Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

This homemade air fryer pizza rolls recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into irresistible bite-sized treats that capture all the flavors of pizza in a fun, poppable form. I stumbled upon this technique when looking for ways to use leftover pizza dough, and now my family requests these crispy little bundles weekly instead of ordering takeout.

I originally created these as an after-school snack for my kids, but they quickly became our Friday night tradition. The air fryer gives these rolls the perfect crispy exterior while keeping the cheese melty and gooey inside.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough allows for a crispy yet chewy texture, store-bought works perfectly but homemade adds extra flavor
• Shredded mozzarella cheese use low-moisture whole milk mozzarella for best melting and flavor
• Pepperoni slices provides that classic pizza flavor, look for nitrate-free varieties when possible
• Marinara sauce essential for dipping, choose a thick variety that clings well to the rolls
• Italian seasoning adds authentic pizza parlor flavor in one convenient blend
• Salt enhances all the flavors, use kosher salt for better control
• Olive oil prevents sticking and helps achieve golden brown perfection

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Ingredients

Gather everything before starting to ensure a smooth process. Make sure cheese and pepperoni are ready to go as assembly moves quickly once you begin.

Prepare The Dough

Allow store-bought dough to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to relax the gluten and make it easier to work with. If using homemade dough, roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface.

Create Dough Squares

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, divide your dough into approximately 3×3 inch squares. You should get about 12-16 squares depending on how thin you roll your dough.

Add Fillings

Place a small amount of mozzarella and 1-2 pepperoni slices in the center of each square. Sprinkle with a pinch of Italian seasoning and the smallest touch of salt. Avoid overfilling or the rolls may burst during cooking.

Seal The Edges

Fold the dough over the filling to create a small rectangle or triangle. Press the edges firmly with your fingers, then use a fork to crimp and ensure a tight seal that prevents cheese from leaking.

Preheat Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F and allow it to preheat for 5 minutes. This ensures the rolls start cooking immediately when placed inside, creating a better texture.

Arrange And Cook

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the rolls in a single layer with space between each for proper air circulation. Work in batches if necessary rather than overcrowding.

Monitor And Flip

Cook for 8-10 minutes total, shaking the basket or flipping the rolls halfway through cooking. Look for a golden brown exterior as your indicator of doneness.

Rest And Serve

Allow the rolls to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. The filling inside will be extremely hot. Serve with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Bookmark

The Italian seasoning blend is actually my secret weapon in these rolls. My grandmother always added extra oregano and basil to her pizza sauce, and this seasoning mix reminds me of Sunday dinners at her house. The aroma that fills the kitchen when these are cooking brings back wonderful memories every time.

Storage And Reheating

These pizza rolls keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until heated through. This maintains their crispy texture much better than microwave reheating. You can also freeze the uncooked pizza rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Cook frozen rolls directly in the air fryer, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

Filling Variations

While pepperoni and cheese create that classic pizza flavor, these rolls welcome endless variations. Try adding small pieces of cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers. For vegetarian options, spinach and ricotta make a delicious combination, while pesto and mozzarella offer a fresh twist. Just remember to keep fillings relatively dry and chopped small to prevent soggy rolls or filling leakage.

Make Ahead Tips

For parties or large gatherings, you can assemble these rolls up to a day in advance. Prepare them through the sealing step, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. The next day, simply preheat your air fryer and cook as directed. This preparation strategy has saved me countless times when hosting game day gatherings or birthday parties.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade pizza dough for these air fryer rolls?

Yes, both store-bought and homemade pizza dough work perfectly. If using homemade, ensure it's rolled to an even thickness before cutting into squares.

→ What other fillings can I use besides pepperoni?

These are highly customizable! Try cooked sausage, ham, vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms, or different cheese varieties like cheddar or provolone.

→ Why are my pizza rolls leaking cheese?

This usually happens when the edges aren't sealed properly. Make sure to fold the dough over completely and firmly press or crimp the edges to create a good seal.

→ Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?

Absolutely! Prepare the rolls completely, then freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

→ How do I know when the pizza rolls are done?

The rolls are done when the outside is golden brown and crispy, typically after 8-10 minutes at 375°F. If you're unsure, you can open one to check that the cheese is melted and the dough is cooked through.

→ What can I serve with these pizza rolls?

Marinara sauce is the classic dipping option, but ranch dressing, garlic butter, or a spicy arrabbiata sauce also pair wonderfully with these rolls.