This little sweet snack has been a weekend favorite in my kitchen ever since I first rolled up a leftover tortilla and dusted it in cinnamon and sugar. I discovered the idea one sleepy Sunday when I wanted something warm and nostalgic but didn’t want to heat the oven or fuss with batter. The air fryer transformed the simple roll into a crunchy, golden bite that tastes like a cross between a churro and a sugar cookie—light, crispy edges with a sweet, buttery center. It’s the kind of thing that brings people together at a coffee table: kids grabbing pieces, adults tasting and saying it reminds them of fair treats, and the dog doing his best sad-eyed stare from under the chair.

I love this recipe because it’s unfussy and forgiving. The result is a snack with a satisfying snap and a sweet, slightly caramelized surface thanks to the melted butter and granulated sugar. The cinnamon adds warmth and aroma without overpowering the delicate tortilla base. I first made a batch for an impromptu movie night and ended up doubling the recipe within minutes because everyone wanted more. It’s perfect when you want a quick dessert or a coffee companion that feels homemade without hours of prep time.

Ingredients

• 4 small flour tortillas: Look for soft, thin tortillas about 6–8 inches across; lower-moisture, thin varieties crisp up best. I often use locally made flour tortillas or a trusted brand like Mission small flour tortillas for consistent texture.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Unsalted gives you better control over final salt level. Clarified butter or ghee also works if you want a slightly nuttier flavor and higher smoke point.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Regular white sugar caramelizes nicely in the air fryer. For a deeper flavor you can substitute part brown sugar, but expect a moister topping.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon or a good Ceylon variety adds warmth and aromatic depth; measure and taste—cinnamon is potent and a little goes a long way.

Instructions

Preheat: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm for 3-5 minutes. A preheated basket gives an immediate blast of hot air for even crisping. If your model doesn’t have a preheat function, run it empty at temperature for 3 minutes. Mix the coating: Combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl and whisk until uniform. This ensures every roll receives an even dusting and prevents clumping on the tortilla surface. Butter the tortillas: Brush each tortilla lightly and evenly with melted butter—about 1/2 tablespoon per tortilla. A pastry brush helps distribute the butter thinly; too much makes the rolls greasy and too little prevents the sugar from adhering. Coat and roll: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered side, pressing lightly so the sugar grips the butter. Roll each tortilla tightly into a cylinder. Use a sharp knife to slice each roll into 1-inch pieces; you’ll end up with about 16 bite-sized spirals from 4 tortillas. Tight rolling is the key—loose rolls may unspiral during cooking. Arrange in the air fryer: Place the cut rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket with the cut side up so the spiral is visible. Leave a little space between pieces for airflow—work in batches if needed. Cook until golden: Air-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes. Check at 4 minutes and again at 6 minutes; small air fryers can caramelize quickly. The ideal cue is an even golden-brown color and crisp edges. Flip only if your model cooks unevenly, otherwise avoid disturbing the rolls. Cool and serve: Let cool for 2–3 minutes before serving so the sugar sets and the pastry firms slightly. They crisp further as they cool and are best enjoyed warm.

Storage Tips

Store completely cooled pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours to maintain the crisp texture. If you need to keep them longer, place in a paper-lined container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days—note they will soften slightly and benefit from a 1–2 minute re-crisp in the air fryer. For longer storage, freeze on a tray for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, 3–4 minutes at 350°F (175°C) typically restores the crunch without burning the sugar.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re avoiding dairy, substitute melted coconut oil or a vegan spread in a 1:1 swap for the butter; coconut oil offers a faint tropical note that pairs surprisingly well with cinnamon. To make a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free flour tortillas—thin, corn-based tortillas won’t roll as cleanly but can produce interesting texture. Swap half the granulated sugar with light brown sugar for a chewier, molasses-tinged finish, or use a coarse raw sugar for extra crunch on the surface.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm on a platter with small dipping bowls of vanilla yogurt, chocolate sauce, or a citrus-spiked honey for contrast. Pair with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon treat, or present as part of a brunch board alongside fresh fruit, soft cheeses, and nuts. For a festive twist, sprinkle a touch of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of dulce de leche over the top just before serving.

Cultural Background

Rolling sweet spices into bread or pastry is a technique found in many cultures—from cinnamon rolls in Northern Europe to churros in Spain and Latin America—where cinnamon and sugar provide comforting sweetness and aroma. These air-fried tortilla rolls are a playful, modern riff that borrows flavors and textures across traditions: the spiral form nods to classic baked rolls, while the tortilla base evokes Latin-American staples. It’s an accessible, cross-cultural treat that uses local pantry items to recreate familiar, beloved flavors.

Seasonal Adaptations

In cooler months, add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for a holiday spice profile. In summer, brush the rolls with citrus-infused butter (zest of orange mixed into the melted butter) and serve with a light berry compote to freshen the flavor. For autumn gatherings, incorporate a sprinkle of finely chopped roasted nuts into the sugar mix for texture and a toasty flavor.

Meal Prep Tips

To prep ahead for entertaining, roll and slice the tortillas, arrange them on parchment-lined trays, then cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before cooking. If you’re feeding a crowd, air fry in batches and keep finished pieces warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) on a wire rack so they stay crisp. Label frozen trays with dates; quick re-crisping in the air fryer is the secret to restoring fresh-baked texture.

This recipe is a small ritual: the five minutes to brush, sprinkle, and roll reward you with warm, crisp bites that feel homemade and special. It’s one of those easy wins that reminds me why simple recipes remain on rotation—because they deliver comfort and joy without a fuss. Try adapting it, share it at the next brunch, and make it your own with a personal twist.