Air Fryer Bacon and Cinnamon Rolls

Air Fryer Bacon and Cinnamon Rolls – The Sweet and Savory Brunch Mashup You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you’ve ever debated between salty or sweet for breakfast, this Air Fryer Bacon and Cinnamon Rolls recipe gives you the best of both worlds. The crisp, smoky richness of bacon paired with soft, gooey cinnamon rolls is a flavor match made in brunch heaven—and the air fryer makes the whole process unbelievably quick and easy.

Combining two breakfast favorites into one dish might sound indulgent, and that’s exactly the point. This crowd-pleasing mashup brings together the sugary, sticky delight of cinnamon rolls with the savory crunch of bacon, all caramelized and baked into each bite. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or a treat for yourself, this simple air fryer recipe delivers comfort and flavor fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No oven required: The air fryer does all the work in a fraction of the time.
Minimal cleanup: No need for baking pans or greasy skillets.
Impressive yet effortless: Perfect for brunch gatherings or surprising the family.
Kid-approved: Sweet and salty is a flavor combo everyone can enjoy.

Using canned cinnamon rolls makes the recipe extra convenient, but you can also use homemade rolls if you have the time. Either way, adding bacon transforms them from ordinary to unforgettable.

How the Magic Happens

So, how do you get bacon and cinnamon rolls to play nicely in a single dish? It’s simple: you cook bacon strips until they’re partially crisped (but still pliable), then roll them up inside your cinnamon rolls before air frying. As the rolls bake, the bacon finishes crisping up, and its smoky, salty essence infuses every swirl of cinnamon dough.

The result? Buttery layers of cinnamon sugar hugged by bacon’s crispy texture and umami depth. Top it off with the included icing (or drizzle with maple syrup), and you’ve got a dish that will disappear fast.

What Kind of Bacon Works Best?

For best results, go with regular-cut bacon. Thick-cut bacon doesn’t cook through fast enough in this short air fryer process, and very thin bacon might get too crisp and lose its chew.

Cook the bacon until it’s just starting to brown but still flexible—about 3–5 minutes. This partial cooking ensures it crisps up perfectly while baking inside the rolls.

Canned or Homemade Cinnamon Rolls?

Both work great. The easiest version uses refrigerated canned cinnamon rolls, which are pre-portioned and come with icing. Look for a brand with real cinnamon and quality dough. If you’re using homemade cinnamon rolls, make sure they’re portioned and proofed before assembling.

If you’re going from scratch, keep the bacon step the same—pre-cook, roll, and then bake as normal in the air fryer.

How to Assemble Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Cook bacon until partially done but flexible.
Unroll each cinnamon roll strip (if using canned dough).
Place a piece of cooked bacon inside each roll and re-roll them tightly.
Arrange rolls in the air fryer basket with enough space for rising.
Air fry until golden and fully cooked.
Drizzle with icing or syrup before serving.

The sweet and savory combination is unbeatable—especially with a hot cup of coffee.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast boards: Include with fruit, eggs, and yogurt for a deluxe spread.
Brunch buffets: Serve alongside quiche or hash browns.
Holiday mornings: Great for Christmas or Easter when you want a treat without effort.
Kid’s sleepovers: Fun and tasty for a memorable breakfast.

Tips & Tricks

Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and rise.
Avoid overcrowding: Leave space between rolls so they puff up without sticking.
Use parchment liners in your air fryer for easy cleanup.
Maple glaze idea: Mix the included icing with a little maple syrup for a custom touch.
Make ahead: Assemble the rolls with bacon and store in the fridge overnight. Air fry in the morning.

Quick Recipe Summary