Save I stumbled on these twists one Saturday morning when I had a can of crescent dough about to expire and a craving I couldn't ignore. The air fryer was still warm from reheating coffee cake, and I thought, why not try something quick? What came out was golden, sticky, and gone before I could plate them properly. My partner grabbed two straight from the basket, and I knew I'd be making these every weekend from then on.
The first time I made these for a friend who came over unannounced, she watched me twist the dough and asked if I was trained in pastry. I laughed and told her it was just refrigerated dough and confidence. She didn't believe me until I showed her the empty can in the recycling. We ate them warm on the couch, glaze dripping onto our fingers, talking until the coffee went cold.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: The shortcut that makes this recipe possible on busy mornings, look for dough that's fresh and cold so it twists cleanly without tearing.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and brushed on generously, it helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds richness that tastes homemade.
- Brown sugar: The molasses notes give deeper flavor than white sugar, and it caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer heat.
- Ground cinnamon: Use the good stuff if you have it, freshly opened cinnamon makes a noticeable difference in aroma and warmth.
- Powdered sugar: Sifted if it's clumpy, this creates a glaze that stays glossy and doesn't harden too fast.
- Milk: Just enough to thin the glaze, add a teaspoon at a time so you don't make it too runny.
- Vanilla extract: A small splash rounds out the sweetness and makes the glaze taste less one dimensional.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it warm for three minutes so the twists start cooking evenly the moment they go in. Skipping this step can lead to pale, undercooked centers.
- Prepare the dough:
- Unroll it onto a floured surface and press any perforations closed with your fingertips, creating one smooth sheet. If the dough is too soft, chill it for five minutes.
- Brush with butter:
- Use a pastry brush to cover every inch, this is where the flavor starts. Don't be shy, the butter soaks in and keeps the twists tender.
- Add the filling:
- Stir brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle it evenly across the buttered dough. Press gently so it sticks and doesn't fall off during twisting.
- Fold and seal:
- Fold the dough lengthwise so the filling is sandwiched inside, then press the edges lightly to keep it together.
- Cut and twist:
- Slice the folded dough into eight equal strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Twist each strip several times, pinching the ends so they hold their shape.
- Air fry in batches:
- Arrange twists in the basket with space between them, they puff up and need room to breathe. Cook for seven to eight minutes until golden and firm to the touch.
- Make the glaze:
- While the twists cool for a minute, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and serve:
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm twists using a spoon, letting it pool in the crevices. Serve immediately while they're still soft inside.
Pin it One Sunday morning, I made a double batch and brought them to a neighbor who'd just had a baby. She opened the door in pajamas, took one bite, and teared up a little. She said it was the first thing that tasted like normal life in weeks. I left the container on her counter and thought about how food can say things we don't always have words for.
How to Store and Reheat
These twists are best eaten warm and fresh, but leftovers keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 300°F for one to two minutes to bring back the crisp edges and soft centers. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you'll lose the texture that makes them special.
Flavor Variations to Try
I've added a handful of chopped pecans to the filling for crunch, and once I swapped the cinnamon for cardamom and orange zest when I wanted something different. Coconut sugar in place of brown sugar gives a subtle caramel flavor, and a pinch of nutmeg deepens the warmth. You can also brush the tops with maple syrup instead of glaze if you want something less sweet.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
I like these with black coffee or a chai latte, something that cuts through the sweetness and makes you slow down. They're also perfect alongside scrambled eggs and fruit for a weekend breakfast that feels indulgent without the fuss. If you're serving them for brunch, set out the glaze in a small bowl so people can drizzle their own.
- Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream for a simple dessert vibe.
- Pair with hot chocolate on cold mornings when you need extra comfort.
- Pack them in a container for road trips or picnics, they travel surprisingly well if you glaze them right before serving.
Pin it These twists have become my go to for mornings when I want something homemade without the mess or the wait. They remind me that good food doesn't have to be complicated, just made with a little attention and shared while it's still warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use another type of dough for these twists?
Yes, crescent roll dough and pizza dough both work well. Refrigerated doughs make shaping easier and ensure flaky layers.
- → How do I prevent the twists from sticking in the air fryer?
Place twists in the basket with space between them and cook in batches if necessary. Lightly brushing the basket or using parchment paper can help.
- → Can I add nuts to the filling?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts mix well with the cinnamon and sugar for added crunch and flavor.
- → What temperature is ideal for air frying these twists?
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the twists for 7–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- → How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Adjust the milk quantity gradually—less milk for a thicker glaze, more for a thinner consistency that drizzles easily.