Air Fryer Mardi Gras King Cake With Canned Cinnamon Rolls

Looking for a fun way to eat sweets on Mardi Gras? This Air Fryer Mardi Gras King Cake with Canned Cinnamon Rolls is the best! With just two simple ingredients needed, this simple and festive dessert couldn’t be more simple.

Air Fryer King Cake Recipe

Talk about a Mardi Gras tradition. Can you even celebrate if you don’t have an easy king cake recipe? The best part about this delicious Mardi Gras dessert is that it takes minutes to make and tastes so good.

With two ingredients needed and just 20 minutes of cook time, you’ll be celebrating faster than you ever thought possible by the powerful cooking of your air fryer.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer King Cake

• Incredible Flavor: This Air Fryer King Cake is a delightful treat with its rich, buttery dough and a sweet, cinnamon-infused filling that makes every bite heavenly. The combination of the soft, fluffy cake with the slightly crispy edges from the air fryer creates an irresistible texture. It’s like enjoying a slice of Mardi Gras right from the comfort of your home! Plus, the traditional colors and sprinkles add a festive touch to any celebration.
• Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional king cakes, which require lengthy rising times and careful baking, canned cinnamon rolls simplify the process. You don’t need to be an expert baker to pull off this recipe – the air fryer takes care of the hard work for you! In under an hour, you can have a warm, homemade king cake ready to impress your friends and family. No more waiting for hours to satisfy your cravings!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or just craving something sweet, this Air Fryer King Cake is versatile enough for any occasion. Its mini size makes it perfect for smaller gatherings, or as a personal treat that doesn’t overwhelm with leftovers. The vibrant icing and sprinkles can be customized to match any theme or holiday, making it a show-stopping dessert that everyone will love.
• Kid-Friendly and Fun: Kids will love helping to decorate this colorful king cake! From assembling cinnamon rolls together to adding the bright, festive sprinkles, it’s a great way to get the whole family involved in the kitchen. The small size is also perfect for little hands, making it a fun and interactive baking project that’s sure to become a family favorite.

If you’re new to the air fryer world, welcome. It’s a great place to be.

This simple king cake recipe is one of my favorites this time of year, but I also really love cooking up these Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings as one of my favorite appetizers, too.

Ingredients For Air Fryer King Cake

• Refrigerated Canned Cinnamon Rolls: This ready-made cinnamon roll dough forms the base of the king cake, making it super easy to prepare. It’s soft and buttery, providing the perfect texture for this festive dessert.
• Purple, Green, and Gold Sprinkles: These colorful sprinkles are essential for decorating the king cake and giving it that classic Mardi Gras look. They add both visual appeal and a fun crunch.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Looking to buy an air fryer? Click here for the model I recommend.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer King Cake

• Air Fryer: The essential tool for this recipe, the air fryer bakes the king cake to a golden brown perfection, providing a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.

Tips for Making Mardi Gras King Cake in the Air Fryer

Even though this recipe for making this cinnamon roll cake in the air fryer is simple, there are a few tips to keep in mind.

• Be certain to spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. You don’t want to waste a morsel of this recipe by having it stick to the pan.
• Don’t forget to pinch together the cinnamon rolls. This will help them “grow” and bake together to get that king cake look that we all love and enjoy.

• If you’re not a sprinkles fan, you can always opt for frosting only.

• If you like cinnamon rolls, you’ll love these Air Fryer Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls as well.

Make certain to pay attention to the cooking time so that you don’t burn the cinnamon rolls. Once they start to turn golden-brown, that is your clue.

How To Make Air Fryer King Cake

• Grease the Air Fryer Basket: spray the bottom of the basket with a non-stick cooking spray or brush with vegetable oil.
• Assemble the Cake: Put the cinnamon rolls in the basket in a ring shape, and pinch them together.

