The moment I took my first bite of these Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls, the explosion of gooey cheese mingling with savory pepperoni brought me right back to childhood pizza parties. There’s something utterly satisfying about crafting these delightful bites from scratch, yet they come together with such ease—perfect for spontaneous movie nights or casual gatherings with friends. With just a mere 40 minutes of your time, you can whip up a batch that not only beats any greasy takeout but also fills your home with an irresistible aroma that has everyone gathering in the kitchen.
What’s even better? These pizza rolls are incredibly versatile! Customize them to your heart’s content, swapping in veggies or different cheeses to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Whether you’re indulging solo or impressing a crowd, these air fryer creations are bound to become a new favorite. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this fun and delicious recipe!
Why are Air Fryer Pizza Rolls a Must-Try?
Crispy texture is what you’ll crave—golden on the outside and gooey on the inside, these rolls deliver a perfect bite every time. Quick to make, you can have these delicious snacks ready in just 40 minutes—ideal for those last-minute cravings. Customizable and fun, swap in your favorite fillings, from veggies to different cheeses, to make them unique. Perfect for sharing, these bites are sure to impress at your next gathering or movie night. If you want to explore more satisfying homemade snacks, check out our guide on easy air fryer recipes!
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Ingredients
For the Dough
• Pizza Dough – This forms the base; you can opt for store-bought or unleash your inner baker with homemade dough. Tip: If using store-bought, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes for easy handling.
For the Filling
• Mozzarella Cheese – Essential for that melty goodness; shredded mozzarella works best for optimal flow.
• Pepperoni – Adds a classic flavor; feel free to swap with cooked sausage or a medley of diced veggies for a vegetarian twist.
• Italian Seasoning – This blend of herbs elevates taste; replace with oregano or fresh basil if desired.
For Flavoring
• Salt – Enhances all the other flavors; adjust according to your preference.
For Dipping
• Marinara Sauce – Ideal for dunking; consider variations like ranch or garlic butter for a fun twist to complement your air fryer pizza rolls.
How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
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Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. This step ensures that your pizza rolls will cook evenly and achieve that crispy goodness you’re after.
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Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. This thickness allows for a delightful texture—crispy outside and chewy inside.
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Cut the dough into 3×3 inch squares. A sharp knife or a pizza cutter works wonders here, making it easy to prepare for the tasty filling.
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Place a tablespoon of shredded mozzarella and a few slices of pepperoni on each square; sprinkle with Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt. This is where the magic starts—look for that heavenly cheese-to-sauce ratio!
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Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle and press the edges to seal tightly. Make sure they are well-sealed to keep the gooey goodness inside.
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Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil and arrange the rolls in a single layer. You want them to have enough space to crisp up beautifully!
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Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. Keep an eye on them; they should turn golden brown and fragrant!
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Let cool slightly and serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. This little wait will help avoid burning your tongue on that delicious, gooey filling!
Optional: Consider adding fresh basil or crushed red pepper on top before serving for an extra flavor boost.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls?
Pair these delightful bites with complementary dishes that enhance their savory goodness and elevate your snacking experience.
- Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad adds a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pizza rolls, making for a balanced meal.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky delight of garlic bread complements the cheesy goodness, creating a comforting and satisfying combination.
- Crispy Potato Wedges: These golden, crispy wedges provide a hearty crunch that pairs perfectly with the gooey pizza rolls, giving a homestyle feel.
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo: Adding a spicy twist, this dip offers a fiery kick that contrasts beautifully with the cheesy rolls, elevating your snack time delight.
- Coleslaw: The creamy crunch of coleslaw brings a refreshing texture and tang, enhancing the overall flavor experience of your meal.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Finish off with some warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies for a sweet note after those savory bites. Nothing like a little indulgence to round out your dinner!
- Craft Beer or Soda: Pair with a cold craft beer or a fizzy soda for a delightful beverage that complements the rich flavors of the pizza rolls.
- Fruit Skewers: Light and refreshing, fruit skewers offer a burst of natural sweetness, enhancing the flavors and providing a colorful presentation.
How to Store and Freeze Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
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Room Temperature: Keep pizza rolls at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to ensure freshness and safety.
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Fridge: After cooking, allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze completely cooled pizza rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month.
