Air Fryer Monkey Bread is the ultimate sweet indulgence, crafted from simple canned cinnamon rolls and just a few pantry staples. Incredibly easy to make and ready in only 15 minutes, this delightful treat boasts a perfectly crisp exterior and a warm, tender, gooey interior. It’s the ideal choice for a special breakfast, a quick dessert, or a comforting snack any time of the day.
Craving more delicious and convenient Air Fryer breakfast options? Don’t miss my Air Fryer Chocolate Donuts (From Scratch) for a truly homemade experience, or try the super simple Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts – Just 4 Ingredients for another speedy delight!
Imagine biting into a piece of warm, pull-apart bread, rich with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar, perfectly caramelized on the outside and wonderfully moist within. That’s exactly what you get with this Air Fryer Monkey Bread. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that transforms ordinary canned cinnamon rolls into an extraordinary experience. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a festive holiday treat, or simply want to elevate your everyday breakfast, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
If you haven’t yet jumped on the air fryer bandwagon, or simply prefer traditional baking, you can still enjoy this classic. Check out my oven-baked Best Easy Monkey Bread Ever for a conventional approach that’s just as delicious!
Why You’ll Adore This Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe
This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves quick, delicious, and impressive treats. Here are five compelling reasons why this Air Fryer Monkey Bread will become a cherished favorite in your kitchen:
- Effortless Ingredients! Forget complicated grocery lists. All you need is one can of premade cinnamon rolls and four other common pantry ingredients. This recipe simplifies baking, proving that gourmet taste doesn’t require a long list of specialty items. It’s the perfect solution when you need something sweet in a pinch.
- Incredibly Quick! The air fryer truly shines here, delivering perfectly cooked monkey bread in just 15 minutes. This lightning-fast cooking time makes it an ideal choice for busy mornings, impromptu gatherings, or when a sudden craving for something sweet strikes. No long preheating or extended baking times are required, letting you enjoy your delicious creation almost instantly.
- Budget-Friendly Treat! You likely already have the key ingredients on hand: light brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and butter. The main purchase is a can of Grands! Cinnamon rolls, making this a cost-effective way to create a lavish-tasting dessert or breakfast without breaking the bank. It’s smart cooking that tastes expensive!
- Air Fryer Perfection! If you’re an air fryer enthusiast, you know the magic these appliances work. For this monkey bread, the air fryer creates an irresistible texture: a delightful, slightly crisp exterior that gives way to a soft, gooey center. It caramelizes the sugar mixture beautifully, ensuring every pull-apart piece is a bite of pure heaven. It’s a unique texture that’s hard to achieve with traditional baking methods.
- Crowd-Pleasing Delight! This recipe isn’t just for kids or holiday mornings; its universal appeal makes it perfect for any age and any occasion. Serve it at a weekend brunch, as a dessert after dinner, or bring it to a potluck. Its warm, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced aroma alone is enough to gather everyone around the kitchen, guaranteeing smiles and satisfied appetites.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Monkey Bread
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a lengthy list of exotic items to create something truly spectacular. Here’s a closer look at the minimal, yet mighty, ingredients that make this Air Fryer Monkey Bread so irresistible:
To begin, grab a can of Grands! cinnamon roll dough. These pre-made rolls are the foundation of our monkey bread, offering a convenient shortcut without sacrificing flavor or texture. They expand beautifully and absorb the sweet coating perfectly in the air fryer.
Next, you’ll need just four more essential ingredients: melted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. The melted butter acts as a binder, ensuring the sugar and cinnamon mixture adheres to every piece of dough. The combination of brown sugar provides moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor, while granulated sugar contributes to that lovely crisp exterior. Ground cinnamon, of course, is the quintessential spice that gives monkey bread its signature warmth and aromatic appeal.
Want to take your monkey bread to the next level? A delicious topping can truly elevate this treat! While the canned cinnamon rolls often come with a small container of icing, you can easily create a more decadent drizzle. My homemade Vanilla Icing, found on my Easy Cinnamon Rolls recipe, would be absolutely divine. For a richer, tangier flavor, a homemade cream cheese icing is also an excellent choice, adding a luscious contrast to the sweet bread.
However, if you prefer to keep things simple, a light dusting of powdered sugar is all it takes to finish this dish beautifully. Regardless of whether you add a topping or not, this Air Fryer Monkey Bread is destined to earn a permanent spot on your list of favorite air fryer recipes due to its incredible taste and ease of preparation.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Crafting this delightful Air Fryer Monkey Bread is incredibly straightforward. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly golden, gooey, and utterly delicious treat:
- Prepare Your Air Fryer and Pan: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 5 minutes. While it preheats, lightly grease a 3-cup bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray. This specific size is crucial for ensuring the monkey bread cooks evenly and fits well within most air fryer baskets. I used this pan for perfect results.
- Slice the Cinnamon Rolls: Open your can of Grands! cinnamon rolls and separate them. On a clean cutting board, take each individual cinnamon roll and cut it into six equal pieces. This creates bite-sized portions that are ideal for coating and result in that wonderful pull-apart texture later.
- Create the Sweet Coating: In a small, separate bowl, combine the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Use a whisk to thoroughly mix these ingredients until they are well combined and uniform in color. This is your flavorful coating that will caramelize around the dough.
