Air fryer cinnamon rolls

Prep these cinnamon rolls the night before Christmas and cook them fresh in the morning to tear and share with family and friends on the big day

  • Prep:15 mins
    Cook:17 mins
    plus proving
  • Serves 6
  • Easy

Nutrition per serving

  • kcal 267
  • fat 15g
  • saturates 7g
  • carbs 27g
  • sugars 0g
  • fibre 2g
  • protein 4g
  • salt 0.5g

Ingredients

  • 125g plain flour , plus extra to dust
  • 125g strong white bread flour
  • ½ x 7g sachet fast-action dried yeast
  • 1 tbsp caster sugar
  • 125ml whole milk
  • 25g butter
  • 1 egg
  • 50g light brown soft sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tbsp cinnamon
  • 25g butter , softened
  • 40g butter , softened
  • 50g soft cheese
  • 75g icing sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Method

  1. Tip both flours, the yeast, sugar and 1 tsp salt into a stand mixer and mix.

  2. Put the milk and butter into a small saucepan over a low heat until the milk is warm and the butter is just starting to melt. Remove from the heat and whisk in the egg.

  3. Pour the egg mixture into the flour and knead on a low speed for 8-10 mins until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10-12 mins. Cover and set aside in a warm spot to rise for 1 hr, or until doubled in size. You can also leave to rise in the fridge overnight.

  4. Beat together all the filling ingredients until well combined, then set aside. Line a baking sheet with a piece of baking parchment a little bigger than your air fryer tray.

  5. Tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out to a 25cm square and spread the cinnamon mixture over, right to the edges. Roll into a tight spiral – trim the edges if you want to keep it neat. Cut into six even pieces, then arrange on the prepared baking sheet, spiral-side up, making sure to keep them in a circle or a rectangle depending on the shape of your air fryer tray. Cover and leave to rise for 20-30 mins, until puffed up and doubled in size.

  6. Heat the air fryer to 170C and carefully lay the sheet of cinnamon rolls into your air fryer. Bake for 15-20 mins, then remove from the air fryer and cover with a clean tea towel to keep the buns soft. Leave to cool a little.

  7. Meanwhile, make the icing. Beat the butter, soft cheese, icing sugar and vanilla together until smooth. Spread the icing over the buns. Leave to sit for 30 mins then serve. Will keep in an airtight container for three days.

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