Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Recipe

In the world of quick, satisfying snacks, few things compare to the humble pizza roll. Crispy on the outside, gooey and flavorful on the inside, pizza rolls have long been a favorite treat for kids and adults alike. Traditionally baked or fried, these bite-sized parcels pack all the beloved flavors of pizza—cheese, tomato sauce, and savory toppings—into a convenient, handheld snack perfect for any occasion.

However, as modern cooking methods evolve, the air fryer has emerged as a game-changer in home kitchens, revolutionizing the way we prepare our favorite foods. By circulating hot air rapidly around the food, air fryers deliver crispy, evenly cooked results with little to no oil, making dishes like pizza rolls healthier without compromising taste or texture.

This Air Fryer Pizza Rolls recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the nostalgic comfort of pizza rolls and the innovative, health-conscious approach of air frying. Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick snack after school, impress guests with a fun appetizer, or enjoy a guilt-free indulgence during game day, this recipe offers a foolproof method for perfectly cooked pizza rolls every time.

Beyond just being easy and fast, making pizza rolls in the air fryer unlocks a new level of convenience and versatility. You can customize the filling to suit any preference—classic pepperoni and mozzarella, veggie-packed versions, or even creative twists like BBQ chicken or buffalo chicken. This recipe guide will cover everything from preparing the dough and fillings, to mastering the perfect roll-up technique, to air frying for the crispiest crust and meltiest cheese.

Moreover, we’ll explore tips for freezing and reheating, ways to turn pizza rolls into a full meal, and how to pair them with delicious dips and sides. Whether you are a kitchen novice or a seasoned home cook, the air fryer makes it easier than ever to enjoy fresh, homemade pizza rolls without the mess and hassle of deep frying.

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls: Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Preparing the Dough

Option 1: Using Store-Bought Dough

• For convenience, use refrigerated pizza dough or pre-made biscuit dough from your local grocery store. Look for dough that is easy to work with and not too sticky.

• Allow the dough to come to room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before rolling. This makes it easier to handle and less likely to tear.

Option 2: Making Homemade Pizza Dough

Ingredients for Basic Dough:

• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar, then sprinkle yeast over the top. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt.

3. Add yeast mixture and olive oil to flour mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

4. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.

6. Punch down the dough and roll out on a floured surface to your desired thickness (around ⅛ to ¼ inch thick).

Part 2: Preparing the Filling

Basic Filling Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or blend of mozzarella and cheddar)

• ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara

• ¼ cup mini pepperoni slices or diced pepperoni

• Optional: chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, cooked sausage, fresh basil, or spinach

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine shredded cheese and pepperoni slices (and any optional veggies or meats).

2. Stir gently to distribute evenly.

3. Have your pizza sauce ready in a small bowl or spoon for easy spreading.

Part 3: Assembling the Pizza Rolls

Step 1: Cutting the Dough

• Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×10 inches.

• Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into smaller squares roughly 3×3 inches. Adjust size depending on desired roll size.

Step 2: Filling Each Square

• Place a teaspoon of pizza sauce in the center of each dough square (avoid overfilling to prevent leakage).

• Add about a tablespoon of the cheese and pepperoni mixture on top of the sauce.

Step 3: Sealing the Rolls

• Lightly brush the edges of the dough square with water or beaten egg (for better sealing).

• Fold the dough over diagonally or fold edges together to form a neat pocket or roll.

• Press edges firmly with your fingers or a fork to seal completely.

• Optional: poke a small hole or two on top of each roll to allow steam to escape during cooking.

Part 4: Prepping the Air Fryer

Step 1: Preheat

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes.

Step 2: Arrange Rolls

• Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

• Place pizza rolls in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch or overlap (cook in batches if necessary).

Part 5: Air Frying

Step 1: Cooking Time

• Air fry the pizza rolls at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.

• Halfway through cooking, open the air fryer and gently flip each roll to ensure even browning on all sides.

Step 2: Checking for Doneness

• The pizza rolls should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.

• The cheese inside should be melted and bubbly.

Step 3: Adjusting Cooking Time

• If the dough is still doughy or pale, add 1–2 minutes more cooking time.

• If rolls are browning too quickly, reduce temperature by 10–15 degrees and cook longer.

Part 6: Serving

• Remove pizza rolls carefully with tongs or a spatula.

• Let cool for 2–3 minutes before serving to avoid burning from hot cheese.

• Serve with extra pizza sauce, marinara, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Part 7: Tips and Variations

• Cheese Variations: Use provolone, gouda, or a spicy pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

• Sauce Alternatives: Try pesto, Alfredo sauce, or barbecue sauce instead of traditional pizza sauce.

• Stuffed Rolls: Add cooked sausage, ground beef, or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and flavor.

• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based pepperoni or veggies.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough or wraps to accommodate dietary needs.