- Coat the Dough Pieces: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Take each small piece of cinnamon roll dough, dip it completely into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Immediately after, roll the buttered piece in the sugar and cinnamon mixture until it’s evenly coated on all sides. As you finish coating each piece, place it into your prepared 3-cup bundt pan. Arrange the pieces in a single layer at first, then stack them gently, ensuring even distribution.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Carefully place the filled bundt pan into your preheated air fryer. Air fry for 10 minutes. After the initial 10 minutes, use heat-resistant gloves to carefully remove the pan, rotate it 180 degrees, and return it to the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes of cooking. This rotation helps ensure even browning and cooking throughout. The monkey bread should be golden brown and puffed up when done.
For an extra touch of sweetness, you can use the icing included in the cinnamon roll can to top your warm monkey bread. Alternatively, try making my delightful homemade Vanilla Icing or a rich cream cheese glaze for a truly gourmet finish!
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Monkey Bread
Can I Make This Recipe With Biscuits Instead of Cinnamon Rolls?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute Grand’s Jumbo biscuits for the cinnamon rolls. Just like with the cinnamon rolls, cut each biscuit into sixths. Then, follow the exact same process: dip the biscuit pieces into melted butter and roll them in the sugar and cinnamon mixture. The biscuits will yield a slightly less sweet but equally delicious pull-apart bread, perfect for those who prefer a more savory-sweet balance.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Storing leftover Air Fryer Monkey Bread is simple, ensuring you can enjoy this treat for days. For short-term storage, you can keep any leftovers at room temperature in an airtight zip-top bag or container for up to two days. If you want to extend its freshness, store the monkey bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation.
How To Reheat Leftover Monkey Bread
To bring your leftover monkey bread back to its warm, gooey glory, reheating is key. I recommend preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheating the bread for about 10 minutes, or until it’s warmed through and soft again. For a quicker option, you can gently warm individual pieces in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or even pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes at a lower temperature (around 300°F/150°C) until heated, ensuring a slightly crisp exterior.
What Kind of Air Fryer Pan Should I Use?
For this specific recipe, a 3-cup bundt pan is ideal. Its size ensures it fits well within most standard air fryer baskets, and the bundt shape allows for even cooking and creates the classic monkey bread appearance. Ensure the pan is oven-safe and ideally non-stick for easy removal. Always check your air fryer’s manual for maximum pan size recommendations.
Can I Add Other Flavors or Mix-ins?
Yes, absolutely! Feel free to customize your Air Fryer Monkey Bread. Before air frying, you can sprinkle in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch. Mini chocolate chips or a handful of dried cranberries could also be mixed in with the coated dough pieces for extra bursts of flavor. For an extra citrusy note, a little orange or lemon zest can be added to the sugar mixture. The possibilities are endless for making this recipe uniquely yours!
Ever since I welcomed an Air Fryer into my kitchen, I’ve been amazed by its versatility, making my favorite recipes easier and often healthier. This Air Fryer Monkey Bread is a testament to its capabilities, delivering a delicious result in record time. Here are more Air Fryer Recipes that I think you’ll love trying out just as much as I did!
- Tender Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken – Experience the bold flavors of Nashville Hot Chicken without the deep-frying mess. This recipe delivers incredibly tender chicken with a perfectly crisp, spicy coating, all made in your air fryer!
- Juicy Air Fryer Steak (Filet Mignon) – Get a perfectly cooked, juicy steak in just 14 minutes. Ideal for a quick yet incredibly tasty dinner that feels restaurant-quality. Master the art of air frying steak for consistent perfection every time.
- Rich Air Fryer Chocolate Cake – Who knew you could bake a cake in an air fryer? This recipe yields an amazingly dense and moist chocolate cake that’s beautifully finished off with a decadent coating of Chocolate Ganache. It’s a must-try for any chocolate lover!
- Easy Air Fryer Pizzas – Perfect for a quick lunch or fun dinner, these mini pizzas are made using refrigerated biscuits as the base and can be topped with all your favorite pizza ingredients. A fantastic customizable meal in minutes!
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings – Achieve perfectly crisp and flavorful chicken wings using a fantastic blend of honey, molasses, sriracha sauce, and a killer dry rub. Say goodbye to soggy wings and hello to air-fried perfection!
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Air Fryer Monkey Bread
Equipment
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3 cup bundt pan
Ingredients
- 1 (17.5oz.) can Grands! cinnamon rolls
- ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons salted butter melted
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer to 320°F for 5 minutes and grease a bundt pan with nonstick spray.
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Separate the cinnamon rolls and cut them into sixths.
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In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
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Dip each sixth of cinnamon roll into the melted butter, then roll in the sugar mixture until evenly coated. Then place in the prepared bundt pan.
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Air fry for 10 minutes, then rotate the pan 180° and cook an additional 5 minutes.
Notes
- You can also use Grand’s Jumbo biscuits and cut each biscuit into sixths as well! Then simply take the biscuit pieces through the same process of dipping in melted butter and rolling in the sugar mixture!
- You can store any leftovers either on the counter in a zip lock bag for up to two days or in the refrigerator for a week.
- To warm-up leftovers, I recommend preheating the oven to 350 degrees F and reheating them for about 10 minutes.
- You can use the included can of icing to top the monkey bread or try making my homemade Vanilla Icing!
Nutrition
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