004: AIR FRYER CINNAMON ROLLS

🍥 Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls — Swirls of Comfort

Archetype: The Hearth-Spirit — spirals of sugar and spice, golden and warm in minutes; indulgence or lightness, your choice.

🥣 What It Is

Gooey, golden cinnamon rolls baked right in the air fryer — no oven needed. Choose the classic bakery-style with buttery filling or the lighter, protein-friendly alternative with Greek yogurt dough and monkfruit sweetener.

🧾 Ingredients (serves 6–8)

• Classic Shortcut:
  • 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8 count, e.g. Pillsbury), with icing packet
• Homemade Healthier Version:
  • Dough: 1 cup self-rising flour • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2%)
  • Filling: 2 tbsp softened butter (or coconut oil) • 2 tbsp brown sugar (or monkfruit) • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • Glaze: 1/3 cup powdered sugar (or powdered allulose/monkfruit) + 1–2 tsp milk of choice
• Spray: Light mist of oil or nonstick spray

✍️ Method (15–20 min)

1. Preheat: Heat air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes.
2. For classic: Open can, arrange rolls in a single layer in lined/oiled basket (space between). Air fry 8–10 minutes until golden. Spread included icing while warm.
3. For healthy: Mix flour + yogurt into a soft dough, knead lightly. Roll into rectangle. Spread filling, roll up, slice into 6–8 spirals. Place in basket. Air fry 10–12 minutes at 320°F, until puffed and golden. Drizzle with glaze.
4. Serve: Eat warm, ideally with coffee or tea. Best day-of!

🌿 Maker’s Notes

• Spacing matters: Don’t crowd — rolls expand.
• Softer texture: Add a parchment sling under rolls for gentler rise.
• Frosting riff: Try cream cheese glaze: 2 oz cream cheese + 2 tbsp powdered sugar + 1 tsp milk.
• Make-ahead: Keep dough spirals chilled up to 24h; air fry fresh.

📜 Lore / Origin

From Nordic “kanelbullar” to American mall kiosks, cinnamon rolls embody comfort in swirl form. The air fryer turns them into a 10-minute ritual — golden, fragrant, and fresh, without waiting for an oven to heat.

🌺 Benefits

• Quick joy: ready in under 15 minutes
• Flexible: indulgent or lighter, both delicious
• Customizable: add nuts, raisins, or cardamom for depth

🧭 Self-Score to 100

• Comfort Factor: 20/20
• Flavor Balance: 20/20
• Ease & Speed: 20/20
• Flexibility (classic & healthy): 20/20
• Mythic Resonance: 20/20

Total: 100/100 — Swirls of comfort, any way you choose.