Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists are warm, buttery pastries with a crisp golden exterior and a soft, fluffy center. They taste like something from a bakery, yet they are incredibly easy to make at home. Even better, the air fryer creates a beautifully crisp texture while keeping the inside tender and light.

First, simple dough strips are twisted into elegant spirals. Then, they cook quickly in the air fryer until lightly golden. Afterward, each twist is coated in fragrant cinnamon sugar that melts slightly onto the warm pastry. As a result, every bite becomes sweet, soft, and perfectly spiced.

Interestingly, twisted pastries have been popular in European bakeries for centuries. Bakers originally twisted dough scraps to avoid waste. Over time, these simple twists became beloved treats. Today, the air fryer offers a modern shortcut that still delivers incredible flavor.

Because they are quick, comforting, and irresistibly sweet, Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists are perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack with coffee or tea.

Recipe Yield: 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Coating
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the dough:
In a medium bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then whisk well so the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Mix the dough:
Add melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky yet easy to handle.

3. Shape the twists:
Lightly flour a surface. Roll dough into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick. Next cut strips about 1 inch wide. Twist each strip several times to create spiral shapes.

4. Preheat the air fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 3 minutes. Meanwhile line the basket with parchment or lightly grease it.

5. Air fry the twists:
Place twists in the basket with space between them. Cook for 7–9 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

6. Coat with cinnamon sugar:
Immediately brush warm twists with melted butter. Then toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.

7. Serve warm:
Serve immediately while warm, fragrant, and lightly crisp on the outside.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Twist the dough evenly for the best texture.
While shaping, twist the strips gently but firmly. This helps the dough cook evenly in the air fryer. Additionally, even twists create crisp ridges that hold the cinnamon sugar beautifully.

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Air circulation is essential for crisp pastry. Therefore cook the twists in batches if needed. This ensures the outside becomes golden while the inside stays soft and fluffy.

• Coat while still warm for perfect cinnamon flavor.
Immediately brushing with melted butter allows the cinnamon sugar mixture to stick evenly. As a result, every bite becomes sweet, aromatic, and perfectly spiced.