Introduction
Craving a warm, crispy dessert but don’t have time for complicated baking? These 12-Minute Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Rolls are the ultimate sweet hack. Inspired by the spiced warmth of churros and the simplicity of Mexican sopapillas, this recipe transforms basic flour tortillas into addictive, crunchy treats in minutes. It’s perfect for last-minute guests, a quick after-dinner indulgence, or when you need a dessert that tastes deep-fried without the mess or the excessive oil. The air fryer delivers incredible crispness, making this a guaranteed family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 medium (6-inch / 15 cm) flour tortillas (soft taco size)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (approx. 60g)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (approx. 100g)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (approx. 5g)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (added to the melted butter)
Step-by-step Preparation
-
**Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating (2 minutes):**
In a shallow dish or plate, whisk together the ½ cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
*Tip: Ensure the mixture is well-distributed so you get an even coating later.* -
**Roll the Tortillas (3 minutes):**
Lightly brush one side of a tortilla with melted butter. Starting from one edge, tightly roll the tortilla into a log shape. Use a tiny dab of water or melted butter on the end seam to help seal the roll so it doesn’t unravel during cooking. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
*Tip: Rolling them tightly ensures maximum crunch and prevents them from becoming hollow.* -
**Air Fry the Rolls (7 minutes):**
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the inside of the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the tortilla rolls seam-side down in the basket, ensuring they are not touching. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown, crispy, and firm to the touch.
*Tip: Cooking time can vary based on your air fryer model; watch for deep golden color, not burning.* -
**Coat and Serve (2 minutes):**
Once removed from the air fryer, immediately brush the hot rolls generously with the remaining melted butter. While still warm and tacky, roll them thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring every side is coated. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
These figures are estimates per serving (one roll), assuming the use of medium tortillas and moderate butter/sugar coating: Calories: 180-210 kcal. Total Fat: 8g. Carbohydrates: 25g. Sugar: 12g. While this is a delicious treat, it is a lighter alternative to deep-fried desserts like traditional churros, offering the same crunch with significantly less oil absorption due to the air frying method.
Storage
These cinnamon sugar rolls are best enjoyed immediately while hot and crispy. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To restore their crisp texture, reheat them in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 minutes. Avoid refrigerating, as this will cause them to become soggy.
Conclusion
The 12-Minute Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Roll is a demonstration of how minimal ingredients and smart appliance use can yield maximum flavor. For an elevated experience, serve these rolls alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a dollop of sweetened cream cheese frosting. For variations, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mix, or fill the rolls with a thin spread of Nutella or peanut butter before rolling and frying!