8 Ways to Cook Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls Without an Oven!

The beauty of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls is that they are easy to make and extremely delicious. The problem is that most people find cooking them to perfection quite challenging, especially if they don’t have an oven. So, people often ask themselves how to cook Pillsbury cinnamon rolls without an oven?

You can cook Pillsbury cinnamon rolls using a pan if you don’t have an oven. Place your pan over medium heat and place your rolls onto the pan. Allow them to cook on moderate heat for 10–16 minutes. Other methods include air fryer, frying pan, microwave, electric skillet, campfire, toaster oven, or waffle maker.

What is the easiest and most convenient way to cook cinnamon rolls without an oven? Are there other alternative ways to cook perfect rolls without an oven? Stick with me because I will address these and more of the frequently asked questions in this article.

What Are Some Alternative Ways to Cook Cinnamon Rolls?

There are a series of alternative ways you can cook Cinnamon rolls without an oven that are easy and cost-effective. 

Depending on your needs and what’s available, I’m sure you’ll find something that will work for you. So, without wasting much time, let’s explore the various options available.

Bake Cinnamon Rolls in Air Fryer

Cooking cinnamon rolls in an air fryer is pretty simple and timesaving. Why have to go through the hustle of preheating an oven yet you can make perfect cinnamon rolls in an air fryer in just a few minutes?

So, let’s get into the instructions on making Pillsbury cinnamon rolls in the air fryer.

Preheat your air fryer to 360 °F. Lay cooking parchment paper or spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray so that the rolls don’t stick to it. 

Place each roll in the basket, leaving enough space between rolls to allow expansion.

Set the air fryer to cook for approximately 8 minutes; and, if you like them crispy, you can add an extra minute. 

Remove rolls from the air fryer basket once done. Apply your icing to hot rolls and enjoy!

Bake Cinnamon Rolls on Campfire

There is no better taste than that of a cinnamon roll made by a campfire. It’s a heavenly experience to give your friends and family that cinnamon treat while on a camping trip. 

Follow these steps to make tasty campfire cinnamon rolls for the next time you go out camping.

You’ll need a campfire-approved cooking grate, campfire timber, store-bought cinnamon rolls, and a cast-iron skillet for this method. 

Make a campfire and let it burn until almost all large frames have subsided. 

Then, place your campfire approved cooking grate above the fire, leaving a gap of at least 6 inches high. Apply cooking spray on the cast-iron skillet and place your cinnamon rolls on it. 

Once done, place the skillet on the cooking grate, cook the Pillsbury cinnamon rolls over moderate heat for 10–16 minutes. And while they cook, keep rotating the pan and turning the rolls every 2 minutes to keep them from burning. 

Finally, remove the pan from the fire once they turn golden brown. Apply icing, allow them to cool for 5 minutes and serve.

Use Microwave to Bake Cinnamon Rolls

A microwave is another great alternative I enjoy using during my busy times. It’s quick, convenient and easy-to-use. This method requires microwave-safe dish like ceramics.

But before anything, you ought to consider these important factors before you can go in for this method:

• Cooking time depends on the watts in the microwave. And, important to note is that the steps I’m going to share here are based on my personal appliance and experience. Regardless, no matter the microwave you have, it shouldn’t take over 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
• For this method, cinnamon rolls are to be cooked one at a time for you to get perfect rolls.
• Cinnamon rolls that are baked in the microwave are rather fluffy and soft, not brown and firm like those baked in the oven.

So, here are the steps you need to follow.

Place the portioned rolls one at a time into a microwave-safe dish. Set the microwave to cook for about 2 minutes for each roll. 

Check if they are hot and fluffy and place them back in the microwave for another 30 seconds if needed.

Use An Electric Skillet 

An electric skillet is a multipurpose appliance that you can use to make several delicacies. Besides cinnamon rolls, you can use it to make biscuits, cookies, cakes, just to mention but a few. 

For this method, you’ll need to lay parchment paper on the bottom of the pan. Place your rolls onto the pan to fit. 

Then, set your electric skillet to 300 until the valve clicks. After that, adjust to 200 for an extra 10 minutes, so they can cook well on the inside. 

Prepare your icing and pour it over the rolls.

Fry Cinnamon Rolls in a Frying Pan

Did you know that you can easily fry your Pillsbury cinnamon rolls in deep oil? Pour an excessive amount of oil into a frying pan and put it over medium heat. Wait for the oil to heat up and carefully put cinnamon rolls inside. 

Bake each side for a few minutes. When they get a golden color, it means they are done. Wait for them to cool, and instead of pouring icing over it, sprinkle some powdered sugar.

Bake Cinnamon Rolls in a Pot or Saucepan

This is by far one of the easiest methods of cooking cinnamon rolls without an oven. And, because you’ll hardly find a home without a pot, it is also the most requested and used all over the world.

For this method, you’ll need one pack of salt, a baking tray, butter paper, and a steam rack of about 2 inches high (minimum). Line your baking tray with butter paper, place your cinnamon rolls on it while leaving allowance for the rolls to rise. Cover them with a cloth for 30 minutes until they have doubled in size.

And in the pot, add one pack of salt, place your steam rack on top and preheat on a high frame for 15 minutes. 

Place the baking tray onto the steam rack and bake on medium heat for 15 minutes. Remove the heat once they turn to a golden brown. 

Pour icing on top and enjoy. 

Use Toaster Oven

Using a toaster oven is very similar to using the regular kitchen oven. But, since the toaster ovens can be moody sometimes, stay close to it while baking cinnamon rolls.

Preheat the toaster oven to 360 °F and place the rolls on the middle rack. Pillsbury cinnamon rolls are usually done in 25 minutes in a regular oven, but it can take a little bit shorter in the toaster oven.

Use Waffle Maker

If you want to make the best cinnamon rolls, bake them in a waffle maker!

Preheat the waffle maker to get the best result. Put cinnamon roll inside (or more of them if they fit) and bake it for 2 minutes. If they have a golden color, they are done.

How Do You Know When Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls Are Done?

The best way to know when your cinnamon rolls are ready is by using a toothpick. Prick a toothpick through the middle of one of the rolls. If it comes out clean, your rolls are ready. And, if it comes out sticky, give them some more time to cook.

Alternatively, lift one of the cinnamon rolls ⸺if it has already turned golden brown, you’ll know it’s ready.

Bottom Line

Several factors can affect how your cinnamon rolls turn out perfect, hard or doughy. But, no matter the case, you must consider these factors to make perfect rolls. So, here are the tips on how to successfully bake cinnamon rolls.

Cinnamon rolls expand, so always place them about 2–3 inches apart to allow room for expansion.

Test your rolls to know if they are ready using the above-explained methods before you turn off the heat.

And finally, preheat your cooking appliance before placing your rolls in.