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Casserole
The casserole is sweet and rich, making it the perfect centerpiece for breakfast or brunch. I love serving it with oven-roasted potatoes for a savory contrast that balances the sweetness, while fresh berries, sliced oranges, or a perfect fruit salad add a bright, refreshing touch. A hot cup of coffee or a glass of orange juice rounds out the meal perfectly.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
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