Save It I pulled my air fryer out one Sunday morning with nothing but a can of crescent dough and a craving I couldn't name. The idea hit me mid-yawn: what if I twisted them up with cinnamon like those bakery spirals, but skipped the oven entirely? Twenty minutes later, my kitchen smelled like a county fair, and I was biting into something golden, sweet, and impossibly flaky. My neighbor knocked on the door asking what I was making. I handed her one still warm, and she came back an hour later asking for the recipe.
I made these the morning my sister visited with her kids, and they watched through the air fryer window like it was a tiny oven theater. When the twists puffed up and turned golden, my youngest nephew said they looked like magic breadsticks. We ate them on the porch still warm, glaze dripping onto our fingers, and he asked if we could make them every Saturday. I didn't have the heart to say no.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: This is your shortcut to flaky, buttery layers without any effort, and it twists like a dream when its cold from the fridge.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brushing it on while the dough is still cool helps the cinnamon sugar stick and creates those crispy, caramelized edges.
- Brown sugar: It melts into the butter and gives you that deep, molasses sweetness that white sugar just cant match.
- Ground cinnamon: Use the good stuff if you have it, the fresher the cinnamon, the more fragrant your kitchen will smell.
- Powdered sugar: Sifting it first makes the glaze silky smooth and keeps it from clumping when you whisk in the milk.
- Milk: Start with one tablespoon and add more only if you want it thinner, too much and it turns into a puddle instead of a drizzle.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash makes the glaze taste homemade, not like something squeezed from a packet.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it run for three minutes so the twists hit even heat the second they go in. This keeps them from getting soggy on the bottom.
- Prep the dough:
- Unroll it gently on a floured surface and press the seams together with your fingers until its one smooth sheet. If it tears, just pinch it back together.
- Brush with butter:
- Use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon to coat every inch, right to the edges. The butter is what makes the sugar stick and the twists crisp up.
- Add the cinnamon sugar:
- Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle it evenly across the buttered dough like youre salting a driveway. Dont be shy.
- Fold and seal:
- Fold the dough in half the long way so the filling is tucked inside, then press down gently to seal it shut. It should feel like a stuffed envelope.
- Cut and twist:
- Slice the dough into eight strips with a knife or pizza cutter, then twist each one a few times like youre wringing out a towel. Pinch the ends so they dont unravel.
- Arrange in the basket:
- Lay the twists in the air fryer basket with a little space between them so air can circulate. If they dont all fit, cook them in two batches.
- Air-fry until golden:
- Let them cook for seven to eight minutes, checking halfway through. Theyre done when theyre puffed, golden, and smell like a bakery.
- Make the glaze:
- While the twists cool for a minute, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until its smooth and pourable. Taste it, if you want it sweeter, add more sugar.
- Glaze and serve:
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm twists with a spoon, letting it pool in the grooves. Serve them while theyre still warm and pull-apart tender.
Save It The first time I brought these to a brunch potluck, someone asked if I got them from a bakery. I said no, just my air fryer and five minutes of twisting dough, and she didnt believe me until I made them again the next weekend in her kitchen. We stood there eating them over the sink, glaze on our wrists, laughing at how something this easy could taste this good.
How to Get the Best Twist
The secret is in the tension. When you twist each strip, hold one end steady and rotate the other end slowly, letting the dough spiral naturally without stretching it too thin. If you yank too hard, the filling squeezes out and the twist bakes unevenly. I learned this the hard way after my first batch unraveled into flat, sad ribbons. Now I twist gently, like Im braiding hair, and pinch both ends tight before they go in the basket.
What to Do with Leftovers
If by some miracle you have twists left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. When youre ready to eat them again, pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F for a minute or two until theyre warm and the edges crisp back up. Microwaving works in a pinch, but youll lose that crunch. I usually just eat them cold over the sink the next morning, which is not glamorous but deeply satisfying.
Ways to Make Them Your Own
Once you get the hang of the basic twist, you can play around with the filling. I've folded in mini chocolate chips, swapped cinnamon for cardamom, and even brushed them with maple syrup instead of glaze. My favorite variation so far is adding a handful of finely chopped pecans to the cinnamon sugar before sprinkling it on, it gives every bite a little toasty crunch.
- Try sprinkling a pinch of sea salt on top of the glaze for a sweet and salty finish.
- Use cream cheese frosting instead of the vanilla glaze if you want something richer.
- Add a tablespoon of orange zest to the filling for a bright, citrusy twist.
Save It These twists turned my air fryer from a gadget I barely used into something I reach for every weekend. Theyre proof that the best recipes dont need a long ingredient list or fancy technique, just a little creativity and whatever youve got in the fridge.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What type of dough works best for these twists?
Refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough both create tender, flaky twists with easy handling for shaping.
- → How do I prevent the twists from sticking in the air fryer?
Space the twists apart in the basket and cook in batches if needed to ensure air circulation and avoid sticking.
- → Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the cinnamon sugar mixture for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
- → Is there a way to make the twists dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter alternatives and plant-based milk in the glaze to adapt the recipe while maintaining taste and texture.
- → How long do the twists stay fresh?
They are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to regain crispness if stored.
- → What temperature is ideal for air frying?
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the twists for 7 to 8 minutes until golden and cooked through.