I recently experimented with creating cinnamon rolls using a remarkably simple two-ingredient dough in my air fryer, and the outcome was an undeniable triumph. This swift and uncomplicated cinnamon roll recipe relies solely on Greek yoghurt and flour for the dough, requires merely 15 minutes of preparation, and eliminates the need for an oven or yeast – simply place them in your air fryer for a delightful treat.
The Appeal of Two-Ingredient Dough
I am currently enamoured with recipes that feature two-ingredient dough, as it provides an exceptionally straightforward method for crafting anything bread-like with just flour and Greek yoghurt. Typically, I depend on this winning combination when preparing homemade pizza in a hurry. Nevertheless, I have lately uncovered that Greek yoghurt and flour also yield delectable cinnamon rolls.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Conventional cinnamon rolls often demand hours of preparation, necessitating waiting periods for the dough to prove – once after kneading and again before baking. However, that prolonged process is entirely unnecessary with this minimal-ingredient recipe. You do not even need to activate your oven, as the cinnamon rolls cook to perfection in the air fryer.
Self-raising flour serves as the pivotal ingredient that enables these homemade cinnamon rolls to rise without yeast. If you lack self-raising flour, you can promptly create your own by blending plain flour with baking powder and a pinch of salt. Any variety of Greek yoghurt functions effectively for this recipe, whether non-fat, reduced-fat, or full-fat. I opted for a 0% fat Greek yoghurt to keep it lighter.
The Result: Crisp Exteriors, Fluffy Interiors
These cinnamon rolls emerged from the air fryer slightly crisp and golden on the outside, yet wonderfully soft and fluffy in the middle. While still warm from the air fryer, I adorned the cinnamon rolls with a lavish drizzle of icing, enhancing their sweetness and appeal.
Ingredients for Five Cinnamon Rolls
- For the dough: 180g Greek yoghurt, 150g self-raising flour (plus extra for dusting)
- For the filling: 30g of unsalted butter (melted), three tablespoons of light brown sugar, one teaspoon of cinnamon
- For the glaze: Two and a half tablespoons of icing sugar, two teaspoons of any milk
Step-by-Step Method
- In a large mixing bowl, commence by combining the flour and Greek yoghurt with a fork. Once the dough begins to coalesce, employ your hands to knead it just sufficiently to form a cohesive ball.
- Lightly flour your worktop and rolling pin before rolling the dough into a roughly rectangular shape – though it may naturally assume a more circular form. Aim for the dough to be approximately half an inch thick.
- Next, blend the melted butter with the sugar and cinnamon until a smooth paste materialises, then spread it evenly across the dough. Ensure you leave a border around the edges to prevent the filling from escaping during rolling.
- Beginning from the short bottom end, meticulously roll the dough upwards until you achieve a cylinder shape. Trim off the ends and slice the dough into five small, uniform rolls.
- Place them into lightly greased mini loaf tins within your air fryer, baking for roughly 12 minutes at 160°C. It is advisable to inspect them after 10 minutes to monitor their progress. Once completed, they should appear golden and irresistibly appetising.
- While still warm, amalgamate the icing sugar and milk to create a thick paste, then drizzle generously over the top of the freshly baked cinnamon buns for a finishing touch.
This air fryer cinnamon roll recipe not only simplifies baking but also delivers consistently excellent results with minimal effort. The combination of a crisp exterior and a fluffy interior, coupled with the sweet cinnamon filling and icing, makes these rolls a perfect quick dessert or snack. Whether you are a novice baker or seeking a time-saving alternative, this method proves that delicious homemade treats can be achieved without extensive time or ingredients.
