Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are a fast, fun, and crispy snack that bring classic pizza flavor to bite-sized pockets everyone can love. These little rolls are perfect for after-school snacks, casual parties, or a cozy movie night, and they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer—no deep frying required. They pair especially well with simple air-fryer sides like air fryer rainbow carrots, making a colorful and satisfying spread.

Why make this recipe

There are plenty of reasons to put these Air Fryer Pizza Rolls on your regular rotation. First, they’re quick: from prep to plate in about 30 minutes if you work efficiently. Second, they’re customizable—swap fillings, cheeses, or spices to suit your family’s tastes or what’s in the fridge. Third, the air fryer creates a golden, flaky exterior while keeping the inside melty and saucy, giving you the best of hand-held pizza without the mess of deep frying. Finally, they’re portable and kid-friendly, which makes them ideal for lunchboxes, picnics, or party platters.

How to make Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Before you begin, read the short tips below to streamline your prep and make rolling faster. Keep a small bowl of water handy to help seal dough edges if needed, and flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking.

Ingredients :
1 package of pizza dough, 1 cup pizza sauce, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup pepperoni slices, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Ingredient notes and substitutions

• Pizza dough: You can use store-bought refrigerated or frozen dough (thaw according to package directions), or homemade dough if you prefer. If using frozen dough, make sure it’s fully thawed before rolling.
• Pizza sauce: Use your favorite jarred pizza sauce or a quick homemade marinara. For a lighter sauce, look for low-sodium varieties.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts well and gives that classic pull. For extra flavor, mix in 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan.
• Pepperoni slices: Traditional pepperoni can contain pork. If you prefer non-pork options, substitute smoked turkey pepperoni, chicken pepperoni, or use smoked turkey slices. Vegetarian options include sauteed mushrooms, seasoned tofu, or cooked lentils for a meaty texture.
• Olive oil and Italian seasoning: These create a crisp, golden top with familiar pizza herbs. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, blend oregano and basil.

Directions :

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into small rectangles.
3. Place a spoonful of pizza sauce, a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, and a few pepperoni slices in the center of each rectangle.
4. Fold the dough over and pinch the edges to seal.
5. Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
6. Place the rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
7. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve warm with additional pizza sauce for dipping.

Step-by-step technique and tips

• Rolling the dough: Roll the dough into a rough rectangle about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. The thickness you choose affects the bake time—thinner for crispier rolls, slightly thicker if you want a chewier pocket.
• Cutting uniform pieces: Use a sharp pizza wheel or knife to cut rectangles roughly 2 x 3 inches for snack-sized rolls. If you want larger hand-held rolls, increase the size proportionally and adjust cook time by a few minutes.
• Sealing properly: After you fold the dough over the filling, press edges firmly. For an extra-secure seal, use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges. Lightly dampening the dough edges with water can help them stick better.
• Avoid overfilling: Too much sauce or cheese can cause the rolls to split open in the air fryer. A spoonful of sauce, a light sprinkle of cheese, and two to three pepperoni slices per rectangle is usually enough.
• Air fryer spacing: Arrange rolls in a single layer with a little space between each so hot air circulates. Work in batches if needed.
• Check for doneness: Aim for a deep golden color; if the dough looks pale after the initial cook time, give them 1–2 more minutes. If the tops brown too quickly, lower the temperature by 10–15°F and increase time slightly.

Pro Tips for Success Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

• Chill the filled pieces briefly: After stuffing and sealing a batch, place them on a tray in the fridge for 10–15 minutes. Chilled rolls hold their shape better and are less likely to burst while cooking.
• Use a light egg wash alternative: A thin brush of milk or oil gives a nice sheen without adding a strong flavor; egg wash will brown more deeply but can be skipped for a simpler finish.
• Rotate the basket halfway: If your air fryer cooks unevenly, rotate the basket or flip the rolls halfway through cook time to get an even golden color.
• Keep a small dab of flour-free sealing method: If you don’t want extra flour on the seam, use a dab of sauce or a small amount of beaten egg white as a “glue” to seal.
• Reheat gently: To keep leftovers crisp, reheat in the air fryer at 330–350°F for 3–5 minutes rather than microwaving, which makes them soggy.

Flavor Variations Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

• Veggie supreme: Replace pepperoni with a mix of finely chopped bell peppers, red onion, spinach, and sliced olives. Saute the veggies briefly to reduce moisture before adding to dough.
• BBQ chicken: Swap pizza sauce for a tablespoon of BBQ sauce and use cooked, shredded chicken mixed with a little smoked Gouda or cheddar instead of mozzarella.
• Margherita-style: Use fresh basil leaves, a sliver of fresh mozzarella, and a drizzle of olive oil. Add the basil after baking for the brightest flavor.
• Buffalo chicken: Mix shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and a little ranch or blue cheese crumbles, then roll and air fry. Serve with ranch for dipping.
• Breakfast roll: Scramble a little egg with shredded cheddar and chopped cooked breakfast sausage (or turkey sausage). These make a great morning grab-and-go.

Serving Suggestions Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Serve these rolls as a snack, appetizer, or part of a casual meal. A few tasty pairing ideas:

• Dips: Classic marinara, ranch dressing, garlic butter, or a zesty sriracha mayo.
• Sides: Crisp salads, roasted or air-fried vegetables, or a simple bowl of mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette.
• For parties: Arrange the rolls on a platter with toothpicks and a trio of dipping sauces—marinara, pesto, and garlic aioli—for variety.
• Kid-friendly plates: Pair with carrot sticks, apple slices, or a cup of cut fruit for a balanced lunch.
• Make it a pizza night: Add a DIY topping station so guests can choose fillings before you assemble and air fry.

Storage and Freezing Instructions Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Short-term storage

• Refrigerator: Let rolls cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 330–350°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispness.
  Long-term freezing (two methods)
• Freeze before cooking: Assemble and seal the rolls, then place them on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer and freeze until firm (about 1–2 hours). Transfer frozen rolls to a freezer bag and keep for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, add a couple of minutes to the air fryer cook time and cook from frozen at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, checking for an even golden color.
• Freeze after cooking: Fully cook and cool the rolls, then freeze in a single layer on a tray before transferring to bags. Reheat from frozen in an air fryer at 350–360°F for 4–6 minutes or until heated through.
  Thawing tips
• If frozen raw, thaw in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before air frying for a shorter cook time and more even texture. If cooking from frozen, expect a slightly longer bake time and check that the center reaches a safe, hot temperature.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) — estimate

Estimated serving size: 1 roll (recipe yields about 12 rolls)

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg

Notes on the nutrition estimate

• Nutrition depends on the specifics of the dough, pepperoni, and cheese brands you use. Choosing low-sodium sauce, reduced-fat cheese, or turkey pepperoni will lower sodium and fat amounts. The estimate above is for a typical store-bought dough with standard pepperoni and full-fat mozzarella.

FAQ About Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

How long do Air Fryer Pizza Rolls take to cook?

Air fryer cook times can vary by model and size of roll, but the recipe’s recommended 10–12 minutes at 375°F is a solid starting point for snack-sized rolls. Check at the 8–9 minute mark to monitor browning; if the outside is golden and the cheese is bubbling, they’re likely done. Larger rolls may need 2–4 extra minutes, while very thin rolls could finish faster. If you cook from frozen, add a few minutes to ensure the center heats through.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

Yes—these are great for make-ahead entertaining. Assemble and seal the rolls, then chill them on a tray for up to 24 hours before baking. For more flexibility, freeze the assembled rolls and bake from frozen on party day; allow extra cook time. If you prefer to cook ahead, warm them briefly in the air fryer before serving to bring back crispness.

What’s the best way to prevent soggy bottoms?

A key to avoiding soggy bottoms is shaping and spacing. Don’t overfill with sauce—too much moisture can leak and dampen the dough. Make sure the dough isn’t too thick; a slightly thinner crust will crisp more readily. Also, avoid stacking rolls in the air fryer basket and give each piece room for airflow. Brushing the bottoms with a light film of oil or using a preheated air fryer rack can help create a crisper base.

Can I use other cheeses or meats?

Absolutely. Mozzarella is classic for its melt and mild flavor, but you can use cheddar, provolone, fontina, or a blend. For a sharper taste, add some Parmesan or pecorino. If you want to replace pork pepperoni, choose smoked turkey pepperoni, chicken pepperoni, or go meat-free with sautéed mushrooms, seasoned tofu, or lentils. Be mindful of moisture-heavy fillings—cook or drain them first to prevent sogginess.

How do I keep these safe for kids (less sodium/fat)?

To make a kid-friendly, lighter version, choose low-sodium pizza sauce, reduced-fat mozzarella, and turkey pepperoni or a vegetable filling. Reduce oil on the tops and season gently with herbs rather than salt. Baking from chilled rather than frozen helps control cook time and texture, and cutting portions smaller helps with portion control. Always check internal temperature and let them cool slightly before serving to children.

My rolls split open in the air fryer—how can I stop that?

Roll splitting usually happens when rolls are overfilled or not sealed tightly. Use less sauce, press the edges to remove air pockets, and crimp with a fork or dampen the seam with water to help adhesion. Chill the rolls for 10–15 minutes before air frying to firm the dough. Also, make sure the filling isn’t too wet—squeeze excess liquid from high-moisture fillings like sauteed mushrooms or watery veggies.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are an easy, adaptable snack that combine the best parts of pizza into neat little pockets. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer for a satisfying crunch every time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping lunches, or just craving something warm and cheesy, this recipe is a reliable crowd-pleaser. Try one of the flavor variations and experiment with fillings to find your family’s favorite.

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