Oh my goodness, you have to try these air fryer cinnamon twists! They’re my go-to when I want something sweet and crispy in under 20 minutes – seriously, that’s all it takes. After testing dozens of variations (my kids were very happy taste testers), I’ve perfected this foolproof recipe using just puff pastry, butter, sugar, and cinnamon. The way they puff up and get that irresistible crunch in the air fryer? Absolute magic.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists
Listen, these little twists of joy check all the boxes for me – and they’ll for you too! First off, they’re ridiculously quick to make when that sweet tooth hits (we’ve all been there). The texture? Oh my – crispy outside with just the right amount of chew inside. And the best part? You probably have all four ingredients sitting in your kitchen right now!
Quick and Easy Dessert
From fridge to plate in 20 minutes flat – that’s my kind of dessert! No waiting for dough to rise or ovens to preheat. Just roll, twist, and air fry while you put your feet up. If you are looking for other quick air fryer desserts, check out these air fryer apple crumble cups recipe!
Perfect Crispy Texture
The air fryer works magic here, giving each twist that golden crunch while keeping the inside tender. It’s that addictive combo that makes you reach for “just one more” (okay, maybe three more).
Minimal Ingredients Needed
Four simple ingredients – that’s it! Puff pastry does most of the heavy lifting, while butter, sugar and cinnamon team up for that classic flavor we all crave. No fancy pantry items required!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible treats (trust me, you’ll want to double the batch!):
- 1 sheet puff pastry (cold, straight from the fridge)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (the real stuff, please!)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Ingredient Notes
Cold puff pastry is key – it handles so much better when chilled and gives those perfect flaky layers. If you’re out of granulated sugar, coconut sugar works beautifully and adds a caramel-like depth. And don’t skip the cinnamon – that’s what makes these twists sing! For more tips on using puff pastry, you can read about the chocolate hazelnut puff pastry twists recipe.
The Simple Tools You’ll Need
Grab these basics from your kitchen and you’re ready to go:
- Your trusty air fryer (any size works)
- A pastry brush (or your fingers in a pinch!)
- Basic cutting board
That’s seriously all you need – no fancy gadgets required for these golden twists of deliciousness!
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists
Alright, let’s get twisting! These little beauties come together so fast, you’ll be snacking before you know it. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have golden, crispy cinnamon twists that’ll make your whole kitchen smell like a bakery.
Preparing the Pastry
First things first – unroll that cold puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. No need to go crazy with the rolling pin, just gently even it out if needed. Now grab that melted butter (I like to microwave it in 10-second bursts so it doesn’t get too hot) and brush it all over the pastry. Get right to the edges – this is what makes them crisp up so nicely!
Creating the Twists
Here’s the fun part! Mix your sugar and cinnamon together in a little bowl, then shower it evenly over the buttered pastry. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the sheet into about 8 strips (roughly 1-inch wide). Now gently twist each strip a few times – don’t worry about perfection, the messy ones taste just as good!
Air Frying Process
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F while you’re twisting – about 3 minutes does the trick. Carefully arrange the twists in a single layer (they’ll expand, so don’t crowd them!). Cook for 8-10 minutes until they’re puffed and golden brown. Oh, that first whiff when you open the basket? Pure heaven! Understanding the science behind how air fryers work can help optimize results, as they rely on rapid air circulation according to the FDA.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists
After making dozens of batches (okay, maybe hundreds – my family can’t get enough!), I’ve learned all the tricks for flawless twists every time. First golden rule? Don’t overcrowd that basket! They need space to puff up properly. I always check at the 8-minute mark – some air fryers run hotter than others. And here’s my secret – let them rest for just a minute after cooking. That quick rest lets the sugar set so you get that satisfying crunch!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities! These golden twists shine with just a dusting of powdered sugar, but for extra wow factor, try dipping them in warm caramel sauce or cream cheese frosting. My kids love dunking them in melted chocolate – messy but totally worth it! If you need a great dipping sauce recipe, try these churro cheesecake dip recipe.
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the best part – these twists stay crispy for days! Just pop them in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready for more, 60 seconds in the air fryer brings them right back to warm, crispy perfection. No soggy snacks here!
Nutrition Information
Just a heads up – these nutrition estimates are based on my exact ingredients. Your twists might vary slightly depending on brands and how much cinnamon sugar you use (no judgment here – I always go heavy on the cinnamon!).
Frequently Asked Questions
I get so many questions about these addictive cinnamon twists – here are the answers to the ones that pop up most often!
Can I use homemade pastry?
Absolutely! While store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe super quick, homemade works beautifully too. Just make sure it’s chilled before rolling and twisting – warm dough can get sticky and hard to handle. My grandma’s rough puff pastry recipe gives these an extra special flaky texture!
How do I prevent sticking?
Don’t skip preheating your air fryer – that initial heat blast helps prevent sticking. If you’re worried, give the basket a quick spritz with cooking spray before adding the twists. The butter coating usually does the trick though – I’ve never had a batch stick yet!
Can I double this recipe?
You bet – I double it all the time when friends come over! Just work in batches so you don’t overcrowd the air fryer. The unbaked twists keep great in the fridge for a couple hours too if you want to prep ahead. More twists = more happy faces around the table!
Print
20-Minute Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists | Irresistibly Crispy
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 8 twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and sweet air fryer cinnamon twists made with simple ingredients. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out puff pastry and brush with melted butter.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over pastry.
- Cut pastry into strips, twist each strip, and place in air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Remove and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use cold puff pastry for easy handling.
- Adjust cooking time based on air fryer model.
- Serve warm for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: air fryer cinnamon twists, easy dessert, puff pastry recipe