Mall cinnamon rolls were always my favorite as a kid. I mean, who doesn’t love a sweet, gooey baked treat covered in icing? Now, I make my Cinnabon caramel pecan roll in the air fryer for that warm, baked goodness right at home! It’s so easy and perfectly satisfies my cravings!
The ooey gooey caramel pecan roll is one of the amazing Cinnabon breakfast creations you can now find in your grocery store’s freezer aisle!
No more heading to the mall – you can make this sweet treat right at home, and it’s even easier thanks to your air fryer.
Just pop the pecan roll in the air fryer, no defrosting required, and in only about 10 minutes, you have perfectly cooked sweet rolls!
They make a great breakfast, but are also good for dessert or a sweet snack anytime. There’s no wrong time to enjoy a cinnamon roll, and this method makes it even easier!
For a refrigerated option, make sure to check out my recipe for Pillsbury Orange Rolls in the Air Fryer as well!
Why Choose the Air Fryer
Sure, you can microwave these Cinnabon caramel pecan rolls in about 1 minute. So, why would you want to use the air fryer?
The answer is texture! The microwave gives you a soft, kind of gummy cinnamon roll. It’s great in a pinch or if you’re in a huge rush, but it’s really not ideal.
Your air fryer delivers a golden brown roll with a slightly crispy crust that’s perfectly complemented by the gooey caramel and crunchy pecans. You don’t need to tend to it – just pop it in and forget it while you continue doing other things!
Does it take a few more minutes? Yes. Is it worth it? I definitely think so!
I found my Cinnabon rolls at WalMart, but they are carried at other national grocers as well. You may be able to find larger quantities at wholesale clubs, but I can only fit 2 at a time in my Ninja air fryer anyway
Cinnabon Caramel Pecan Roll Air Fryer Heating Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (or the closest setting your air fryer has)
Remove the plastic wrap from around the cinnamon rolls, but leave them in the tray
Place the frozen cinnamon rolls in the tray into the preheated air fryer basket
Cook on the air fry setting for 8-10 minutes at 325°F, or until the rolls are browned and heated through
Invert the rolls onto a plate and tap on the base of the tray to release
Pair with my Two Ingredient Microwave Fudge or some Mulled Wine Brownies for an impressive dessert spread.
Drinks
Hot Chocolate
Coffee
Eggnog
Fruit juices
Smoothies
Caramel cocktails
Chocolate cocktails
Try my Hot Chocolate Martini or a Peanut Butter Chocolate Spinach Smoothie for some great drink options!
Recipe FAQs
Can I Air Fry Frozen Cinnabon Caramel Pecan Rolls?
Yes, you can air fry frozen Cinnabon caramel pecan rolls. They come out browned, with a lightly crispy exterior, and a warm, gooey interior.
You may also microwave them. While this method is faster, you’ll achieve a soft, almost gummy texture.
What’s the Best Temperature For Air Frying These Rolls?
The recommended temperature for air frying Cinnabon caramel pecan rolls is around 325°F (163°C).
This temperature allows for even cooking and a crispy exterior while ensuring the rolls cook through without burning. Be sure to preheat your air fryer before cooking for the best results.
How Can I Prevent the Rolls From Sticking to the Air Fryer Basket?
Since the rolls are cooked in their trays, you shouldn’t need to prevent them from sticking to your air fryer basket.
However, if you remove them from the trays, you can use a small oven safe dish to contain them, or line the air fryer with parchment or nonstick foil to assist.
Can I Make a Dairy-Free or Vegan Version of This Recipe?
You unfortunately cannot make a dairy-free or vegan version of this recipe, as Cinnabon caramel pecan rolls are premade and frozen. They do contain milk products, so they contain dairy and are not vegan.
However, you can always make your favorite homemade cinnamon rolls in the air fryer and opt to make one that suits your specific dietary needs.
What Are Some Creative Serving Ideas For Special Occasions?
For special occasions, you can get creative with your presentation. Serve the air-fried rolls on a decorative platter, drizzle extra caramel or chocolate sauce on top, and sprinkle more chopped pecans for an elegant touch.
You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Recipe Pro Tips
My Cinnabon caramel pecan rolls were perfect after 8 minutes in a Ninja air fryer. Other air fryers may vary slightly in terms of actual time
If your rolls have caramel stuck to the bottom of the tray in the package (mine did) you can wipe it off, or put a square of parchment or foil under it in the air fryer to keep things clean
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover caramel pecan rolls at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Do not refreeze once they have been cooked once
To reheat, air fry for 2-3 minutes at 325°F, or microwave for about 30 seconds until warm
More Caramel Recipes to Try
Caramel Toffee Scones
Microwave Salted Caramel Sauce
Caramel Apple Shot With Crown
Air Fryer Apple Fries With Caramel Sauce
Caramel Apple Margaritas
Final Thoughts
These Cinnabon caramel pecan rolls are made so perfect in your air fryer. There’s no prep work other than a preheat and popping them in – your air fryer does all the hard work!
That means you can go on with your morning while your pecan roll gets warm, gooey, and perfectly browned.
Sure, it takes a little longer than the microwave. However, I find the texture to be much better, and it’s a great option for those that don’t have a microwave to still enjoy a treat.
These pecan rolls are great for breakfast, dessert, or a snack anytime you’re craving a sweet treat, and they’re loved by kids and adults alike!
These Cinnabon caramel pecan rolls go from freezer to fabulous thanks to the air fryer! You’ll have a warm, perfect roll in under 10 minutes for breakfast or anytime!
Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (or the closest setting your air fryer has)
Remove the plastic wrap from around the cinnamon rolls, but leave them in the tray
9.8 Ounce box frozen Cinnabon caramel pecan rolls
Place the frozen cinnamon rolls in the tray into the preheated air fryer basket
Cook on the air fry setting for 8-10 minutes at 325°F, or until the rolls are browned and heated through
Invert the rolls onto a plate and tap on the base of the tray to release
Enjoy warm!
Notes
My Cinnabon caramel pecan rolls were perfect after 8 minutes in a Ninja air fryer. Other air fryers may vary slightly in terms of actual time
If your rolls have caramel stuck to the bottom of the tray in the package (mine did) you can wipe it off, or put a square of parchment or foil under it in the air fryer to keep things clean
Store leftover caramel pecan rolls at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Do not refreeze once they have been cooked once
To reheat, air fry for 2-3 minutes at 325°F, or microwave for about 30 seconds until warm
Exact nutritional values will vary based on any toppings or sides added, and quantity actual consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
