Save I pulled the air fryer out on a Sunday morning when I had nothing planned and a can of dough about to expire. The idea hit me while scrolling through breakfast photos: what if I could skip the oven entirely and still get that bakery-style flake? Twenty minutes later, I had golden twists cooling on a plate, and my kitchen smelled like a cinnamon dream. It became my favorite lazy-day ritual.
The first time I made these for my sister, she accused me of buying them from a bakery. I showed her the empty dough can in the trash, and she still didn't believe me until I made a second batch right in front of her. Now she requests them every time she visits, and I never tell her how stupidly easy they are.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough: Crescent dough gives you those distinct layers, but pizza dough works if you want a chewier bite. Let it sit at room temp for a few minutes so it unrolls without tearing.
- Unsalted butter, melted: This is what makes the cinnamon sugar stick and creates those caramelized edges. Salted butter works too, but it can make the twists taste a little too savory.
- Brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds depth and helps the filling get gooey. Light or dark both work, dark just gives a richer flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Fresh cinnamon makes a noticeable difference. If yours has been sitting in the cupboard for two years, it might be time for a new jar.
- Powdered sugar: Sift it if it has lumps, or your glaze will look chunky instead of smooth and glossy.
- Milk: Whole milk makes the glaze creamier, but any kind works. Add it slowly so you can control the thickness.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash rounds out the sweetness and makes the glaze taste homemade instead of flat.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it run empty for about 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking and prevents the bottoms from staying doughy.
- Prep the dough:
- Unroll it on a clean surface dusted lightly with flour and press the seams together so you have one smooth sheet. If you skip this, the twists can split apart while cooking.
- Brush with butter:
- Use a pastry brush to coat the entire surface evenly. Don't puddle it in one spot or the filling will slide off when you fold.
- Add the cinnamon sugar:
- Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle it all over the buttered dough. Press it in gently with your fingers so it sticks.
- Fold and seal:
- Fold the dough in half the long way and press the edges together. This traps the filling inside and gives you those swirled layers.
- Cut and twist:
- Slice the folded dough into 8 equal strips using a knife or pizza cutter. Twist each strip a few times and pinch the ends so they don't unravel in the air fryer.
- Arrange in the basket:
- Place the twists in a single layer with space between them. If they touch, they'll bake together and you'll lose that crispy exterior.
- Air-fry until golden:
- Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, checking halfway through. They should be puffed, golden, and firm to the touch when done.
- Make the glaze:
- While the twists cool for a minute or two, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and add more if it's too thick.
- Drizzle and serve:
- Use a spoon to zigzag the glaze over the warm twists. Serve them right away while they're still soft inside and crisp outside.
Save There's something about pulling a tray of these out and watching someone's face light up that never gets old. My neighbor once knocked on my door because the smell drifted through the hallway, and I ended up handing her three twists through the doorway. She still brings it up every time we run into each other.
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 two days. To bring them back to life, pop them in the air fryer at 300°F for about a minute. The glaze might melt a little, but the texture comes right back and they taste just as good as the first time.
Flavor Variations
Once you nail the basic version, it's fun to play around. I've added a handful of mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon sugar, swapped the brown sugar for maple sugar, and even folded in a thin layer of Nutella before twisting. A friend of mine uses pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon in the fall, and it's honestly perfect. The base recipe is forgiving enough that you can experiment without worrying about ruining it.
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve these with a strong cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. They're sweet enough to stand on their own, but if you want to go all out, a side of Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey balances the richness. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread, especially if you're trying to impress someone without actually spending hours in the kitchen.
- Dust them with a little extra cinnamon sugar right after they come out for an even sweeter finish.
- Serve them on a platter with fresh berries to cut through the richness and add a pop of color.
- Pair them with scrambled eggs and bacon if you want a full breakfast that feels special but takes no effort.
Save These twists have become my go-to whenever I need something quick, comforting, and just a little bit indulgent. They're proof that you don't need complicated recipes or fancy ingredients to make something that feels like a treat.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different dough types for the twists?
Yes, crescent roll dough or pizza dough both work well, providing a flaky and tender texture.
- → How do I ensure the twists don’t stick in the air fryer?
Arrange twists with space between them and cook in batches if needed to prevent sticking and ensure even air circulation.
- → What can I add to the filling for extra crunch?
Chopped pecans or walnuts can be mixed into the cinnamon sugar filling for added texture and flavor.
- → Is there a substitute for brown sugar in the filling?
Coconut sugar makes a great alternative, offering a slightly different sweetness and depth.
- → Can I reheat the twists after cooking?
Yes, gently reheat in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to restore crispness without drying them out.