Who doesn’t love a golden, crispy pizza roll that oozes cheese and savory pepperoni with every bite? Air Fryer Pizza Rolls bring the joy of pizza into a handheld snack, made quickly and with minimal oil, so you get that perfect crunch without deep frying. Perfect for a party, movie night, or quick snack, these pizza rolls are a fun twist on classic pizza flavors and are loved by kids and adults alike.
With the air fryer, these pizza rolls cook evenly and crisp up beautifully while keeping the inside gooey and flavorful. No more waiting for your oven to preheat for half an hour or dealing with greasy fried snacks—these rolls are fast, easy, and irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
- Crispy Outside, Gooey Inside: Achieve a golden crust with melty cheese and tender pepperoni in every bite.
- Quick and Easy: Using store-bought dough makes preparation fast, but homemade dough can be used for a special touch.
- Less Oil, Less Mess: Air frying keeps the rolls crispy without the need for deep frying.
- Customizable: Swap pepperoni for sausage, veggies, or other favorite pizza toppings.
- Perfect Party Food: Serve as an appetizer, snack, or fun meal for family gatherings.
Ingredients and Their Roles
Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
- Pizza Dough (store-bought or homemade)
Acts as the base for the rolls, providing structure and a soft, chewy crust. Store-bought dough saves time, while homemade dough adds a personalized touch. - Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup)
Mozzarella melts beautifully, giving that classic pizza pull and creamy texture. - Pepperoni Slices (1 cup)
Provides savory, meaty flavor and a little spice. You can replace this with cooked sausage, ham, or even veggies for variation. - Marinara Sauce (for dipping)
The perfect accompaniment, adding tangy tomato flavor to complement the cheesy, savory rolls. - Italian Seasoning (1 tsp)
Adds aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to enhance the pizza flavor. - Pinch of Salt
Enhances all the other flavors and balances the richness of the cheese and pepperoni. - Olive Oil (for spraying)
Lightly coats the rolls before air frying to achieve a golden, crispy exterior without excess oil.
Ingredient Summary
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch of salt
- Olive oil (for spraying)
Step-by-Step Method
1. Prepare the Dough
If using store-bought dough, unroll it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
2. Add the Fillings
Evenly spread the shredded mozzarella cheese across the dough, then layer the pepperoni slices on top. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt over the fillings for extra flavor.
3. Roll the Dough
Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, sealing the edge with a little water. Slice the log into 1- to 1.5-inch pieces to form individual pizza rolls.
4. Prepare for Air Frying
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil. Arrange the pizza rolls in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one for air circulation. Spray the tops of the rolls lightly with olive oil as well.
5. Air Fry the Rolls
Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so check halfway through to avoid burning.
6. Serve with Marinara Sauce
Serve warm with a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy immediately for the best gooey, cheesy experience.
Tips for Perfect Pizza Rolls
- Avoid Overfilling: Too much cheese or toppings can make the rolls difficult to seal and cause cheese to leak during cooking.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your air fryer basket with perforated parchment to prevent sticking.
- Rotate Rolls: Flip halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Customize Flavors: Add vegetables, cooked sausage, or extra spices for your favorite flavor profile.
- Storage: Store leftover rolls in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to retain crispiness.
Variations to Try
- Veggie Delight: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a veggie-packed snack.
- Spicy Pepperoni: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before air frying for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or Gouda for extra cheesy rolls.
- Mini Calzone Style: Make slightly larger rolls and serve with marinara and grated Parmesan on top.
- Garlic Butter Crust: Brush with garlic butter instead of olive oil before air frying for an aromatic twist.
Nutritional Overview (Approximate per 2–3 rolls)
- Calories: 220–250
- Protein: 10–12 g
- Carbohydrates: 22–25 g
- Fat: 12–14 g
- Fiber: 1–2 g
- Sodium: 450–500 mg
These rolls are a satisfying, protein-rich snack or appetizer that keeps both kids and adults happy.
Serving Suggestions
- Movie Night Snack: Serve alongside popcorn or your favorite beverages for a cozy night in.
- Appetizer Plate: Pair with fresh veggies and dips for a party platter.
- Lunchbox Treat: Great for packed lunches or after-school snacks.
- Family Dinner: Serve alongside a simple salad or soup for a fun weeknight meal.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Prepare in Advance: Assemble the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate. Air fry just before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls in a single layer, then air fry from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the cook time.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to regain crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use homemade dough?
Yes! Homemade pizza dough works beautifully and adds a personal touch. Make sure it’s rolled to about ¼-inch thick.
2. Can I make these in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet until golden and crispy.
3. Can I use different toppings?
Yes! Try cooked sausage, ham, vegetables, or even a combination for a unique flavor.
4. How do I prevent cheese from leaking?
Don’t overfill and seal the edges well. Slightly chilling the rolled dough before slicing can also help keep cheese inside.
5. Are these kid-friendly?
Definitely! They’re a favorite with children, and you can adjust toppings to suit picky eaters.
6. How long do leftovers stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
Print
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls: Discover the Crispy Delight!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 pizza rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are a crispy, golden-brown snack filled with gooey mozzarella and savory pepperoni. Perfectly seasoned and easy to make, they’re ideal for parties, game nights, or a fun family treat.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch of salt
- Olive oil (for spraying)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut the dough into small rectangles or squares.
- Place a slice of pepperoni and a pinch of mozzarella on each piece of dough.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt.
- Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges tightly.
- Lightly spray each pizza roll with olive oil.
- Place the rolls in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Cook for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure rolls are sealed properly to avoid cheese leaking out.
- Adjust cooking time depending on the size of the rolls and your air fryer model.
- Try adding other fillings like cooked sausage, veggies, or different cheeses for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are a fun, delicious, and crispy snack that brings the flavors of pizza into a convenient handheld form. With minimal oil, quick preparation, and endless customization options, they’re perfect for parties, movie nights, or everyday snacks.
The combination of gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and a golden crust makes these rolls irresistible, while the air fryer ensures even cooking and a perfect crunch every time. Experiment with different cheeses, meats, or vegetables to create your signature version, and enjoy the perfect mix of convenience and flavor.