If you’re anything like me and love a sweet, soft, and irresistible treat that you can whip up without a fuss, then you are going to adore this Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of gooey, cinnamon-spiced bites all baked to perfection in your air fryer. Imagine pulling apart little buttery pieces coated in cinnamon sugar that melt in your mouth—this recipe turns a classic favorite into a quick, mess-free delight that’s ready in under half an hour. Whether it’s for a cozy breakfast, a snack, or a simple dessert, this monkey bread is sure to become a beloved go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe is that it relies on a handful of simple ingredients, each chosen to enhance flavor, texture, and that wonderfully gooey finish. You won’t need any fancy gadgets beyond your trusty air fryer, and the ingredients are pantry staples that make this both accessible and delicious.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: This forms the soft and fluffy base of your monkey bread, making it incredibly easy to pull apart afterward.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness and helps the cinnamon stick to each piece perfectly.
- Brown sugar: Provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness for that classic gooey coating that makes monkey bread so addicting.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses each bite with warm, aromatic spice that’s essential for monkey bread’s signature flavor.
- Butter, melted: Brings everything together with moisture and richness, allowing the sugars to melt into a luscious glaze.
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the biscuit pieces
Start by taking your refrigerated biscuit dough and cutting each biscuit into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy for the dough to cook evenly and for you to enjoy those classic pull-apart bites that monkey bread is famous for.
Step 2: Toss with cinnamon sugar
Next, toss the biscuit pieces in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This extra step ensures every morsel gets coated with that comforting cinnamon-sugar flavor, giving the bread its trademark sweetness and spice from the inside out.
Step 3: Place in an air fryer-safe pan
Grease a pan that fits nicely inside your air fryer, then carefully layer the sugar-coated biscuit pieces inside. This container will keep the dough together as it cooks and helps build those sticky, gooey layers.
Step 4: Add the buttery brown sugar glaze
Mix the melted butter and brown sugar, then pour it evenly over the biscuit pieces. This step is what creates the scrumptiously sticky crust on top and underneath the bread, turning it into a caramelized masterpiece.
Step 5: Air fry to perfection
Cook the monkey bread at 170°C / 340°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye halfway through to prevent over-browning. The air fryer’s hot circulating air is what gives you that golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and soft.
Step 6: Cool and invert to serve
Allow the bread to cool slightly after cooking—it will firm up just a bit, making it easier to handle. Then invert your pan onto a serving plate and watch as the pull-apart layers reveal themselves, ready to be enjoyed warm and gooey.
How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze elevates your Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe into a stunning treat. Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts offers a delightful crunch and flavor contrast that pairs beautifully with the sweet cinnamon glaze.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside fresh fruit or a bowl of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness and add a fresh, cool component. A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai also makes a lovely accompaniment, turning this snack into a full-on cozy experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, bake the monkey bread right in themed individual molds to create personal-sized portions. You can also layer the biscuit pieces with cream cheese or jam between the layers before cooking to add exciting flavor twists to the classic. This recipe’s versatility means you can easily dress it up to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Monkey bread is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps preserve the gooey, soft texture without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover monkey bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
Reheat your monkey bread in the air fryer or oven at low temperature (around 150°C / 300°F) for a few minutes. This restores the warmth and softness without making it soggy, keeping that beloved pull-apart texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade biscuit dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! While refrigerated biscuit dough is incredibly convenient, homemade dough can add a personal touch and potentially enhance flavor and texture. Just make sure it’s not too sticky so it cooks evenly in the air fryer.
What if I don’t have an air fryer pan?
If your air fryer didn’t come with a baking pan, you can use any oven-safe dish that fits inside the air fryer basket. Just grease it well to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap the biscuit dough for a gluten-free alternative that behaves similarly. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so monitor closely for best results.
How do I avoid the monkey bread being too dry or too greasy?
Using just the right amount of butter and sugars is key. Too much butter can make it greasy; too little might dry it out. Follow the ingredient amounts closely and pour the glaze evenly for the perfect balance.
Is it possible to add flavors like nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit before baking can put a fun twist on the classic. Just gently fold them in when tossing the biscuit pieces with sugar and cinnamon.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe is a total game-changer for those moments when you want a sweet treat that feels homemade but comes together in a snap. It’s cozy, flattering, and absolutely scrumptious, and I promise it will quickly become a favorite for weekend breakfasts, casual gatherings, or anytime you crave something warm and comforting. Give it a try—you might just find your new best friend in the kitchen!
Print
Easy Air Fryer Monkey Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy monkey bread recipe made in the air fryer. This soft, gooey treat is coated in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with a buttery brown sugar glaze, perfect for a fast, crowd-pleasing dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Monkey Bread
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (about 8 biscuits)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Butter Glaze
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
Instructions
- Prepare the biscuit dough: Cut each biscuit into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and perfect pull-apart texture.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: In a large bowl, toss the biscuit pieces with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until they are evenly coated.
- Arrange in air fryer pan: Grease an air fryer-safe pan lightly with butter or cooking spray, then place the coated biscuit pieces inside, spreading them evenly.
- Add the butter and brown sugar: Mix the melted butter and brown sugar together, then pour this mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces to create a sweet glaze as it cooks.
- Air fry the monkey bread: Set the air fryer to 170°C (340°F) and cook the monkey bread for 12 to 15 minutes. Check halfway through to avoid over-browning and adjust time if necessary.
- Cool and serve: Allow the monkey bread to cool slightly in the pan for a few minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate. Serve warm for best gooey texture.
Notes
- Check the monkey bread halfway during cooking to prevent over-browning or burning.
- Serve the monkey bread warm to enjoy the soft, gooey texture fully.
- You can add nuts or raisins for extra flavor and texture if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
