If you love the irresistible mix of cinnamon, sugar, and flaky pastry, then Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists will quickly become your next go-to treat! Imagine warm, golden layers with a sweet bite and a satisfying crunch, ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish. Whether you need a quick snack for a gathering or want to treat yourself on a quiet afternoon, these twists stay playful and comforting. This recipe is a breeze—no baking expertise needed—yet the results are absolutely bakery worthy. Join me in discovering just how magical and simple Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists can be!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Puff Pastry Twists:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Optional Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
Start off by combining your granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Mix them thoroughly so every bite is perfectly flavored. If you’re using vanilla extract, give it a gentle swirl into your melted butter instead—this helps spread that cozy aroma all the way through the pastry!
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Lightly dust your work surface with flour and unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet. Use a rolling pin to gently even it out—it doesn’t need to be paper thin, just an even thickness. This step helps your Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists puff up evenly and ensures every twist gets that classic, flaky bite.
Step 3: Brush with Butter & Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar
Next, slather the entire surface of your rolled-out pastry with the melted butter, using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon. Sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture generously and evenly over the top. Be sure to go all the way to the edges so each twist is jam-packed with sweet spice.
Step 4: Fold and Slice
Fold the pastry sheet in half, lengthwise, sandwiching all that cinnamon sugar right in the middle. Press down gently to seal things together, then take a sharp knife or pizza cutter and slice the pastry stack into strips about an inch wide. This is where the signature look of Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists comes together—both pretty and fun!
Step 5: Twist and Air Fry
Now the fun part: grab each strip and twist it a few times to create that perfect spiral. Arrange the twists in your air fryer basket, leaving space so they can puff without sticking together. Air fry in batches at 350°F for 6–8 minutes, or until the twists are gloriously golden and crisp. Let them cool for just a minute (if you can wait!), then dust with powdered sugar if you’d like a little snow-white finish.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists
Garnishes
For a final flourish, try a quick sift of powdered sugar over the twists for a bakery-style finish. If you want to take it up a notch, drizzle them with a simple glaze (just whisk powdered sugar and a touch of milk) or add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon right before serving. Warmth and sparkle in every bite!
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists are heavenly on their own, but they pair beautifully with a cozy mug of coffee, a steaming chai latte, or even a glass of cold milk. For a fun brunch, serve them alongside a fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla yogurt to balance the sweetness with some freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to go all out for a special occasion, arrange the twists in a spiral on a big platter and tuck sprigs of mint or slices of fresh fruit in between. For parties, thread them onto skewers for cinnamon “twist pops,” or stack mini versions in a jar for a grab-and-go snack bar. These twists look gorgeous any way you serve them!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists keep surprisingly well for a day or two. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature. The pastry stays crisp enough for an easy next-day treat—if they last that long!
Freezing
You can freeze baked twists individually wrapped or in a freezer bag for up to one month. To keep them at their freshest, let them cool first and separate each with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. When cinnamon cravings strike, you’re already ahead of the game.
Reheating
The best way to revive that signature crispiness is to pop the twists back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 2-3 minutes. If you’re in a rush, a few seconds in the microwave will warm them, but the air fryer keeps them flaky. Serve them up and enjoy like they were freshly made!
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you have the time and passion for homemade pastry, your Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists will be extra buttery and flaky. Store-bought works beautifully for convenience, but homemade is always a treat if you’re up for it.
Can I make these twists gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free puff pastry if you need a gluten-friendly version. Just keep an eye on them in the air fryer, as different brands may puff up or cook a bit differently. The results are still delightful!
What’s the best way to keep the twists from sticking in the air fryer?
It helps to spray or line your air fryer basket lightly with nonstick spray or parchment paper before adding the twists. Make sure you leave a little space between each one so air can circulate and they crisp up evenly.
Can I add anything else to the filling for a twist on flavor?
Definitely! Feel free to sprinkle some finely chopped nuts, a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom, or even mini chocolate chips inside before folding. These variations will make your Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists extra special and fun.
How do I know when the twists are done cooking?
The pastry should be deeply golden and puffed, not doughy in the middle. You might need to check at the 6-minute mark and give them an extra minute or two depending on your air fryer model and the size of your twists. Trust your eyes and nose—they’ll smell heavenly when ready!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something sweet, easy, and a bit nostalgic, Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists are ready to become your new kitchen darling. I hope you have as much fun making and sharing these as I do—don’t be surprised when they’re gone in a flash! Give them a try and let the comfort of cinnamon-sugar bliss brighten your day.
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Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 10 twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists are a delightful treat that’s quick and easy to make. Flaky puff pastry is twisted, coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, and air fried to golden perfection. A perfect snack or dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Twists:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Optional Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Shape the Twists: Fold the pastry, slice into strips, twist, and place in the air fryer basket.
- Air Fry: Air fry the twists in batches until golden brown and puffed, about 6–8 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Try drizzling with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.
- Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
