Crispy Air-Fryer Cinnamon Roll French Toast Skewers Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve the best presentation, drizzle the maple icing using a piping bag or a spoon with a narrow tip to create fine lines across the skewers. If the icing is too thick, thin it with a few drops of milk or warm water until it reaches a pourable consistency. This professional touch transforms the simple dish into a restaurant-quality breakfast.

If you prefer a deeper flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or a dash of ground cardamom to the custard mixture. These spices complement the cinnamon and vanilla beautifully.

Always serve immediately after drizzling to ensure the pastry remains crispy, as the icing will soften the crust if allowed to sit for too long before consumption.

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Replace the maple icing with a melted chocolate drizzle for a richer dessert-style breakfast. Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips melted with a small amount of coconut oil.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the icing for added crunch. The nuttiness pairs exceptionally well with the warm cinnamon and vanilla flavors of the pastry.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the texture will degrade upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes until crispy.

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before placing them in the refrigerator. Store in an airtight container to prevent the pastry from absorbing odors or becoming excessively dry.

While they are best eaten immediately, they can be kept for up to two days in the refrigerator, though the texture will soften significantly.

You can prepare the custard mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, do not cut the cinnamon rolls or toss them in the custard until you are ready to cook, as the dough will become mushy if it sits in the liquid for too long. For the best texture, always cook the bites fresh just before you plan to serve them.

Serving ideas

These skewers are ideal for a decadent weekend brunch or a special morning treat. Serve them on a platter with extra maple syrup on the side for dipping if desired.

A side of fresh fruit or a cup of hot coffee complements the warmth of the cinnamon, making for a well-rounded and comforting breakfast experience that feels both indulgent and organized.

For a festive presentation, serve the skewers standing upright in a glass or laid flat on a decorative wooden board.

The contrast between the warm, crispy pastry and the cold, fresh strawberries provides a multi-sensory experience that is sure to please. Ensure there are plenty of napkins on hand, as the icing and warm cinnamon roll pieces can be messy to enjoy.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Air-Fryer Cinnamon Roll French Toast Skewers

Prep 2 minCook 6 minTotal 8 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 refrigerated cinnamon rolls
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 30 ml heavy cream
• 5 ml vanilla extract
• 4 g ground cinnamon
• fresh strawberries, for serving
• maple icing, for serving

Instructions

1. Cut each of the four refrigerated cinnamon rolls into four equal bite-sized pieces. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, vanilla, and ground cinnamon until fully combined.
2. Toss the cinnamon roll pieces into the custard mixture until evenly coated. Place them onto a parchment-lined air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. To ensure the eggs are fully cooked through, verify they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
3. Carefully thread the warm, crispy cinnamon roll bites onto wooden skewers, alternating with fresh strawberries. Drizzle the finished skewers generously with maple icing before serving immediately while warm.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk

Food safety: The eggs in this recipe are served soft and not fully cooked through. Use pasteurised eggs for pregnant women, young children, older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

6.5 g

Carbohydrates

42 g

Fat

14.5 g

Fiber

1.2 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

380 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.