There is something truly magical about the way Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread transforms simple biscuit dough into a warm, gooey, pull-apart delight bursting with cinnamon sweetness. This recipe is an absolute game-changer for breakfast lovers and dessert fans alike who want something quick, irresistible, and fuss-free. With just a few pantry staples and your trusty air fryer, you’ll create a dish that’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings, brunch gatherings, or even a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try this Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe, it will become your go-to treat for instant happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but play crucial roles: each one building layers of flavor, texture, and that warm golden color Monkey Bread is famous for. From the soft biscuit dough to the sweet cinnamon sugar coating and the rich buttery sauce, every element elevates this recipe into something special.
- Biscuit dough (1 can, 16 oz): The soft, pillowy base that pulls apart perfectly, giving this bread its signature texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds a sweet crisp coating when mixed with cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings that warm, comforting spice that makes monkey bread so addictive.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Ensures a rich, moist finish and blends beautifully with the brown sugar.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Offers a deep caramel sweetness that bubbles up around the biscuit bites.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, 1/4 cup): A delightful crunchy contrast that adds texture and nutty flavor.
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Dough
Start by cutting each biscuit into quarters—this small size is perfect for crisp edges and a tender inside. It’s fun and simple, and ensures every bite is perfectly coated.
Step 2: Coat the Dough in Cinnamon Sugar
Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, then toss the biscuit pieces until each one is generously dusted. This step is key because it infuses that signature spiced sweetness into every nook.
Step 3: Make the Butter and Brown Sugar Sauce
In a separate bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar until combined. This sticky, rich sauce will soak into and caramelize around the biscuits as they cook, giving wonderful gooeyness.
Step 4: Assemble in the Air Fryer Pan
Lightly grease an air fryer–safe pan that snugly fits inside your air fryer basket. Layer the cinnamon-sugar coated biscuit pieces in the pan, adding chopped nuts if you like crunch and extra flavor. Then pour the butter-brown sugar mixture evenly over everything.
Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the monkey bread for 12–15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbly, golden brown, and irresistibly fragrant. It’s quicker than baking in a traditional oven and so worth the minimal wait.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the bread rest for about 5 minutes before carefully inverting the pan onto a serving plate. This allows the gooey sauce to set slightly and makes pulling apart spoonfuls of warm, sticky goodness even easier.
How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate this treat by drizzling a vanilla glaze or icing on top, adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a handful of fresh berries. These simple touches add an inviting brightness and a hint of freshness to balance the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside coffee, tea, or a creamy latte for breakfast or brunch. For dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is an indulgent partner that makes the experience extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, try making individual mini monkey bread cups using silicone muffin cups fitted inside the air fryer. Another fun idea is to layer different kinds of nuts or add chocolate chips in between the biscuit pieces for surprising bursts of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. When covered properly, it retains its softness and delicious flavor but is best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked biscuit pieces coated in cinnamon sugar and butter sauce, layered in a freezer-safe pan or container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before air frying for a quick treat anytime.
Reheating
To revive the warm, gooey goodness, reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 320°F for about 4–5 minutes or until heated through. This method brings back that fresh-from-the-oven texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use homemade biscuit dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! While refrigerated biscuit dough makes this recipe fast and easy, homemade biscuit dough works wonderfully and can add a personal touch to your monkey bread.
Do I need a special pan for the air fryer?
You’ll need a small, air fryer-safe pan or cake pan that fits snugly inside your air fryer basket. This helps the bread cook evenly and contain the buttery sauce perfectly.
What if the top browns too fast in the air fryer?
If you notice the top is darkening too quickly, simply cover the pan loosely with foil and continue cooking. This prevents burning while allowing the center to cook through.
Can I omit the nuts?
Definitely! Nuts add a nice crunch but are completely optional. The monkey bread is delicious with or without them, so customize to your taste or dietary preference.
Is this recipe suitable for breakfast and dessert?
Yes! This Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe is wonderfully versatile—sweet enough for dessert but hearty and satisfying for breakfast or brunch.
Final Thoughts
If you love quick, cozy, and utterly delicious treats, this Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe is going to win your heart and your taste buds. It’s a fantastic way to turn simple ingredients into a shareable, pulled-apart masterpiece that everyone will adore. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a fast favorite in your kitchen, bringing warmth and joy to any table.
Print
Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread is a quick and delicious pull-apart treat made from biscuit dough tossed in cinnamon sugar, layered with a buttery brown sugar glaze, and air fried until golden and gooey. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a simple dessert, it offers a faster cooking time than traditional oven baking with a wonderfully soft and sticky texture.
Ingredients
Monkey Bread
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare the biscuit dough: Cut the biscuit dough into quarters to create smaller bite-sized pieces that will easily cook and become tender inside the monkey bread.
- Mix cinnamon sugar: In a bowl, combine the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon, ensuring an even spice blend to coat the biscuits.
- Coat biscuit pieces: Toss the quartered biscuit pieces thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are well-coated for that classic sweet-spiced flavor.
- Create butter glaze: In a separate bowl, stir together the melted unsalted butter and brown sugar until fully combined to make a rich, caramel-like sauce.
- Prepare the air fryer pan: Lightly grease an air fryer-safe pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket to prevent sticking and facilitate even cooking.
- Assemble monkey bread: Layer the cinnamon sugar-coated biscuit pieces into the greased pan. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers for added texture and flavor.
- Pour butter mixture: Evenly pour the brown sugar and butter mixture over the layered biscuits, ensuring the biscuits will soak up the glaze while cooking.
- Air fry: Place the prepared pan inside the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the biscuits are cooked through, golden on top, and the glaze is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Allow the monkey bread to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate. Serve warm for optimal gooeyness and flavor.
Notes
- Cover loosely with foil during cooking if the top begins to brown too quickly to prevent burning.
- Check the center of the monkey bread to ensure the biscuit dough is fully cooked through before removing from the air fryer.
- For extra sweetness, serve with a vanilla glaze or icing drizzled on top.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
