Reheating cinnamon rolls in an air fryer takes just 3–5 minutes at 160°C (320°F), giving you that fresh-from-the-oven taste with a lightly crisp exterior. This method beats microwaving, which often leaves them soggy, or conventional ovens that dry them out. Whether you’ve got day-old bakery treats or homemade leftovers, your air fryer can revive them beautifully.
The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation works wonders on stale cinnamon rolls. Unlike microwaves that steam them unevenly, the air fryer restores texture by crisping the outer layers while keeping the centre soft. It’s also faster than preheating a full-sized oven – perfect for busy mornings when you need a quick sweet treat. For more breakfast inspiration, check out our air fryer recipes collection.
Another advantage is portion control. You can reheat one roll or several without wasting energy, adjusting the time slightly based on quantity. If your rolls have icing, add it after reheating to prevent melting or burning. This technique works for both homemade and store-bought varieties, including those from the fridge or freezer.
Start by preheating your air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for 2 minutes. Place cinnamon rolls in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for airflow. If reheating from chilled, add 1–2 minutes to the time. For frozen rolls, thaw them first or extend cooking by 3–4 minutes. Spritz lightly with water if you’re concerned about dryness.
The ideal temperature to reheat cinnamon rolls in an air fryer is 160°C (320°F) for 3–5 minutes. Higher heats risk burning the sugar glaze, while lower temps won’t crisp the exterior properly. Check at the 3-minute mark – they’re ready when the surface is lightly golden and the centre reaches 74°C (165°F) internally. Our air fryer conversion chart helps adjust recipes perfectly.
Timing varies slightly depending on your air fryer model and roll size. Mini rolls may need just 2–3 minutes, while jumbo bakery-style ones could take 5–6 minutes. If reheating multiple batches, reduce subsequent cooking times by 30 seconds as the basket retains heat. Always let them rest 1 minute before serving – the residual heat finishes the job without overcooking.
For extra-soft results, place a small oven-safe dish of water in the air fryer drawer during reheating. This creates steam that prevents dryness. If your rolls have hardened considerably, wrap them in foil for the first half of cooking, then uncover to crisp. Brush with melted butter post-reheating for added richness – it makes day-old taste freshly baked.
Proper storage is key to successful reheating. Keep leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw frozen rolls overnight in the fridge before air frying. Discover more breakfast ideas to start your day right.
Refrigerated rolls benefit from a quick spritz of water or milk before reheating to replace lost moisture. If they’ve dried out slightly, microwave them for 10 seconds first, then finish in the air fryer for texture. Always reheat only what you’ll eat immediately – repeated warming makes them tough. For cleaning sticky residue afterwards, our air fryer cleaner guide has you covered.
Overcrowding the basket leads to uneven heating – give each roll breathing room. Don’t skip preheating, as starting with a cold air fryer affects texture. Avoid reheating iced rolls unless you want melted glaze everywhere. And never use foil directly on the basket without weighing it down – the air currents can displace it dangerously.
