Get ready to experience a snack that’s crispy on the outside and bursting with melty cheese and savory goodness on the inside. These Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are your new go-to for quick, irresistible bites that satisfy pizza cravings in a snap. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe delivers that perfect crunch combined with comforting, rich flavors. Plus, making them right in the air fryer means less oil, less mess, and a whole lot of fun in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute snacks or appetizers.
- Healthier Alternative: Uses an air fryer to achieve crispiness without deep frying.
- Customizable: Easily adjust fillings to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Kid-Friendly: Perfect finger food that kids absolutely love.
- Great For Parties: Ideal for sharing and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but packs a flavorful punch. Each ingredient is essential to creating that irresistible texture and taste — from the dough that crisps up beautifully to the rich filling that melts just right.
- Pizza Dough: The base provides a chewy yet crispy exterior that holds the filling perfectly.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh shredded cheese adds creaminess and stretch with every bite.
- Pepperoni or Mini Sausages: Adds savory flavor and a bit of spice to the filling.
- Marinara Sauce: A rich tomato sauce that keeps the inside juicy and full of Italian flavor.
- Olive Oil: Helps give the crust that golden, crispy finish in the air fryer.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings a fragrant, herby kick that enhances every ingredient.
- Egg Wash (optional): Brushes on top for an extra glossy, golden appearance.
Variations for Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Want to make these pizza rolls your own? The fun part is how easy it is to switch things up based on what you have or what you love. Here are some tasty ideas to spark your imagination.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a veggie-packed bite.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for heat inside the rolls.
- Different Cheeses: Try provolone, cheddar, or a blend to bring a new flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Dough: Use pre-made gluten-free pizza crust for a celiac-friendly version.
- Make It Vegan: Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based sausage alternatives to fit vegan diets.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by shredding the mozzarella cheese and chopping your pepperoni or preferred fillings into small, bite-sized pieces. Keep your marinara sauce ready in a small bowl for easy assembling.
Step 2: Roll Out the Pizza Dough
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the pizza dough into a thin rectangle, about 1/8-inch thick. This thin layer crisps up nicely in the air fryer without getting doughy inside.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Evenly spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and the pepperoni over the sauce, then add a pinch of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Carefully roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, creating a firm log. Use a sharp knife to slice it into even rolls, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Dip your finger in water and run it along the edges to seal them well.
Step 5: Prepare for Air Frying
Brush each roll lightly with olive oil or an egg wash to get a golden finish. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes while you arrange the rolls in a single layer inside the basket.
Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook the pizza rolls for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness. The rolls should be golden brown with melted cheese oozing inside.
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause rolls to burst or not cook evenly inside.
- Even Slices: Cutting the rolls into uniform sizes helps them cook evenly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: This ensures your pizza rolls start cooking crisply from the first second.
- Use Parchment Paper: Placing a perforated parchment sheet in your air fryer basket prevents sticking and keeps clean-up easy.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the rolls cool slightly to avoid burning your mouth when biting in.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or a dusting of grated Parmesan elevates the appearance and adds a fresh, herbaceous note to your crispy air fryer pizza rolls.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of extra marinara sauce for dipping to make a complete and satisfying snack or light meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your pizza rolls on a wooden serving board accompanied by small ramekins of flavored dipping sauces like ranch, garlic butter, or spicy marinara for a party-friendly platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They retain their flavor but may lose some crispiness, which can easily be refreshed.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked or cooked pizza rolls. For frozen dough rolls, flash freeze on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen with a few extra minutes in the air fryer.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pizza rolls in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to regain that crispy exterior and warm, melty filling without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough works perfectly if you want to save time or don’t want to make dough from scratch. Just make sure it’s thawed and pliable before rolling it out.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these pizza rolls in a regular oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy, but the air fryer gives the best crunch with less oil.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, using a gluten-free pizza dough substitute is a great option, just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the dough used.
How do I prevent the rolls from bursting open?
Don’t overfill the rolls and make sure to seal the edges well by pressing firmly and using a bit of water to help stick the dough together.
Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
Definitely! Prepare and assemble the rolls ahead of time, keep them refrigerated, and air fry just before serving to ensure they’re fresh and crispy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a snack that’s crisp, cheesy, and easy to make, these Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are going to be a game-changer for you. From the speedy prep time to the delicious results, they’re perfect for any occasion. Grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you!
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Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 pizza rolls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free dough)
Description
Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls deliver a perfect crunchy exterior with a melty, savory cheese and pepperoni filling inside. Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, these appetizer bites are a healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks, customizable for various tastes and dietary needs. Ideal for parties, kids, or a quick snack, these rolls are made effortlessly in the air fryer with minimal oil and mess.
Ingredients
Base
- Pizza dough (enough to roll out into a thin rectangle about 1/8-inch thick)
Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices or mini sausages, chopped
- 1/3 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Finishing
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or egg wash for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Shred mozzarella cheese and chop pepperoni or your chosen fillings into small, bite-sized pieces. Have the marinara sauce ready in a small bowl for easy assembling.
- Roll Out the Pizza Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a thin rectangle about 1/8-inch thick. This ensures it crisps nicely in the air fryer without being doughy inside.
- Add the Filling: Spread a thin, even layer of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and chopped pepperoni evenly on top, then add a pinch of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Roll and Seal: Carefully roll the dough tightly from one end to the other to form a firm log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into even rolls about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of each slice to seal them well and prevent bursting during cooking.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly brush each pizza roll with olive oil or an egg wash to achieve a golden finish. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes while arranging the rolls in a single layer inside the basket.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Cook the pizza rolls for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking to promote even crispiness. The finished rolls should be golden brown with melted cheese oozing from inside.
Notes
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid too much filling to prevent rolls from bursting or undercooking inside.
- Even Slices: Cutting uniform-sized rolls ensures even cooking.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Starting with a preheated air fryer helps achieve crispiness immediately.
- Use Parchment Paper: A perforated parchment sheet in the basket prevents sticking and eases cleanup.
- Rest Before Serving: Let rolls cool slightly before eating to avoid burns.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pizza rolls
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg