One of my favorite Christmas morning breakfasts as a kid were orange rolls. Imagine perfect warm cinnamon rolls smothered in orange icing. As an adult, now I just make Pillsbury orange rolls in the air fryer for a quick and convenient option that really satisfies my sweet cravings!
Orange rolls are just a regular cinnamon roll, but instead of cream cheese or vanilla icing, an orange-flavored icing is used instead.
The burst of citrus flavor is a nice contrast to the sweet, sugary cinnamon roll dough!
You can certainly make them homemade, using your favorite cinnamon roll recipe and swapping in orange icing instead. If you’re short on time or just not good with yeasted doughs (like me), then starting with refrigerated is a great option.
Currently, Pillsbury is the only brand I know that offers an orange roll in the refrigerated section, but you never know when someone else may jump on the bandwagon!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pillsbury orange rolls are a perfect sweet treat for breakfast, brunch, a snack, or even dessert! The orange flavor adds a festive touch that makes them perfect for Christmas.
Since they’re so quick to make, you’re not bogged down on Christmas morning, which is always a plus in my house! The air fryer cuts the cooking time down to about 7 minutes, plus a much shorter preheat when compared to the traditional oven.
So, leave the oven open for the turkey or goose (or whatever you’re making) and let the air fryer handle breakfast and brunch. You’ll still get the same lightly browned, crisp edges and warm, gooey centers you love!
13.9 ounce can Pillsbury orange rolls (with Cinnabon cinnamon and orange icing)
Optional mix-ins, if desired
Ingredient Notes and Tips
You’ll find Pillsbury orange rolls in the refrigerated section near cookie dough usually. This method should also work for other similar brands if you happen to find one
If you’d like to customize your rolls, you can unroll the dough and sprinkle around ¼ cup of add-ins such as dried cranberries, walnuts, or pecans in. Then, roll the dough back up, divide, and continue as normal!
Step By Step Directions
Open the can of rolls by peeling back the label, then pushing down on the exposed seam with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Separate the dough log into individual rolls at the seams (mold them back into shape if needed), and set the included icing aside
Spray your air fryer’s basket or rack with nonstick spray, or line with perforated parchment
Place the cinnamon rolls into the air fryer in a single layer, allowing at least 1” air space between each one for expansion during cooking
Cook on the air fry setting for 6-8 minutes at 350°F, until the exterior is brown and the interior is cooked through (a toothpick in the center should come out free of raw dough and temperature should be about 190°F). Check halfway during cooking, and flip the rolls over if the tops are getting too browned
Remove from the air fryer and frost the cinnamon rolls with the reserved orange frosting. I usually use a butter knife, but a spatula or the back of a spoon works in a pinch
Can I Cook Pillsbury Orange Rolls in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can absolutely cook Pillsbury Orange Rolls in the air fryer.
You get a similar texture to oven baking, with no preheat time and even 2-3 minutes less cooking time.
How Long Should I Cook the Pillsbury Orange Rolls in the Air Fryer?
Cook Pillsbury orange rolls for about 8 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or until golden brown.
Times may vary slightly based on your specific brand and size of air fryer.
Do I Need a Pan to Cook the Rolls?
No, you do not need a pan to cook the rolls in the air fryer.
Use nonstick spray to prevent sticking, or line the basket with perforated parchment or a perforated silicone baking mat, so as to not block air flow.
Can I Use Different Frosting or Glaze for the Pillsbury Orange Rolls?
Absolutely, you can use the provided orange glaze or try different frosting variations for a personalized touch.
Homemade orange frosting is generally quick to make, and can be a nice upgrade from the “fake” flavor of many store bought frostings.
How Do I Prevent the Rolls from Overcooking or Burning?
Keep an eye on the rolls during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid over-browning or burning.
You can always flip the rolls over to get a little browning on the bottom, which should slow the brown on the tops if they’re getting too dark.
Can I Add Extra Ingredients or Toppings to Enhance the Rolls?
Feel free to add chopped nuts, citrus zest, dried fruits, or additional spices to enhance the flavor of the rolls.
Simply unroll the packaged rolls into a sheet, add the extras, then re-roll the dough before separating into segments.
