Save to Pinterest The smell of cinnamon and sugar hitting that hot air in the fryer still pulls me back to a Sunday morning when I was running late for everything. I had this tube of crescent dough sitting on the counter and zero patience for waiting on oven preheating, so I threw caution and some cinnamon sugar into the air fryer just to see what would happen. Those first golden twists came out puffing steam like tiny edible clouds, and I knew I'd stumbled onto something dangerous for my self control.
My roommate walked into the kitchen that day with this look of absolute betrayal because I hadn't made enough to share. Now I triple the batch whenever friends sleep over because watching someone bite into that warm twist with vanilla glaze still dripping down their chin is better than any compliment I could ask for.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough: The crescent dough creates these gorgeous flaky layers that puff up beautifully, though pizza dough works if you want something chewier and more bread like
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Brush this on generously because it helps the cinnamon sugar actually stick instead of ending up as a burnt pile at the bottom of your air fryer
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar gives you this deeper caramel flavor that white sugar just cannot match
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Do not be tempted to add more, I learned the hard way that too much cinnamon makes everything taste strangely bitter and medicinal
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sift this first if you have the patience, otherwise you will be fishing lumps out of your glaze forever
- 1 to 2 tbsp milk: Start with one tablespoon and add more as needed because different brands of powdered sugar absorb liquid differently
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract: Real vanilla makes such a difference here that I will judge you a little if you use imitation
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it run empty for about 3 minutes so you get consistent cooking from the first batch to the last
- Prep the dough:
- Unroll that dough on a floured surface and press the seams together firmly or your twists will unravel into weird amoeba shapes while cooking
- Butter and sugar:
- Brush the melted butter everywhere, then mix your cinnamon and brown sugar and scatter it like you are trying to impress someone
- Fold and slice:
- Fold the dough in half lengthwise, press the edges closed with your fingers, then cut it into 8 equal strips so everything cooks evenly
- Twist them up:
- Give each strip about 3 to 4 twists, pinch the ends tight, and place them in the basket with space between each one because they will puff up significantly
- Air fry time:
- Cook for 7 to 8 minutes until they are golden brown on top and cooked through, working in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side
- Make the glaze:
- Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable, adding more milk a drop at a time if it is too thick to drizzle
- Finish:
- Let those twists cool for just a couple of minutes so the glaze does not slide right off, then drizzle generously and eat them while they are still warm
Save to Pinterest These became my go to when my daughter had a terrible week at school and just needed something that felt like a hug in food form. She sat at the counter with cinnamon sugar dust on her cheek and told me this was better than anything from a bakery, which honestly made my entire week.
Getting The Twist Just Right
I used to twist these so tight they looked like DNA helices, but they would spring back awkwardly in the heat. A gentle 3 twist gives you that beautiful spiral shape without fighting against the dough as it puffs up in the air fryer.
Batch Cooking Wisdom
If you are making these for a crowd, keep the first batch warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest. The second batch always cooks faster because your air fryer is already hot, so check them a minute early.
Customization Ideas
Sometimes I throw chopped pecans into the cinnamon sugar mixture for this incredible crunch that makes them feel fancier than they actually are. A tiny pinch of nutmeg in the filling adds warmth without overpowering the cinnamon, and lemon juice instead of milk in the glaze cuts through all that sugar perfectly.
- Chop your nuts finely so they do not tear through the dough as you twist
- Add a pinch of salt to your glaze to balance the sweetness
- These are best within 2 hours but will reheat beautifully at 300°F for about 3 minutes
Save to Pinterest There is something profoundly satisfying about turning a simple tube of dough into something that makes people stop whatever they are doing and wander into the kitchen. These twists have saved many a lazy weekend morning.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of dough works best for these twists?
Refrigerated crescent roll or pizza dough works well, providing a flaky and tender base that's easy to handle.
- → Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts can be mixed into the cinnamon sugar filling for added crunch and flavor.
- → How do I prevent the twists from sticking during air frying?
Arrange the twists spaced apart in the air fryer basket and cook in batches if needed to ensure even crispness and no sticking.
- → What temperature and time should I air fry these twists?
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the twists for 7 to 8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- → How is the glaze made and applied?
Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze, then drizzle it over the warm twists for a sweet finish.