Save to Pinterest These crispy air fryer pizza roll ups turn classic pizza flavors into hand held golden bites perfect for busy weeknights after school snacks or party trays. They satisfy pizza cravings fast with minimal mess and deliver plenty of gooey cheese chewy bread and herby flavor.
When my teenagers want a treat after practice these always disappear in minutes. The smell as they air fry instantly brings everyone to the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Sandwich bread: Choose white or whole wheat Pulling off the crusts gives an even texture Perfectly soft but sturdy for rolling
- Pizza sauce: Choose your favorite jarred or homemade sauce Look for one with a robust tomato flavor and few added sugars
- Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts best and gives the gooey texture Low moisture mozzarella keeps bread from getting soggy
- Pepperoni: Optional for extra flavor or swap for your favorite veggie slices Look for one with natural ingredients
- Dried Italian herbs: A mix of basil and oregano is classic Try a pinch of fresh for even more aroma
- Melted butter: Helps the roll ups turn deeply golden and crispy Brushing the seam helps them stay sealed
- Grated Parmesan: Adds a savory finishing touch Use real Parmesan for best results
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Get your air fryer hot by setting it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit This makes sure the bread crisps up from the start for the perfect crunch
- Prepare the Bread:
- Lay out each slice of bread and use a rolling pin to flatten it evenly Thinning the bread helps it roll tightly and holds the filling better
- Add the Sauce and Cheese:
- Spread a tablespoon of pizza sauce over each slice Use the back of a spoon to reach the edges without making a mess Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella over the sauce along with a dusting of Italian herbs
- Add Toppings:
- Lay three slices of pepperoni on each bread slice if using Keep the toppings in the center so you can roll smoothly
- Roll and Seal:
- Roll each slice up snugly from one end Brush the seam with melted butter this will glue the edge down and prevent it from unfurling while cooking
- Top and Coat:
- Brush the tops of each roll up with remaining melted butter Then sprinkle Parmesan over the top for even more flavor
- Arrange in the Air Fryer:
- Place roll ups seam side down in the air fryer basket Work in batches if they do not fit in a single layer
- Air Fry to Crispy Perfection:
- Cook for about six to eight minutes Turn halfway through for the most even browning The roll ups are ready when golden brown and the cheese is bubbly
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let cool for a minute before serving This helps the cheese set up so it does not ooze out Best dipped in extra pizza sauce
Save to Pinterest My favorite part is how the kitchen smells just like a pizzeria while these are air frying Once I made these for a birthday sleepover and the kids devoured them before I could even offer dipping sauce
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days To warm them up pop back in the air fryer for three minutes for super crisp results These do soften in the microwave but still taste great
Ingredient Substitutions
For a dairy free version use plant based cheese shreds and skip the Parmesan If you run out of bread try large tortilla halves or square flatbread Make it veggie loaded by sneaking in spinach bell peppers or mushrooms
Serving Suggestions
Serve a plate of these with a bowl of warm marinara for dipping A crisp green salad rounds out the meal If serving for brunch add a dollop of ricotta or serve with scrambled eggs on the side
Cultural and Historical Context
These pizza roll ups are a clever twist on Italian American comfort food blending classic pizza flavors with the convenience of American sandwich bread Air fryers make the method extra quick and healthy a trend that is winning over busy families everywhere
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer use pesto or sun dried tomatoes for a fresh kick In fall try sautéed mushrooms or roasted pumpkin with sage In winter toss in some chopped spinach or cooked broccoli for more veggies
Success Stories
My friend made these for a football party and everyone raved even the kids who claim to dislike veggies These are now her go to party snack because they are quick to assemble and always a hit The ability to customize each roll up also makes everyone happy
Freezer Meal Conversion
To freeze assemble the roll ups but do not air fry Wrap tightly in plastic and place in a freezer bag When you want a quick meal air fry straight from frozen adding one or two extra minutes Watch that they heat through and the cheese melts
Save to Pinterest Enjoy every bite of these pizza roll ups straight out of the air fryer or cooled just enough for dipping Perfect for family gatherings or spontaneous snacking
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use whole wheat bread for roll ups?
Yes, whole wheat bread works well and adds extra fiber. Flatten slices for best texture before filling.
- → How do I keep roll ups from unrolling?
Brush seam sides with melted butter to seal, then position seam-side down in the air fryer to hold shape as they cook.
- → Are vegetarian roll ups possible?
Absolutely! Leave out pepperoni and use more cheese or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
- → What dipping sauce pairs best with roll ups?
Extra pizza sauce or a mild marinara makes a perfect dip for these crispy roll ups, enhancing Italian flavors.
- → Can pizza roll ups be prepared ahead?
Yes, you can assemble roll ups in advance and air fry them just before serving to keep them crispy.
- → How do I avoid a soggy texture?
Be sure not to overfill with sauce and preheat your air fryer. Brush tops with butter to aid browning and crispness.