Can I Store the Leftover Cooked Rolls?
Yes, store any leftover cooked rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
You may also refrigerate for up to one week for longer term storage.
Can I Freeze Uncooked Rolls for Future Use?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked rolls. Place separated rolls on a tray in the freezer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once frozen.
It’s generally not advised to freeze in the tube itself, as it can expand and burst the tube open. However, you could always place it inside a zippered bag if you want to risk it.
Are There Different Ways to Serve the Pillsbury Orange Rolls?
Yes, you can serve the rolls as is or try incorporating them into other recipes like bread pudding or french toast.
Orange rolls go well with most breakfast or brunch fare, such as eggs, sausage, bacon, or home fries. Don’t forget the orange juice!
Recipe Pro Tips
I did not preheat my air fryer for this recipe, and my rolls were perfect after 8 minutes total cooking time in my Ninja air fryer (and I did not flip them). However, your time may vary slightly based on your specific air fryer. If you do preheat, drop the time to 5-6 minutes instead!
Sometimes, the cuts in the rolls get a little uneven. You can either cut them with a knife (ignoring the lines) or try to pat them into more uniform sizes. If some are thin and some are thick, they will cook in different amounts of time! Pick them up and check the bottom for doneness if you’re concerned (look for raw dough in the center as a telltale sign they need more time)
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover orange rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to one week
To reheat a roll with icing in the air fryer, place it on a square of parchment or nonstick foil and air fry for 2 minutes at 325°F, or until warmed through. The icing will drip a little, hence the parchment under it!
Once you make some Pillsbury orange rolls in the air fryer, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner! They come out absolutely perfect, in far less time than the oven (and are a great alternative if you don’t have an oven).
Orange rolls are a nice change from the traditional cinnamon roll, offering a burst of citrus flavor in combination with the sweet cinnamon notes. They’re perfect for breakfast and brunch, and a classic for Christmas morning.
Don’t let that stop you, though, as you can enjoy these tasty rolls year round! Orange rolls are loved by kids and adults alike, making for a quick and easy option to please everyone.
Pillsbury Orange Rolls Air Fryer Recipe
Pillsbury orange rolls cook up in under 10 minutes in your air fryer! They’re perfect for a quick and easy breakfast or brunch option without the need for an oven.
Open the can of rolls, separate the dough log into individual rolls at the seams (mold them back into shape if needed), and set the included icing aside
13.9 Ounce can Pillsbury orange rolls
Spray your air fryer’s basket or rack with nonstick spray, or line with perforated parchment
Place the cinnamon rolls into the air fryer in a single layer, allowing about 1” air space between each one for expansion during cooking
Cook on the air fry setting for 6-8 minutes at 350°F, until the exterior is brown and the interior is cooked through (a toothpick in the center should come out free of raw dough and temperature should be about 190°F). Check halfway during cooking, and flip the rolls over if the tops are getting too browned
Remove from the air fryer and frost the cinnamon rolls with the reserved orange frosting. I usually use a butter knife, but a spatula or the back of a spoon works in a pinch
Serve warm!
Notes
If you’d like to customize your rolls, you can unroll the dough and sprinkle around ¼ cup of add-ins such as dried cranberries, walnuts, or pecans in. Then, roll the dough back up, divide, and continue as normal!
I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe. My orange rolls were perfect after 8 minutes total cooking time in my Ninja air fryer (and I did not flip them). However, your time may vary slightly based on your specific air fryer. If you do preheat, drop the time to 5-6 minutes to start instead!
Sometimes, the premade cuts in the rolls get a little uneven. You can either cut them with a knife (ignoring the lines) or try to pat them into more uniform sizes. If some are thin and some are thick, they will cook in different amounts of time! Pick them up and check the bottom for doneness if you’re concerned (look for raw dough in the center as a telltale sign they need more time)
Store leftover orange rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to one week
To reheat a roll with icing in the air fryer, place it on a square of parchment or nonstick foil and air fry for 2 minutes at 325°F, or until warmed through. The icing will drip a little, hence the parchment under it!
Exact nutritional values will vary based on the size of each role and the amount of icing used on each one, as well as any additions or modifications, so please consider this a guideline only
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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!