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Reheating: To reheat, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, restoring their crispy texture; microwaving is an option, but might alter the crunchiness of your air fryer pizza rolls.
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
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Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat to ensure even cooking. Skipping this step can result in unevenly cooked pizza rolls.
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Don’t Overcrowd: Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. This allows air to circulate freely, creating that perfect crispy exterior.
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Cut Cleanly: Use a pizza cutter for precise square shapes. This makes for even filling distribution and enhances the presentation of your air fryer pizza rolls.
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Mind the Filling: Keep fillings balanced and avoid overstuffing. Too much filling can cause the rolls to ooze during cooking.
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Shake for Evenness: Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking. This promotes even browning and ensures all sides get crispy.
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Variations
Get ready to make these pizza rolls your own with delightful twists and surprises!
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Vegetable-Loaded: Swap pepperoni for chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for a fresh and healthy bite.
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Cheese Medley: Mix in different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack to amplify the flavor profile and create a cheesy masterpiece. The melty goodness will be irresistible!
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Spicy Kick: Add jalapeño slices or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to your filling for a zesty twist that wakes up your taste buds.
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Sweet Surprise: Try adding a dollop of pizza sauce mixed with a touch of honey for a unique sweet-savory combo that’s surprisingly delightful.
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Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked sausage or use a smoky cheese like gouda for an exciting depth of flavor that’ll impress anyone lucky enough to have a bite.
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Herb Infusion: Blend fresh herbs such as basil or oregano into your filling for an aromatic touch that brightens each roll. It will elevate the entire experience!
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Flaky Finish: Brush the rolled dough with melted butter and sprinkle with parmesan or garlic powder before cooking for a savory, crispy crust. This extra layer brings phenomenal flavor!
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Stuffed Adventure: For a twist, fill your rolls with traditional toppings like olives and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired snack.
Make Ahead Options
These Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are a fantastic option for meal prep, making them perfect for busy weeknights! You can prepare the filling and assemble the rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Just place the filled rolls in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and cover them tightly with plastic wrap to keep them fresh (this prevents them from drying out). When you’re ready to enjoy, simply preheat the air fryer, spritz the rolls with olive oil, and cook them straight from the fridge for 8-10 minutes. This way, you’ll have delicious, homemade snacks ready to go with minimal fuss!
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Recipe FAQs
What type of pizza dough should I use?
You can use either store-bought or homemade pizza dough for these air fryer pizza rolls. If you opt for store-bought, it’s essential to let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before handling. This makes it easier to roll out and shape. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade dough can provide a wonderful, fresh taste that sets your pizza rolls apart!
How should I store leftover pizza rolls?
To store your leftover air fryer pizza rolls, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be safely stored like this for up to 3 days. If you’ve made a large batch and want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option!
Can I freeze air fryer pizza rolls?
Absolutely! To freeze your air fryer pizza rolls, first, allow them to cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent sticking. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and keep for up to one month. This way, you can enjoy a tasty snack anytime!
What if my dough is too sticky to work with?
If your dough feels sticky, don’t panic! Lightly dust your work surface and the dough with a bit of flour to make it easier to handle. If it’s still problematic, refrigerate the dough for 10-15 minutes; this will help firm it up and make rolling out less of a hassle.
Are these pizza rolls suitable for kids or those with allergies?
The beauty of these air fryer pizza rolls is their customization! You can make them kid-friendly by incorporating their favorite fillings, like cheese and peppers. For allergens, always check the ingredient labels, especially for pre-made dough and fillings. You can easily modify them to be gluten-free by using gluten-free dough or swap out pepperoni for a veggie option for a healthier choice.
How can I ensure my pizza rolls turn out crispy?
To achieve perfectly crispy air fryer pizza rolls, preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes before cooking. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent even cooking and crispness. Give the basket a gentle shake halfway through the cooking process to ensure every side gets that delightful golden brown finish!
Irresistible Air Fryer Pizza Rolls You’ll Want to Make Tonight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into 3x3 inch squares.
- Place a tablespoon of shredded mozzarella and a few slices of pepperoni on each square; sprinkle with Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle and press the edges to seal tightly.
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil and arrange the rolls in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Let cool slightly and serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.