• Bake in the Air Fryer: Transfer the dough ring to the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 300°F and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
• Invert the Cake: Carefully remove the cake from the air fryer by placing the air fryer basket upside-down on a plate and letting the cake drop to the plate.  Use the second plate to flip it the right side up.
• Frost the Cake: Use the frosting that came in the can with the cinnamon rolls to frost the cake.
• Serve and Enjoy: Your Air Fryer King Cake is now ready to be enjoyed! Slice it up and serve as a delightful dessert or snack.

Serving Suggestions

• With Coffee or Tea: Serve your Air Fryer King Cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warm spices and sweet glaze pair perfectly with a hot beverage, making it an ideal treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
• Mardi Gras Party Centerpiece: Decorate your table with this colorful king cake as the centerpiece of your Mardi Gras celebration. Surround it with beads and festive decorations to create a vibrant, festive atmosphere.
• As a Dessert: Slice and serve the king cake as a dessert after a meal. Its sweet and rich flavors make it an excellent choice for rounding off a dinner party or family gathering.
• Brunch Spread Addition: Add this king cake to your brunch menu for a sweet and unexpected twist. It complements savory dishes like eggs, bacon, and cheese grits, adding a touch of sweetness to the meal.
• Gift for Friends and Family: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie them with colorful ribbons to share with friends and family. It’s a thoughtful and delicious way to spread the joy of Mardi Gras!

How to Store Leftover King Cake

The biggest thing to remember is that you’re going to want to keep this cake out of the open air. Store any leftover cake in a container with a lid.

If it does happen to harden, you can just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it back up quickly.  You can also reheat in the air fryer for about 5 minutes as well.

Recipe Tips and Suggestions

1. Don’t overlap the cinnamon rolls. It’s fine for them to be touching as the recipe describes but don’t lay them on top of one another.
2. Let the cinnamon rolls cool a bit if you notice that the frosting is melting off. This will help the frosting stay on the cake which will hold the sprinkles on as well.

This cake recipe should serve up to 4 people easily. (but if you don’t feel like sharing, you can say that it serves just one!) If you’re feeding a larger crowd, just make the recipe again for another fun king cake!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Air Fryer King Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Air Fryer King Cake ahead of time, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you need to prepare it in advance, you can bake the cake and store it at room temperature for up to one day.

Can I use homemade dough instead of canned cinnamon roll dough?

Absolutely! While using refrigerated cinnamon roll dough makes this recipe quick and convenient, you can substitute it with homemade cinnamon roll dough if you prefer. A sweet, enriched dough like brioche or a classic king cake dough would also work wonderfully. Keep in mind that homemade dough may require additional rising time, so plan accordingly. The air fryer cooking time may also vary slightly depending on the thickness and type of dough you use. Be sure to monitor the cake closely during baking to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make this king cake in a traditional oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the king cake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The texture might be slightly different, with a softer exterior compared to the crispiness that an air fryer provides. However, the flavor will still be delicious, and you can follow the same steps for icing and decorating once the cake is baked.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when it’s golden brown on top and feels firm to the touch. In the air fryer, this usually takes about 15-20 minutes, but cooking times can vary depending on your specific air fryer model. If you’re unsure, you can check the internal temperature of the cake with a kitchen thermometer; it should read around 190-200°F (88-93°C). Another good indicator is that the dough should no longer look raw in the center where the seams meet. If the cake starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from getting too dark before it’s fully baked.

Can I add the traditional baby figurine to the cake?

Yes, you can add the traditional baby figurine to the king cake, which is a common practice for Mardi Gras celebrations. However, because this version is smaller and baked in an air fryer, it’s best to insert the figurine after the cake is baked to avoid melting or safety concerns. Once the cake has cooled, carefully insert the figurine into the bottom or side of the cake. Make sure to inform your guests that there’s a hidden surprise inside so no one bites into it unexpectedly!

If you love this air fryer king cake recipe, don’t miss out on these other delicious air fryer recipes:

• Air Fryer Hot Dogs With Buns
• Air Fryer Burgers
• Air Fryer French Fries

See also:

• Air Fryer Corn On The Cob
• Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
• Air Fryer Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls