Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Sometimes you just want pizza night to be a little more fun These air fryer pizza rolls hit that craving with gooey cheese zesty pepperoni and crisp golden crust without the mess or extra oil of deep frying In just about forty minutes you get custom pizza snacks the whole family will love

I first created these during a movie night when we needed something beyond regular pizza Now they are our go to game day treat and everyone loves making their own version

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: works with either ready made or homemade choose dough that feels soft but not sticky for the best rise and easy rolling
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully and gives that classic stretchy pizza texture find a block and shred it yourself for creamier results
• Pepperoni slices: add that iconic flavor and spice use turkey pepperoni for a lighter option
• Marinara sauce: for dipping rounds out the pizza flavor look for one with minimal added sugar for the best taste
• Italian seasoning: lifts all the flavors try to find a blend with real dried herbs
• Pinch of salt: highlights the flavors and balances richness flaky sea salt makes a nice finishing touch if you like
• Olive oil: essential for crisping the crust without oiliness use a pure olive oil spray for the most even results

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients:

Let the pizza dough sit at room temperature for twenty minutes if cold This helps it roll out evenly and prevents tearing

Roll and Cut:

On a lightly floured surface roll out the dough into a rectangle about one quarter inch thick Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter slice it into three inch squares for even rolls

Fill the Squares:

Place a spoonful of shredded mozzarella cheese and a few pepperoni slices into the center of each dough square Sprinkle each with Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt for flavor

Seal the Rolls:

Fold each corner of the dough square toward the center pinching and crimping all the edges thoroughly Make sure the filling is completely enclosed to prevent any leakage during cooking

Preheat Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety Celsius and let it preheat for five minutes This ensures the rolls get crisp as soon as they hit the basket

Arrange and Spray:

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking Place the sealed pizza rolls seam side down in the basket leaving a bit of space between each Do not overcrowd or you will not get an even brown crust

Cook and Shake:

Air fry the rolls for eight to ten minutes Halfway through shake the basket gently or turn rolls with tongs if needed This guarantees even crisping on all sides

Cool and Serve:

After air frying let the rolls cool on a rack or plate for a few minutes so the cheese sets Serve warm with a generous side of marinara sauce for dipping

Pepperoni is my kids favorite filling and the one that disappears fastest at the table I have so many memories of us making these together hands deep in flour and laughter with each roll turning out just a bit different from the last

Storage Tips

These pizza rolls keep well in the fridge for up to three days Store them in an airtight container to keep them from drying out When ready to eat pop them right back in the air fryer until warmed through and crispy again

Ingredient Substitutions

Not a fan of pepperoni Try chopped bell peppers sauteed mushrooms or black olives for a veggie version Swap mozzarella for provolone or cheddar for a twist Dairy free cheese works just as well if melting is your goal

Serving Suggestions

Pair with ranch dressing garlic butter or pesto for dipping Serve alongside a simple green salad or roasted veggies to round out the meal They also make a standout lunchbox treat that holds up well through the day

Cultural and Historical Context

Pizza rolls are bite sized versions of classic Italian American pizza They take inspiration from both stromboli and calzones but make it easy to enjoy on the go The air fryer brings in a new twist letting the traditionally deep fried snack turn out lighter and just as satisfying

Seasonal Adaptations

Add roasted squash or spinach for a fall twist Layer in fresh basil or ripe tomatoes in summer for a fresh flavor Try spicy soppressata or capicola for a festive winter snack

Success Stories

Friends have told me they now keep pizza dough on hand just for this recipe It has become a hit at birthday parties and is perfect for getting kids involved in the kitchen Everyone loves loading up their own fillings

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can assemble the uncooked pizza rolls and freeze them on a baking sheet Once solid transfer to a zip top bag When ready to eat just cook straight from frozen in the air fryer at three hundred seventy five degrees for twelve to fourteen minutes No need to thaw

Try these for your next gathering or weeknight treat You will love how fun and versatile they are

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade dough?

Yes, both homemade and store-bought pizza dough work well. Just let the dough come to room temperature before rolling out for easier handling.

→ What other fillings can I use?

Feel free to add bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or your favorite cheeses to customize each roll to your taste.

→ How do I prevent the rolls from sticking?

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil before adding the rolls to ensure easy removal and crispiness.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the rolls in advance and refrigerate until ready to air fry. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.

→ How can I reheat pizza rolls?

For best results, reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until they crisp up and the cheese melts again.

→ Do I need to flip the rolls?

Instead of flipping, simply shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides.