The sound of pizza rolls sizzling in the air fryer takes me straight back to after-school snacks in the ’90s. That crispy pop when you bite innothing beats it. These Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Recipe bring all that nostalgia in half the time, no waiting on the oven. Everyone’s talking about them lately, and honestly? It’s because they’re ridiculously good.
This version’s simple: frozen pizza rolls, a spritz of oil, five minutes of hot crisping magic. They come out golden, crisp shells and gooey insidelike your favorite late-night freezer snack, only better. It’s fast, no mess, and the air fryer keeps them from getting greasy. Great for kids, movie nights, or when you’re just craving something crunchy and cheesy. These are pure comfort without the guilt, thanks to that lighter air-fried finish.
First made these back in 2020 when I was juggling recipe shoots and homeschooling. My teen asked for “real snack food”so we cracked a bag open and tossed them in the test fryer. Total game changer. Let them breathe in the basket for a minute post-cooking and they stay crisp, not soggy. I’ve photographed hundreds of chicken and shrimp dishes, but these little guys? They’re always the first to vanish during shoot day.
Thomas Baker
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Recipe: Quick Delicious Snack
Enjoy a crispy and delicious Air Fryer Pizza Rolls recipe that’s perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer. These Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and savory pepperoni, baked to golden perfection in your air fryer for a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks.
Prepare the dough by letting it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes or rolling out homemade dough.
Cut the rolled-out dough into 3×3 inch squares.
Fill each square with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and salt.
Seal the rolls by folding the dough over the filling and crimping the edges.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil and arrange the rolls in a single layer.
Cook the pizza rolls for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Let the rolls cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce.
Notes
Experiment with different fillings like bell peppers, onions, or different cheeses.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Recipe
If you’re anything like me, you love a recipe that’s both cozy and practical, and this Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Recipe delivers on all fronts. Here’s why it’s a total winner:
Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, these rolls come together in under 40 minutes.
Nostalgic Vibes: It’s the ultimate throwback snack with a modern twistcrispy shells, gooey cheese, and endless dipping in marinara sauce!
Family-Friendly: Whether it’s movie night with the kids or a casual get-together, these rolls are loved by all ages.
No Mess: The air fryer keeps things crisp without the grease of deep fryingand minimal cleanup makes it a home run.
Ingredients and Quick Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious, crispy pizza rolls:
Pizza dough: Store-bought works great for convenience, but you can use homemade if you’ve got it on hand. Let it warm to room temperature for easier rolling.
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded is easiest to handle, but feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheeses for a twist.
Pepperoni: Stick with classic slices or swap for diced veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for a veggie-packed version.
Italian seasoning: Adds an essential aromatic depth of flavor to your pizza rolls.
Olive oil spray: Keeps the rolls from sticking and ensures they achieve a perfect, golden crisp.
Marinara sauce: Perfect for dipping. Use your favorite jarred variety or a homemade batch.
Pro Tip: Want something different? Try fillings like cooked ham, a sprinkle of pineapple, or even sautéed mushrooms and onions!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly and practically foolproof. Follow these steps for perfect air fryer pizza rolls:
Prep: Gather all your ingredients. Allow the pizza dough to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Roll it out into an even sheet, aiming for about 1/8-inch thick.
Cut: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, divide the dough into approximately 3×3 inch squares.
Stuff: To the center of each square, add about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella, 3-4 mini pepperoni slices (or a tablespoon of diced pepperoni/veggies), and a small pinch of Italian seasoning.
Seal: Fold each square over the filling to form a neat pocket, then press the edges firmly together. Crimp them with a fork to ensure a tight seal and prevent filling from leaking.
Cook: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the rolls in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even crisping.
Cool and serve: Carefully remove the hot pizza rolls and let them rest for a minute (the filling will be piping hot!). Serve immediately with warmed marinara sauce for dipping.
Note: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! For the crispiest results, work in batches if necessary.
Cooking Times at a Glance
Step
Time
Prepping dough
20 minutes
Cooking in air fryer
8–10 minutes
Cooling
1–2 minutes
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (it happens!), here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:
Store: Place cooled pizza rolls in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes. They’ll crisp up again beautifully without getting soggy!
Freeze: To freeze uncooked rolls, flash freeze them on a baking sheet until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, place them directly into the preheated air fryer from frozen, adding an extra 2–3 minutes to the cooking time.
Pro Tip: Always let the rolls cool completely before storing them to prevent trapped steam from softening their crispy exterior.
Storage Tips Overview
Method
Tips
Duration
Fridge
Use airtight containers
Up to 3 days
Freezer
Flash freeze uncooked for best results
Up to 2 months
Reheating
Air fryer for crisp texture
2–3 minutes
Expert Insight: Mastering the Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Recipe
Mastering air fryer pizza rolls hinges on understanding how the appliance circulates hot air to achieve a consistently crisp exterior while preserving a gooey, melty interior. This method dramatically reduces the need for oil, offering a healthier twist on a classic snack, perfect for rapid preparation and crowd-pleasing results. The key is even spacing and precise temperature control, ensuring each roll cooks to perfection.
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How I Perfected My Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Recipe
After more than a few batches that were either too crisp or underfilled, I finally landed on this Air Fryer Pizza Rolls recipe that balances crispy edges with melty centers. It took some trial and error, but now these rolls come out reliably golden and delicious every time, the kind my family keeps asking for.
FAQs ( Air Fryer Pizza Rolls recipe )
Can I use frozen pizza rolls in the air fryer?
Absolutely, frozen pizza rolls cook well in the air fryer. To get them crispy and evenly heated, preheat your air fryer and cook the rolls at 380°F for about 6 to 8 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for the best results and avoid overcrowding.
What oil is best for air frying pizza rolls?
Use a light, high smoke-point oil like avocado or canola oil to lightly coat the pizza rolls before air frying. This helps achieve a crispy exterior without overpowering the flavors. A quick spray or brush is enoughtoo much oil can cause sogginess.
How do I make pizza rolls crispy inside and out?
To get a perfect crispy bite, avoid overfilling to prevent sogginess inside. Cook at a moderate temperature (around 380°F) and flip the rolls halfway so each side crisps evenly. Let them rest a minute after cooking to firm up before serving.
Can I reheat leftover pizza rolls in the air fryer?
Yes, reheating in the air fryer is an excellent way to maintain crispiness. Heat them at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes and check frequently to avoid burning. This method is faster and tastier than using a microwave.
What are some tips for making air fryer pizza rolls even better?
For extra flavor, add a pinch of Italian seasoning or garlic powder before cooking. Don’t overcrowd the basket so hot air circulates well. Serving with a side of marinara sauce freshens the meal and enhances the taste.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, delivering that perfect crispy outside and melty inside you crave. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing snack you’ll want to make againno fuss, just pure comfort in every bite.
Feel free to swap in different cheeses or add fresh herbs for a personal twist. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer, keeping that crunch intacta pro tip I picked up while shooting snack recipes. These rolls are destined to become a staple in your family’s rotation, blending seamlessly into a busy kitchen schedule.
Give them a try, then share your variations or photosI love hearing how these little bites bring a smile around your table. Did pizza rolls remind you of special moments? Pass this recipe along and keep that warm, cozy feeling rolling!
