Name: 12-Minute Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 small flour tortillas (6-inch); 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

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If you’re looking for a quick, delicious treat that feels a bit indulgent but comes together in no time, this 12-Minute Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. I first stumbled on this recipe when I wanted something sweet to make for a last-minute brunch—truth be told, it became an instant favorite in my household. The combination of warm, crispy tortillas coated in cinnamon sugar feels comforting, yet they’re light enough to enjoy anytime.

What makes this recipe stand out is how effortlessly it comes together and how the air fryer creates the perfect crispy texture without the mess of deep-frying. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast, a quick snack, or a little dessert hack when unexpected guests drop by, these cinnamon sugar tortilla rolls hit the spot every time. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients, you’ll appreciate the simplicity without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays its part in creating that irresistible combination of crispiness, sweetness, and warm spice — and the best part? They’re all pantry staples, so you can whip this up whenever a sweet craving strikes.

Flour tortillas: Small 6-inch tortillas work best to keep the rolls compact and easy to handle. Fresh ones with a bit of pliability roll up without cracking.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps the sugar and cinnamon stick while adding richness. Using unsalted lets you control the salt level perfectly.
Granulated sugar: Classic white sugar gives that perfect crunch and sweetness when cooked. You can experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Ground cinnamon: This warm spice is key to that familiar cinnamon sugar flavor. Freshly ground cinnamon will always boost aroma and taste.

Variations

I love putting my spin on this recipe depending on the season or what I have in my pantry. It’s easy to customize, so feel inspired to make it your own by tweaking the flavors or adding extras.

Adding nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice: Last fall, I added a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar mix, and it gave these rolls an irresistible autumn vibe that made them perfect for a cozy weekend treat.
Using honey or maple syrup drizzle: If you want a touch of natural sweetness without extra crunch, drizzle on honey or pure maple syrup right after air frying. It’s my go-to when I want something softer inside.
Chocolate chips inside: For a little surprise, try sprinkling mini chocolate chips on the tortilla before rolling — melty pockets of chocolate make these even more irresistible for kids.
Make them savory: Skip the cinnamon sugar and try garlic butter with herbs for a savory twist that pairs wonderfully with soups or salads.

How to Make 12-Minute Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the cinnamon sugar coating

Start by mixing the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. I usually give it a good stir to evenly distribute the cinnamon so every bite has that lovely spice. This blend is simple but makes all the difference. For best flavor, use fresh cinnamon and measure carefully — too much can get overpowering.

Step 2: Butter up those tortillas

Next, melt your unsalted butter until it’s liquid but not too hot. I find microwaving for about 20 seconds works perfectly. Using a pastry brush or even your fingers, lightly coat each tortilla with the melted butter. Don’t skip this step; the butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick and crisps up the rolls beautifully in the air fryer.

Step 3: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar and roll them tight

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over your buttered tortillas. Be generous but try not to overload one side to avoid dripping. Then, roll each tortilla up tightly — think of making a neat little cigar shape. This keeps the cinnamon sugar inside and ensures even cooking. If the tortillas crack a bit, no worries; just roll gently to avoid breaking.

Step 4: Air fry to crunchy perfection

Place the rolls seam side down in your preheated air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch to allow the hot air to circulate. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and air fry for about 10 to 12 minutes — hence the name 12-Minute Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Rolls Recipe! Halfway through, flip them for an even golden crisp. Keep an eye out so they don’t burn; you want a beautiful golden-brown color with a crispy texture but not charred edges.

How to Serve 12-Minute Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Rolls Recipe

12-Minute Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I like to dust these rolls with a little powdered sugar right after they come out of the air fryer — it adds a lovely visual contrast and an extra touch of sweetness. Fresh berries on the side also bring a nice freshness and color pop. Sometimes, I drizzle a bit of melted chocolate or a light glaze made from cream cheese frosting if I’m serving them as dessert.

Side Dishes

For breakfast, these cinnamon sugar rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. I also enjoy them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt. If you want to turn them into a complete snack plate, add some sliced almonds or walnuts for crunch and texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

When hosting, I’ve arranged these rolls standing upright in a mason jar with some decorative parchment paper — it looks festive and is easy for guests to grab. Another favorite is serving them on a colorful platter with a bowl of warm caramel or chocolate dip in the center. These little presentation tricks make all the difference for a fun gathering or brunch spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers — which is rare in my house! — store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them crisp. I like to place a paper towel beneath to absorb any moisture. Avoid refrigerating as that can make them lose their crunch quickly.

Freezing

I’ve also frozen these tortilla rolls before air frying. Just roll them up, place them on a tray until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you want a quick treat, pop them straight into the air fryer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. It’s a great way to have these goodies ready anytime without the prep.

Reheating

To reheat, I always recommend using the air fryer again at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. This crisps them back up nicely — much better than the microwave, which tends to make them soggy. Just watch carefully so they don’t overcook.

FAQs

Can I use larger tortillas for this 12-Minute Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Rolls Recipe?

While you technically can use larger tortillas, I recommend sticking with 6-inch ones because they roll up tightly and cook evenly within 12 minutes. Larger tortillas might need more time or could be trickier to get crispy without burning the edges.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these in the oven?

Yes! You can bake these on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness. The texture will be a little less crunchy than air-fried, but still quite delicious.
Is there a way to make these rolls vegan?

Absolutely. Swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based butter or coconut oil. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, so you’ll still get that amazing cinnamon sugar flavor with a vegan twist.
How do I prevent the rolls from unraveling in the air fryer?

Be sure to roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam side down in the air fryer basket. This generally keeps them sealed and prevents unraveling as they cook. If needed, you can secure them with a toothpick, but I’ve found it unnecessary with a tight roll.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this 12-Minute Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Rolls Recipe is one of those easy, joyful bites that quickly become comfort food staples in any kitchen. I always keep my ingredients handy because it’s such a fast fix for those sweet cravings that crop up unexpectedly. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—you might find, like me, that it becomes your go-to “quick treat” that’s impossible not to love!