20-Minute Air Fryer Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Cups
Transform store-bought cinnamon rolls into individual dessert cups filled with tender spiced apples. The air fryer creates perfectly golden, flaky pastry in minutes while the apple filling bubbles with cinnamon and brown sugar. These portable treats combine the comfort of apple pie with the ease of cinnamon rolls, making them ideal for breakfast, dessert, or entertaining. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy finish that perfectly balances the sweet apple filling.
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated cinnamon rolls, with cream cheese frostingpuff pastry1:1
cut into squares and press into cups
- 2 large apples, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter, unsalted
Instructions
- 1
Combine diced apples, butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small skillet
- 2
Cook over low heat for 4 to 6 minutes until apples soften
- 3
Press cinnamon rolls into greased muffin tin or ramekins, forming cups
- 4
Fill the center of each roll with apple mixture
- 5
Air fry at 320 degrees F for 5 to 7 minutes until golden
- 6
Cool slightly before applying frosting from package
- 7
Serve warm
Tips
Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape when cooked and won't turn mushy.
Press the cinnamon roll dough firmly into muffin cups to create a stable base that won't shrink during cooking.
Let the apple filling cool slightly before adding to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in air fryer at 300F for 1-2 minutes.
Prepare apple filling up to 1 day ahead. Assemble and cook fresh for best texture.
Serve warm with additional frosting on the side. Best enjoyed within 30 minutes of cooking.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip greasing the muffin tin to avoid sticking
Avoid overcooking the apples to prevent mushy filling
Press dough firmly into cups to prevent shrinking during air frying
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use fresh cinnamon roll dough instead?
Yes, homemade dough works well. Roll portions into balls and press into muffin cups the same way.
What if I don't have an air fryer?
Bake in a regular oven at 350F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
How long do these keep?
Best eaten fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated.