I have a soft spot for things you can nibble straight from your hand at sunrise — these Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Rolls fit that spot like a porch swing fits a slow evening. They’re quick, a little crunchy, and make the house smell like a fairground (minus the sticky shoes). Small-town truth: if I’m fixing a dozen of these after church, folks disappear faster than sweet tea on a hot day.

Oh, and because I’m practical — you can make these with pantry staples and a 10-minute fuss window (and yes, my neighbor swears by flipping them once).

Why these little rolls are so comforting

Fast to make — you’ll have a warm batch before the coffee gets cold.

Minimal ingredients — pantry-friendly (good for last-minute guests).
Air fryer magic — crispy outside, soft inside with that cinnamon-sugar whisper.
Excellent for dipping into honey or a smear of cream cheese (not that I’m telling you how to eat them).

A tiny kitchen moment

I rolled these on my old kitchen counter while the radio played bluegrass (it’s a habit), and my dog gave me a look like, “please share” — I did, right away.

What you’ll need (short list)

6 small flour tortillas, 2 tbsp butter, melted, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon

How to make them—simple steps

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together.
Brush one side of each tortilla with melted butter.
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered side of each tortilla.

Roll each tortilla tightly, with the cinnamon sugar side inside.
Place the tortilla rolls in the air fryer basket, seam side down.
Spray or brush the outside with a little more melted butter.

Air fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

If you like a chewier treat, try a similar idea with a richer dough (I’ve tinkered with a sourdough take that’s dangerously good: see this Sourdough Cinnamon Roll riff for inspiration — https://food-realm.com/breakfast/sourdough-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/).

Cooking Unit Converter: handy little help

Convert cups to grams and Fahrenheit to Celsius in a snap right here.

One little tip from my kitchen

Don’t overfill the sugar on one roll — balance is key; too much sugar will leak and caramelize fast in the air fryer (and while that’s tasty, it can get messy), and if you’re serving these for a breakfast crowd, line the bottom with parchment for easier cleanup — also, if you want a savory-sweet evening twist, try wrapping a thin strip of bacon (yes, bacon) before air-frying (a cousin of mine swears by the brown-sugar glaze on a bacon-wrapped version — see this savory pairing for a treat: https://food-realm.com/main-course/brown-sugar-turkey-bacon-beef-tenderloin/).

Hope they make your kitchen smell like cheerful trouble and that someone insists on sharing them with you (it’s the polite thing to do).

FAQ:

Can I use corn tortillas? +

Corn tortillas won’t roll as neatly and can crack; flour tortillas work best for this recipe.

How do I store leftovers? +

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat briefly in the air fryer to crisp.

Can I make them ahead? +

You can assemble and refrigerate for a few hours, then air-fry when ready. Don’t let them sit too long or they’ll soften.

What if my air fryer is small? +

Work in batches so rolls aren’t crowded; cramped air means less crisping.

Any dipping suggestions? +

Honey, maple syrup, or a dollop of mascarpone are simple winners.

Daily Calorie Needs Calculator:

Estimate your daily calories to plan treats without the guesswork.