Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are a modern take on a nostalgic favorite, combining the comfort of classic pizza flavors with the convenience and efficiency of air frying. These rolls feature a golden, crisp exterior wrapped around a melty mozzarella and pepperoni filling, delivering the familiar taste of pizza in a compact, handheld form.
Unlike frozen versions, homemade pizza rolls allow complete control over ingredients, texture, and flavor. Using fresh pizza dough creates a tender yet crisp shell that air fries beautifully without excessive oil. The result is a lighter, cleaner snack that still delivers on indulgence.
These pizza rolls are ideal for casual gatherings, game day spreads, after-school snacks, or simple weeknight appetizers. They are quick to assemble, cook rapidly, and appeal to both adults and kids, making them a reliable go-to recipe for nearly any occasion.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is built around balance, texture, and efficiency.
Air frying allows the dough to crisp evenly without deep frying, reducing oil while preserving crunch. Rolling the dough into sealed parcels prevents cheese leakage and ensures a molten center. Preheating the air fryer promotes immediate browning, while shaking halfway through cooking guarantees even color and texture.
The ingredient list is intentionally minimal, focusing on familiar flavors that perform well under high-heat air circulation. Each component serves a purpose, and the method ensures consistent results every time.
Recipe Info
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Snack, Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredient Breakdown
Pizza Dough
Pizza dough forms the foundation of this recipe. Store-bought dough offers convenience and consistent hydration, while homemade dough provides customization. Allowing the dough to rest at room temperature relaxes the gluten, making it easier to roll and shape without tearing.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella is chosen for its meltability and mild flavor. It creates a creamy interior without releasing excess oil or moisture that could compromise crispness.
Pepperoni
Pepperoni adds savory depth and familiar pizza flavor. Thin slices distribute evenly and heat quickly. For a fully vegetarian version, substitute with olives, mushrooms, or roasted peppers.
Italian Seasoning
A light sprinkle of Italian seasoning enhances the filling without overpowering it. It reinforces classic pizza aromatics like oregano and basil.
Salt
A small pinch sharpens flavor and balances the richness of the cheese.
Olive Oil Spray
Light oil coating encourages browning and prevents sticking without excess grease.
Marinara Sauce
Marinara serves as a dipping sauce, adding acidity and moisture that complements the crisp rolls.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Remove pizza dough from refrigeration and allow it to rest at room temperature for approximately 20 minutes. This step is critical for elasticity and ease of rolling.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough evenly to prevent thick or undercooked sections.
Step 2: Cut the Dough
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, divide the dough into uniform 3 × 3 inch squares. Consistent sizing ensures even cooking.
Step 3: Fill the Rolls
Place a small amount of mozzarella cheese and sliced pepperoni in the center of each square. Avoid overfilling, as excess filling can cause leaks during cooking.
Sprinkle lightly with Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Seal the Dough
Fold the dough over the filling to form a tight packet. Press the edges firmly to seal. Crimp with a fork if needed to ensure closure.
Proper sealing is essential to prevent cheese from escaping.
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures immediate crisping and even browning.
Step 6: Arrange in the Basket
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the pizza rolls in a single layer, leaving space between each roll to allow air circulation.
Step 7: Air Fry
Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The rolls should be golden brown and crisp on all sides.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Allow the pizza rolls to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for Best Results
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Do not overfill the dough
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Seal edges tightly to prevent leaks
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Always preheat the air fryer
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Cook in batches if necessary
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Let rolls rest briefly before serving
Variations
Vegetarian Pizza Rolls
Omit pepperoni and use vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
Cheese-Only Version
Fill with mozzarella and a small spoon of thick marinara.
Spicy Pizza Rolls
Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy pepperoni.
Breakfast Pizza Rolls
Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked vegetables.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free pizza dough and follow manufacturer cooking guidance.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls pair well with:
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Marinara sauce
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Garlic butter
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Ranch dressing
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Caesar dressing
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Fresh salad
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Vegetable platters
They work equally well as a standalone snack or as part of a larger appetizer spread.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Pizza rolls are best enjoyed fresh.
For short-term storage, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness.
For make-ahead preparation, assemble rolls and refrigerate uncooked for up to 24 hours, then air fry when ready.
Nutrition
This recipe is:
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Air-fried for reduced oil
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Vegetarian-friendly
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Protein-containing
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Portion-controlled
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving:
Calories: ~250
Protein: Moderate
Fat: Moderate
Carbohydrates: Moderate
Values vary depending on dough and cheese used.
FAQs
Can I use refrigerated biscuit dough?
Yes, but texture will be denser and cooking time may vary.
Do I need to flip the rolls?
Shaking the basket halfway ensures even cooking without manual flipping.
Can these be frozen?
Yes. Freeze uncooked rolls and air fry directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes.
Why did my cheese leak out?
Overfilling or improper sealing is the most common cause.
What air fryer size works best?
Any standard basket air fryer works. Avoid overcrowding.
Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls deliver everything a great snack should: familiar flavor, satisfying texture, and effortless preparation. By using fresh dough and air frying instead of deep frying, this recipe offers a cleaner, more controlled alternative to store-bought versions without sacrificing indulgence.
Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Ingredients
- Pizza dough store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of salt
- Olive oil spray
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Let the pizza dough rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut the dough into 3 × 3 inch squares.
- Place a small amount of mozzarella cheese and pepperoni in the center of each square. Sprinkle lightly with Italian seasoning and salt.
- Fold the dough over the filling, sealing the edges tightly by pressing or crimping with a fork.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil and arrange the pizza rolls in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Allow the pizza rolls to cool slightly, then serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
