Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists With Cream Cheese Dip
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists With Cream Cheese Dip are a delightful treat that everyone will adore! These sweet twists are perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. The crispy exterior combined with the fluffy inside creates a delicious contrast, while the cream cheese dip adds a rich and tangy touch. Once you try these air fryer cinnamon sugar twists, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up these delicious twists in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and sugar with buttery dough creates a mouthwatering treat that is hard to resist.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even as a fun breakfast option. They pair wonderfully with coffee or hot cocoa!
- Healthier Option: Using an air fryer means less oil than traditional frying, giving you a lighter version of this indulgent treat.
- Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping to twist the dough and watching them puff up in the air fryer.

Tools and Preparation
To make these Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists, you’ll need a few essential tools. Gathering everything beforehand will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Plastic wrap
Importance of Each Tool
- Air fryer: This tool cooks the twists evenly and gives them that crispy texture without excess oil.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows for easy mixing of ingredients without cross-contamination.
- Whisk: A whisk helps to combine the cinnamon and sugar smoothly for an even coating on the twists.
Ingredients
For the Twists
- 12 frozen dinner roll dough balls (such as Rhodes), thawed according to pkg directions
- 2-3 tablespoon canola oil, or nonstick cooking spray
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoon salted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Dip
- 4 ounces (½ brick) cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 5+ tablespoon milk
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists With Cream Cheese Dip
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Cut each ball of dough in half to create 24 portions.
- Roll each portion into a 6-inch long “snake.”
- Grasp both ends of the dough and twist them clockwise simultaneously to form a twisted shape.
- Pinch the ends together and tuck the thinnest part under.
- Place the twisted dough at least 1 inch apart in your air fryer basket.
- Brush both sides generously with canola oil or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let puff up for about 15 minutes at room temperature.
Step 2: Preheat and Air Fry
- Preheat your air fryer to 375℉.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cinnamon and sugar.
- Air fry the first batch of twists for 7 minutes.
- If they aren’t brown yet, brush or spray with more oil, flip them over, then air fry an additional 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Dip
- While the twists are baking, beat together cream cheese and vanilla in a medium bowl on low speed until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar while beating on low until combined.
- Add splashes of milk until you reach a thick drizzly consistency; set aside.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Once baking is complete, brush the warm twists (or toss in a large bowl) with melted butter.
- Immediately coat generously with cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve the warm twists right away alongside your cream cheese dip for dipping enjoyment!
How to Serve Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists With Cream Cheese Dip
Air fryer cinnamon sugar twists are a delightful treat that pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments. Whether for a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, these twists can be served in numerous ways.
Dessert Platter
- Create a dessert platter featuring assorted sweet treats alongside the twists for a delightful spread.
- Add fresh fruits like strawberries and blueberries for a pop of color and freshness.
Coffee Pairing
- Serve your cinnamon sugar twists with freshly brewed coffee or espresso.
- The warm, sweet flavors of the twists complement the rich notes of coffee perfectly.
Ice Cream Delight
- Top your twists with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup or caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
Breakfast Treat
- Enjoy these twists as part of a breakfast spread with pancakes and bacon.
- They can also be served with yogurt for a quick morning snack.
How to Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists With Cream Cheese Dip
To ensure your air fryer cinnamon sugar twists turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use thawed dough – Make sure the dinner roll dough is fully thawed before shaping, which helps achieve the perfect texture.
- Space them well – Place each twist at least 1 inch apart in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and air circulation.
- Preheat properly – Always preheat your air fryer to 375℉. This step is crucial for achieving that golden brown exterior.
- Monitor closely – Keep an eye on the baking process; cook times may vary between air fryer models.
- Brush generously – Don’t skimp on brushing the twists with melted butter after frying to enhance their flavor and help the cinnamon sugar stick better.
- Serve immediately – For the best experience, enjoy these twists fresh out of the air fryer while they’re still warm and fluffy.
Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists With Cream Cheese Dip
While air fryer cinnamon sugar twists are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes enhances your meal. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the twists.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layering yogurt with granola and fruits provides a healthy contrast to the rich flavors.
- Nutty Granola Bars – These chewy bars offer satisfying crunchiness and make a great snack alongside your dessert.
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries – The tartness of strawberries dipped in chocolate pairs beautifully with sweet cinnamon flavors.
- Vanilla Pudding Cups – Creamy vanilla pudding is a comforting complement that children will love.
- Savory Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses adds savory notes that balance out the sweetness of the twists.
- Mini Pancakes – Light and fluffy pancakes drizzled with syrup create a fun brunch option when served together.
- Caramel Apples – The combination of crispy apples coated in caramel enhances any dessert table alongside your cinnamon twists.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists With Cream Cheese Dip can be a delight, but common mistakes can ruin the experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping Dough Thawing: Ensure the frozen dinner roll dough is completely thawed before using it. This helps the twists rise properly and achieve that light, fluffy texture.
- Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer before cooking. This ensures even cooking and perfectly crispy twists.
- Overcrowding the Basket: Avoid placing too many twists in the air fryer at once. This can prevent them from cooking evenly and getting that desired crispiness.
- Ignoring Cooking Times: Keep an eye on the twists while they cook. Cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model, so adjust accordingly.
- Inconsistent Coating: Make sure to coat each twist evenly with melted butter and cinnamon sugar. Uneven coating can lead to some twists being bland while others are overly sweet.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists With Cream Cheese Dip
- Place cooled twists in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to one month.
Reheating Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists With Cream Cheese Dip
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds at a time until warmed through, but this may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists With Cream Cheese Dip that might help you along the way.
Can I use homemade dough?
Yes, you can absolutely use homemade dough! Just ensure it’s similar in consistency to frozen dinner rolls for best results.
How do I make the cream cheese dip?
Simply beat room temperature cream cheese with vanilla extract and powdered sugar, adding milk until you reach your desired consistency.
What if I don’t have canola oil?
You can substitute canola oil with vegetable oil or even melted coconut oil for brushing the twists before air frying.
How long does it take to cook these twists?
Typically, it takes about 11-12 minutes total—7 minutes initially and then flipping for another 4-5 minutes until they are golden brown.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists With Cream Cheese Dip are not only delicious but incredibly versatile! You can customize them by adding nuts or using different dips. Whether for breakfast or dessert, they’re sure to impress. Give this recipe a try; you won’t regret it!
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists With Cream Cheese Dip
Indulge in the delightful taste of Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists With Cream Cheese Dip! These easy-to-make treats feature a crispy exterior and fluffy interior that melt in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to festive celebrations, these cinnamon sugar twists are not only delicious but also healthier than traditional fried options. The accompanying cream cheese dip adds a rich and tangy flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully. Whether enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or breakfast treat, you’ll find yourself coming back for more!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 twists 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 frozen dinner roll dough balls (thawed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Milk (as needed)
Instructions
- Cut each thawed dough ball in half and roll into 6-inch long 'snakes.' Twist and pinch the ends together.
- Place twisted dough in the air fryer basket, brush with canola oil or spray with nonstick spray, and let puff for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Air fry twists for 7 minutes; flip and cook an additional 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- For the dip, beat cream cheese with vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth, adding milk to reach desired consistency.
- Brush warm twists with melted butter and coat in cinnamon sugar mixture before serving with cream cheese dip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg