Pin I bought my air fryer on a whim during a spring sale, mostly to see what the fuss was about. The first thing I tried was frozen fries, which came out fine, but nothing thrilling. Then one Saturday morning I had leftover crescent dough in the fridge and a craving for something sweet without turning on the oven. I twisted up a few strips with butter and cinnamon, tossed them in the basket, and eight minutes later I was hooked. The kitchen smelled like a bakery, and the twists were shatteringly crisp on the outside, soft and gooey inside.
The first time I made these for my sister, she was skeptical about anything coming out of an air fryer tasting decent. She took one bite, then immediately grabbed a second twist before I could even plate the rest. We ended up sitting on the porch in our pajamas, drizzling extra glaze over warm twists and talking about nothing in particular. Now every time she visits, she asks if I still have crescent dough in the fridge.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: The kind that comes in a can works beautifully here because its already tender and flaky, and you dont have to worry about yeast or resting time.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds richness without making the dough soggy if you brush it on lightly.
- Brown sugar: It melts into a caramel-like sweetness that tastes deeper and warmer than white sugar, especially when it meets hot cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon: Freshly opened cinnamon makes a noticeable difference in fragrance, so if yours has been sitting in the cupboard for years, consider grabbing a new jar.
- Powdered sugar: Sifting it before mixing helps the glaze stay smooth and pourable instead of clumpy.
- Milk: Just a tablespoon or two thins the powdered sugar into a drizzle-able glaze, and you can adjust it to your preferred thickness.
- Vanilla extract: A small splash rounds out the sweetness and makes the glaze taste homemade instead of one-note sugary.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it run empty for three minutes. This ensures even heat from the start so your twists puff up properly.
- Prepare the dough:
- Unroll it on a floured surface and press any perforations together so you have one smooth sheet. This keeps the filling from leaking out through the seams.
- Brush with butter:
- Use a pastry brush to coat the entire surface evenly, reaching all the way to the edges. Dont skip the corners or theyll come out dry.
- Add the filling:
- Stir the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl, then sprinkle it over the butter in an even layer. Press it gently with your fingers so it sticks.
- Fold and seal:
- Fold the dough in half lengthwise, then press down gently to seal the two layers together. This creates a double thickness that holds up to twisting.
- Cut and twist:
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into eight equal strips. Twist each strip several times, then pinch the ends so they dont unravel in the basket.
- Arrange in the basket:
- Place the twists in a single layer with space between them, because they puff up as they cook. If your basket is small, work in two batches.
- Air-fry:
- Cook for seven to eight minutes, checking at the six-minute mark. Theyre done when the tops are golden and the dough feels firm to the touch.
- Make the glaze:
- While the twists cool for a minute or two, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Start with one tablespoon of milk and add more if you want it thinner.
- Drizzle and serve:
- Pour the glaze over the warm twists in a zigzag pattern, or dip each one if you like them extra sweet. Serve immediately while theyre still warm.
Pin 
One morning I made a double batch of these for a brunch potluck, and they disappeared before I even set out plates. A neighbor asked for the recipe, surprised when I told her they came together in under twenty minutes. She thought Id been up since dawn baking from scratch. I didnt correct her right away, just smiled and said the air fryer does most of the work, which felt like sharing a quiet secret between friends.
Customizing Your Twists
You can fold in finely chopped pecans or walnuts with the cinnamon sugar for a nutty crunch that contrasts with the soft dough. Ive also tried swapping brown sugar for coconut sugar, which gives a subtle caramel note thats a little less sweet. If you want a citrus twist, add a pinch of orange zest to the glaze and it brightens the whole thing up without overpowering the cinnamon.
Storing and Reheating
These are best eaten warm and fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Reheat them in the air fryer at 300°F for one to two minutes to bring back that crisp exterior. The glaze might soften a bit, but the flavor stays just as good, and theyre still miles better than anything from a vending machine.
Troubleshooting and Tips
If your twists come out pale, increase the temperature by ten degrees or add an extra minute to the cook time. Sometimes air fryers vary in heat, so trust your eyes over the timer. If the dough unravels while twisting, it might be too warm, so pop it in the fridge for five minutes to firm up before you try again.
- Brush the butter on just before adding the cinnamon sugar so it doesnt soak in and make the dough soggy.
- Use parchment liners cut to fit your basket if you want even easier cleanup, just make sure they have holes for airflow.
- Let the twists cool for at least a minute before glazing or the icing will slide right off instead of clinging to the surface.
Pin These twists have become my go-to whenever I need something comforting without much effort, and theyve turned my air fryer from a kitchen experiment into something I use almost every week. I hope they bring a little warmth to your mornings too.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What dough works best for cinnamon twists?
Refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough is ideal to achieve a flaky, tender texture with ease.
- → Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts can be mixed into the cinnamon sugar filling for extra crunch and flavor.
- → How long should twists be air fried?
Cook the twists in a preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 7 to 8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- → What’s the best way to prevent twists from sticking?
Space the twists apart in the air fryer basket and work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- → How do I make the glaze for the twists?
Combine powdered sugar with milk and a touch of vanilla extract, stirring until smooth, then drizzle over slightly cooled twists.