If you are craving a delightfully crispy, sweet, and buttery treat, you simply must try this Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists Recipe. It takes just a few simple ingredients and transforms them into golden, flaky pastries with a perfect cinnamon sugar coating that warms every corner of your kitchen. Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack or impressing friends at a brunch, these twists offer that magical combination of crunchy outside and tender layers inside that only puff pastry and air frying can deliver.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to achieving that mouthwatering balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. Each one plays a key role in making your Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists Recipe utterly irresistible.
- Puff pastry sheet (thawed): This flaky base is what creates the beautifully layered, crispy texture synonymous with cinnamon twists.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Brushing this over the pastry brings rich flavor and helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelizes slightly for a crunchy finish.
- Ground cinnamon: The warm spice that defines the twist, infusing every bite with cozy flavor.
- Vanilla extract (optional): A small touch of vanilla deepens the aroma, elevating the sweetness.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sugar and enhances the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the twists cook evenly and develop that signature crispy crust right from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Pastry
Lightly flour a clean surface and unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet gently. This prevents sticking and gives you a smooth canvas to work on. In a small bowl, blend granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt – this aromatic mixture will kiss every layer of your pastry.
Step 3: Add Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with melted butter. This step is key for ensuring a golden, buttery exterior and a sticky base for the cinnamon sugar. Sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered pastry to guarantee every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Fold and Seal
Gently fold the pastry sheet in half lengthwise, then press it down lightly to seal the layers together. This folding intensifies the layering effect and traps the cinnamon sugar inside for a melty, delicious center.
Step 5: Cut and Twist
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Take each strip and twist it several times – this not only looks inviting but helps create that perfect balance of crunchy and tender texture when air fried.
Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection
Place a few twists at a time in your air fryer basket, making sure to leave a little space between them so the hot air can crisp them all around. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes or until your twists turn golden brown and irresistibly crisp. Let them cool for a few minutes to avoid burning that eager tongue!
How to Serve Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Garnishes
These cinnamon twists are perfect on their own, but you can take them to the next level by drizzling with vanilla glaze or melted white chocolate. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant finishing touch and a hint of extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve these delightful twists alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a rich hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy indulgence. They’re also fantastic with a bowl of fresh fruit or yogurt to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your cinnamon twists on a tiered dessert stand for a charming brunch centerpiece or stack them in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin for casual entertaining. You can even place one twist atop individual dessert plates alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun after-dinner treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They maintain their crispy exterior best when eaten soon after baking.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked twisted strips by placing them on a parchment-lined tray and freezing until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and bake them directly from frozen—just add a few minutes to the air frying time for golden perfection later.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness of your cinnamon twists, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2 to 3 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen puff pastry straight from the freezer?
It’s best to thaw the puff pastry before using to ensure it unfolds easily and cooks evenly. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter gives you more control over the saltiness of the recipe. Using salted butter can work, but adjust the pinch of salt accordingly to avoid an overly salty taste.
Can I make these twists without an air fryer?
Yes! They can be baked in a traditional oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, turning halfway through for even browning.
How do I know when the twists are done?
They should be golden brown on the outside, beautifully puffed, and crisp to the touch. The air fryer’s quick cooking time helps prevent sogginess while fully cooking the pastry.
Can I add other spices or flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg, cardamom, or even a little orange zest in your cinnamon sugar mix to customize the flavor to your liking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly delightful about the ease and deliciousness packed into this Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists Recipe. It’s a perfect treat to whip up whenever you want a cozy bite with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every warm, flaky twist just as much as I do!
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Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 twists
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists are a quick and delightful dessert made with flaky puff pastry, coated in a cinnamon sugar blend and perfectly crisped in the air fryer. They offer a warm, sweet treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Butter Coating
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Optional
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for crisping the pastries evenly.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and carefully unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet to a flat rectangle.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to create the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Brush with Butter: Using a pastry brush, spread the melted unsalted butter evenly over the surface of the puff pastry.
- Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the butter-coated puff pastry, ensuring full coverage.
- Optional Vanilla: If using, drizzle or brush the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract over the cinnamon sugar layer for additional flavor.
- Fold Pastry: Fold the puff pastry sheet in half lengthwise and gently press down to seal the edges and cinnamon sugar inside.
- Cut Strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the folded pastry into 1-inch wide strips for twisting.
- Twist Strips: Take each strip and twist it several times to create the classic cinnamon twist shape.
- Air Fry: Place several twists evenly spaced in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until each twist is golden brown and crisp.
- Repeat and Cool: Continue air frying remaining twists in batches. Let the twists cool slightly before serving to avoid burns and to enhance flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle a vanilla glaze or melted white chocolate over the twists after baking.
- Enjoy these twists warm for the best texture and taste.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
