Save to Pinterest I grabbed a can of crescent dough one Saturday morning with zero plan except caffeine. My air fryer was already warm from reheating yesterday's fries, and I thought, why not twist something sweet? Ten minutes later, my kitchen smelled like a bakery, and I was pulling golden spirals out of that little basket, shocked at how simple it was. No oven preheat, no waiting, just buttery cinnamon magic that tasted like I'd actually tried.
The first time I made these for my sister, she accused me of hiding a secret bakery run. She couldn't believe something this flaky came from a can and an air fryer. I didn't tell her I'd burned the first batch because I walked away to answer a text. Now I set a timer, always, and she asks for these every time she visits.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: The shortcut that makes this foolproof, just make sure it's cold so it twists cleanly without tearing.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and brushed on thick, it's what makes the cinnamon stick and the edges crisp up golden.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, almost caramel sweetness that white sugar just can't match here.
- Ground cinnamon: Use the good stuff if you have it, the fresher the spice, the better the smell.
- Powdered sugar: Sifted or not, it melts into a glaze that drips into every twist.
- Milk: Just enough to loosen the sugar into something pourable, whole milk makes it richer.
- Vanilla extract: A small splash that rounds out the sweetness and makes everything smell like home.
Instructions
- Get the air fryer ready:
- Preheat it to 350°F for about 3 minutes. This step matters more than you'd think, it keeps the dough from sticking and starts the browning right away.
- Prep your dough:
- Unroll it onto a floured surface and press the seams flat with your fingers. If you skip this, the twists split open halfway through cooking.
- Butter and season:
- Brush melted butter all over, then mix your brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle it evenly. Don't be shy, this is where the flavor lives.
- Fold and cut:
- Fold the dough in half the long way, press gently to stick it together, then slice into 8 strips with a knife or pizza cutter. Each strip should be about an inch wide.
- Twist each piece:
- Hold both ends and twist the dough a few times until it spirals, then pinch the ends so it doesn't unravel. They don't need to be perfect, rustic looks better anyway.
- Air fry in batches:
- Lay the twists in the basket with space between them, they puff up as they cook. Fry for 7 to 8 minutes until golden and firm to the touch.
- Make the glaze:
- While they cool for a minute, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. If it's too thick, add a few drops more milk.
- Drizzle and serve:
- Pour the glaze over the warm twists with a spoon or squeeze bottle. Serve them right away while they're still soft inside and crispy on the edges.
Save to Pinterest There's something about pulling these out of the air fryer that feels like a tiny win. Maybe it's the smell, or the fact that I didn't have to wrestle with an oven rack, but every time I make them, I feel like I've cracked some kind of breakfast code. My neighbor once knocked on the door just to ask what I was baking, and I handed her one through the screen still warm.
What to Do with Leftovers
If you somehow have twists left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Reheat them in the air fryer for a minute or two at 300°F, and they crisp right back up. The glaze might soak in a little, but honestly, that just makes them taste richer. I've eaten them cold straight from the container at midnight, and they still hit.
Ways to Switch It Up
I've added chopped pecans to the filling before twisting, and the crunch is unreal. You can also swap the brown sugar for coconut sugar if you want a slightly less sweet, more molasses flavor. Once I used maple syrup instead of milk in the glaze, and it tasted like fall in a drizzle. If you're feeling wild, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of the glaze while it's still wet.
Serving Suggestions
These twists are perfect next to scrambled eggs and coffee, but I've also served them as dessert with vanilla ice cream. They're great for brunch when you don't want to commit to a full cinnamon roll situation. I've packed them in a napkin for car breakfast more times than I'll admit.
- Pair with strong black coffee or a latte for balance.
- Serve alongside fresh berries to cut the sweetness.
- Box them up and bring them to a friend who needs a pick me up.
Save to Pinterest Honestly, these twists have saved more mornings than I can count. They're proof that you don't need fancy skills or hours of free time to make something that feels special.
Ask About This Recipe
- → What type of dough works best for these twists?
Refrigerated crescent roll or pizza dough both provide a flaky, tender texture that crisps nicely in the air fryer.
- → Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts add a pleasant crunch and complement the cinnamon sugar flavor well.
- → How do I avoid the twists sticking together during cooking?
Place the twists spaced apart in the air fryer basket and cook in batches if needed to allow even heat circulation.
- → What temperature and time are recommended for air frying?
Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and air fry the twists for 7–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- → How is the glaze made?
Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle over warm twists to add sweetness and shine.
- → Can the twists be reheated?
Yes, reheating in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes refreshes the twists and restores their crispness.