If you have been searching for a simple, delightful treat to whip up quickly, this Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe is your new best friend. Soft, caramelized, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness, it’s a pull-apart bread that comes together in minutes without heating up your oven. Whether you want a cozy brunch snack, a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, or a charming dessert to share, this monkey bread delivers warm, gooey bites with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started couldn’t be easier with just a handful of staples that each bring something special to this sweet treat. From the buttery dough that puffs up tender and golden, to the brown sugar and cinnamon combo that infuses every bite with warmth, every ingredient plays a starring role.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (1 can, 16 oz): Provides the soft, pillowy base that bakes up perfectly in the air fryer.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Adds rich caramel sweetness that melts into the dough.
- Cinnamon (2 tsp): Brings a cozy spice that’s classic in monkey bread and balances the sugar.
- Melted butter (¼ cup): Ensures every piece is gloriously moist and golden.
- Chopped pecans (¼ cup, optional): Offers a crunchy texture and nutty depth for those who love extra layers of flavor.
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough Pieces
Start by opening your can of refrigerated biscuit dough and cutting each biscuit into four equal pieces. This creates bite-sized morsels that are perfect for stacking and air frying evenly. The smaller size lets every piece soak up those delicious flavors while baking.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon thoroughly. This simple mixture will coat the dough pieces to deliver that irresistible sticky-sweet caramel layer throughout the monkey bread.
Step 3: Butter and Coat the Dough
Dip each quartered dough piece first into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then toss it in the cinnamon sugar, covering every nook and cranny. If you’re adding nuts, sprinkle some pecans on top of the layers as you assemble to add texture and extra flavor.
Step 4: Assemble in the Air Fryer Pan
Grease an air fryer-safe pan generously to prevent sticking, then layer the coated dough pieces inside. The layering allows the sugar and butter to melt down and caramelize beautifully as it cooks.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and cook the monkey bread for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough is golden and pull-apart soft. The air fryer crisps the outside just enough, while keeping the inside soft and gooey.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once cooked, let the monkey bread cool for a few minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. This step helps the sugary glaze settle and makes it easier to pull apart in those mouth-watering bites.
How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle warm icing or cream cheese glaze atop your monkey bread. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a scattering of chopped pecans adds visual appeal and an inviting crunch.
Side Dishes
This sweet, gooey bread pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples to cut through the richness. A cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy latte makes a perfect companion for a cozy breakfast or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the monkey bread in small ramekins or wrapped in parchment for individual portions at brunch or holiday gatherings. Another fun idea is to add a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone on each pull-apart piece for a fancy twist that feels special but is still effortless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any monkey bread left, store it covered tightly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps keep it soft without drying out, allowing you to enjoy the next-day sweetness with ease.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover monkey bread by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and placing it inside a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for a fresh-baked taste anytime.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked joy, reheat your monkey bread in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until warm and soft again. You can also microwave it briefly, but the air fryer method helps restore the slight crispness on the outside.
FAQs
Can I use cinnamon roll dough instead of biscuit dough?
Absolutely! Cinnamon roll dough works wonderfully and adds even more cinnamon flavor, making your monkey bread extra tender and delicious.
Is it necessary to use an air fryer-safe pan?
Yes, to ensure even cooking and prevent damage to your air fryer, always use a pan that fits well and is intended for air fryer use.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and choose vegan biscuit dough if available. Check ingredients to keep it dairy free.
How do I prevent the monkey bread from sticking?
Make sure to grease the pan very well and coat the dough pieces evenly with butter and sugar. This caramel layer helps release the bread easily after cooking.
What’s the best way to serve monkey bread for a crowd?
Consider making multiple smaller batches in individual air fryer pans or a larger oven-safe bundt pan if using the traditional oven method. This keeps everything fresh and easy to share.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe is the kind of treat that makes everyone smile instantly. Its simplicity combined with cozy, caramel-cinnamon flavors makes it a go-to for any time you want something sweet and shareable without the wait. Give it a try next time you crave a nostalgic pull-apart dessert—once you taste it fresh from the air fryer, it just might become your new favorite indulgence.
Print
Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy air fryer monkey bread features soft, caramelized bites of biscuit dough coated in cinnamon sugar and butter. Ready in about 25 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious sweet treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert without heating your oven.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the biscuit dough: Cut each biscuit into quarters to create bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy pulling apart.
- Mix the cinnamon sugar: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon thoroughly to ensure each piece of dough will be coated evenly.
- Coat the dough pieces: Dip each biscuit piece into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated. If using, sprinkle with chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Layer in the pan: Place the coated dough pieces into a greased, air fryer-safe pan in an even layer to allow proper heat circulation.
- Air fry the monkey bread: Set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and cook the bread for 12 to 15 minutes. Check for a golden-brown color, indicating the sugar has caramelized and the dough is cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Let the monkey bread cool slightly before inverting onto a plate. Serve warm for the best gooey, pull-apart experience.
Notes
- Drizzle with icing or glaze for extra sweetness and a touch of decorative flair.
- This recipe also works great using cinnamon roll dough instead of biscuit dough for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
