Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Meet your new favorite sweet treat: Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists. These puff pastry delights are golden, flaky, and layered with a shimmering cinnamon-sugar crunch. They’re outrageously easy to make, yet fancy enough for weekend brunch or a cozy dessert. It’s the perfect mix of nostalgia and modern convenience—delivering that just-baked cinnamon goodness in under twenty minutes, thanks to the magic of your air fryer.

Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Melted Butter:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk or cream
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F while you get started. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your thawed sheet of puff pastry into a uniform 10×10-inch square. This even thickness means every twist will bake up golden and delicious.
Step 2: Brush with Butter and Add Cinnamon Sugar
With a pastry brush, coat the entire surface of the puff pastry with melted butter, making sure to reach every corner. In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it liberally over the buttered pastry—don’t be shy, that’s where all the magic happens!
Step 3: Slice and Twist
Take a sharp knife or pizza cutter and slice the pastry into 10 to 12 even strips. Here’s the fun part: gently pick up each strip and twist it several times to create that iconic spiral. Place your twists in a single layer in the air fryer basket (they’ll puff, so give them some space) and work in batches if needed.
Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Air fry the twists for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through to get all sides gorgeously golden and crisp. The air fryer works its rapid magic, puffing up the pastry and caramelizing the sugary coating while you peek in anticipation.
Step 5: Cool and Glaze (Optional)
Let your Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists cool for a few minutes after baking—they’re tempting, but very hot! If you like a little extra sweetness, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk or cream for a silky glaze, then drizzle it over the cooled twists before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature —they’re heavenly either way.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists

Garnishes
Finish your Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists with a flourish by dusting them with a bit of extra cinnamon sugar, or go for a drizzle of homemade glaze for that bakery-style touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar is another easy way to up the wow factor, making every twist look picture-perfect.
Side Dishes
Pair your cinnamon twists with a hot cup of coffee, creamy chai, or even a cool glass of milk. For brunch, try serving them alongside fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, or a fruit compote—the cinnamon pairs beautifully with apples, berries, or pears for a satisfying, balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists high on a platter for brunch buffets, or tie a few together with baker’s twine for a grab-and-go snack. For parties, set them out with bowls of dipping sauces—like chocolate ganache, caramel, or fruit jams—so everyone can have fun customizing their own treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any twists left (which is rare!), let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for up to two days. The puff pastry remains pleasantly crispy, and the flavors stay lively.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? Once cooled, arrange your Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to one month—just thaw and re-crisp when your craving hits.
Reheating
To bring back the just-baked texture, pop your twists back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes. They’ll be warm, flaky, and ready to serve—almost as if you made them fresh all over again.
FAQs
Can I make Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists with homemade pastry?
Absolutely! If you love working from scratch, homemade puff pastry is a delicious option—just be sure it’s rolled thin and cold before cutting and twisting. The convenience of store-bought makes this recipe quick and easy, but homemade gives you ultimate bragging rights.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?
No worries—these Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists are delicious even without the glaze. If you’re craving a drizzle, you could blend granulated sugar until fine, or just dust with plain powdered sugar for a similar effect.
Can I add different spices to the filling?
Absolutely! A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom adds an extra layer of warmth and complexity to the classic cinnamon-sugar blend. Or mix in a little orange zest to brighten the flavor.
How do I keep the twists from unravelling in the air fryer?
Give each twist a gentle squeeze after spiraling it, and press down the ends slightly so they hold together. Placing them seam side down in the basket helps, and remember, a little separation in the basket is key for that perfect puff.
Are Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists suitable for kids?
Definitely! Kids love the sweet, crunchy flavor and the fun, twisty shape. With supervision, they can help with rolling, sprinkling, and twisting—the whole recipe is a hands-on, kid-friendly project from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists are the kind of treat you’ll want to share—and keep coming back to, time and time again. Simple, stunning, and utterly irresistible, they’re proof that a handful of everyday ingredients and your trusty air fryer can create instant, homemade magic. Give them a try, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “just one more!”.
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Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or as a tasty snack. Made with puff pastry, cinnamon sugar, and a buttery glaze, they are quick and easy to prepare in the air fryer.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Melted Butter:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk or cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry into a 10×10-inch square on a floured surface. Brush with melted butter.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: Combine sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the pastry. Cut into strips and twist.
- Air Fry: Place the twists in the air fryer basket and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle with optional glaze and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Delicious for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack.
- Enhance with nutmeg or brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg