If you’re craving a warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible treat that comes together fast, look no further than this Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe. Sweet, cinnamon-kissed biscuit dough pieces baked to golden perfection make each bite a delightful pull-apart experience. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, this recipe combines simplicity and flavor in an unbeatable way. Plus, using an air fryer means you get that crisp outside and tender inside texture without heating up your whole kitchen or waiting ages. Let me show you how to make this crowd-pleaser happen at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe relies on just a few essential ingredients that come together to create magic. Each one plays a vital role, from the tender biscuit dough that forms the base, to the cinnamon sugar that brings that crave-worthy sweetness and spice, finishing with butter to ensure rich flavor and a perfect golden crust.
- 1 can biscuit dough: This is the foundation of your monkey bread, providing soft, pillowy bites that pull apart easily.
- 1/3 cup sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelizes during baking for that irresistible crisp edge.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses the dough pieces with warm, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with sugar.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Coats the dough pieces to help them brown beautifully and stay moist.
- Optional glaze – powdered sugar and milk: A sweet drizzle to finish your monkey bread with a pretty glossy touch and extra charm.
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Dough
Start by opening your biscuit dough can and cutting the dough into small, bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier for the pieces to cook evenly and makes every bite the perfect pull-apart portion.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon thoroughly. This simple blend transforms the dough pieces into sweet, fragrant nuggets that are utterly addictive.
Step 3: Coat the Dough Pieces
Toss the biscuit dough pieces in the cinnamon sugar mix, making sure each is well coated. This layer will caramelize during cooking and create the signature sweet crust that monkey bread is known for.
Step 4: Add the Melted Butter
Drizzle the melted butter over the coated dough pieces and gently toss again. The butter helps crisp the outer edges while keeping the inside soft and tender.
Step 5: Arrange in the Air Fryer Pan
Grease your air fryer pan lightly and place the coated dough pieces inside, spreading them evenly but with some space to let the heat circulate. This setup ensures each piece bakes to golden scrumptiousness.
Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection
Set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and cook the monkey bread for 10 to 12 minutes. Halfway through, give the pan a gentle shake or stir to promote even cooking and browning all around.
Step 7: Optional Glaze Drizzle
After the monkey bread comes out piping hot and golden, mix powdered sugar and a little milk to create a quick glaze. Drizzle over the top for an extra touch of sweetness and a lovely presentation.
How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving adds a snowy, inviting look. You can also add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, or fresh berries on the side to enhance both taste and color.
Side Dishes
This monkey bread pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re enjoying it as a dessert. For breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit or a hot cup of coffee for the perfect balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe in mini individual ramekins for personal portions that look stylish. You can also make a layered version by adding cream cheese or caramel sauce between layers before air frying for an indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The bread will stay soft and tasty, though it’s best enjoyed fresh for maximum pull-apart appeal.
Freezing
You can freeze baked monkey bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freezing for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 3 to 5 minutes to restore crispiness. Alternatively, warming in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes also works well.
FAQs
Can I use homemade biscuit dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough works wonderfully and gives you extra control over flavor and texture. Just ensure your dough is cut into bite-sized pieces as described.
Is it possible to make this recipe without an air fryer?
While this recipe is optimized for the air fryer, you can bake the monkey bread in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the browning to avoid overcooking.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the monkey bread?
Definitely! Mixing in chopped nuts or raisins before air frying adds delicious texture and variety. Just fold them in with the coated dough pieces.
What’s the best type of biscuit dough to use?
Regular refrigerated biscuit dough found in cans works best for ease and consistency. Flaky or buttermilk biscuit varieties are all great choices depending on your preference.
How do I prevent sticking in the air fryer pan?
Lightly grease your air fryer pan before adding the dough pieces. Using butter or a non-stick cooking spray helps make cleanup easier and ensures your monkey bread slips out effortlessly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about gathering around a plate of warm, sweet pull-apart bread, and this Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe delivers that happiness in no time at all. With minimal ingredients, quick cooking, and a hands-on process that is just plain fun, this recipe is sure to become a much-loved staple. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite sweet treat!
Print
Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet, pull-apart monkey bread made quickly and easily in the air fryer using biscuit dough, cinnamon, and sugar. This easy recipe creates a warm, gooey breakfast or dessert that’s perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can biscuit dough
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Optional Glaze
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Milk, to thin glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the dough. Cut the biscuit dough into small pieces, about 1-inch chunks, to ensure even cooking and easy pulling apart later.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar. In a bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Toss the dough pieces in this mixture to coat them evenly, giving the bread its sweet and spiced flavor.
- Add butter and arrange. Pour the melted butter over the coated dough pieces and mix gently so all pieces are lightly coated. Then place them into the greased air fryer pan in a single layer or loosely piled.
- Air fry the monkey bread. Set the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and cook the dough pieces for 10 to 12 minutes. Halfway through cooking, carefully shake or stir the bread gently to promote even browning and cooking.
- Optional glaze and serve. Once cooked and golden brown, remove from the air fryer. For extra sweetness, drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with a little milk. Serve warm for the best gooey texture and flavor.
Notes
- Shake or stir halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Use greased air fryer pan to prevent sticking.
- Serves well as a snack, breakfast treat, or dessert.
- For a richer flavor, you can add chopped nuts or raisins before cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
