Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these homemade air fryer pizza rolls are my favorite answer to any snack craving or casual gathering. They are unbelievably easy to whip up with refrigerated pizza dough and can be finished in under thirty minutes thanks to the trusty air fryer. Whether you are prepping after-school snacks or hosting game night, these are a certified crowd pleaser.

These pizza rolls quickly became my go-to appetizer because they vanish the moment I pull them out. The first time I made them, I had to hide a few just so I could get a taste myself.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough: provides a crispy yet soft base and is easy to find pre-made
• Pizza sauce: brings that classic tomato flavor tight and tangy choose a quality brand or homemade for extra flavor
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts to gooey perfection seek low moisture for best results
• Grated Parmesan cheese: gives depth and a little salty kick and freshly grated is always better
• Chopped pepperoni: adds savory bite and texture for a meat lovers’ option stick to well-cured pepperoni
• Dried Italian herbs: offer classic aromatics and a touch of earthiness
• Garlic powder: adds a bold punch that mimics pizzeria flavor use pure garlic powder for best taste
• Olive oil: ensures golden crisp tops so go for extra virgin if possible
• Dried oregano: sprinkled on top for extra herby notes
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese: boosts flavor and texture on top

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Air Fryer:

Allow the air fryer to preheat at 190 degrees Celsius or 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about three minutes so the rolls cook evenly and get a jump start on crispiness

Shape the Dough:

Spread a little flour onto your work surface then gently unroll the refrigerated pizza dough Stretch it with your fingertips into a rectangle about thirty five by twenty five centimeters or fourteen by ten inches making sure not to rip it

Add the Fillings:

Using a spatula or the back of a spoon coat the dough evenly with pizza sauce Leave a narrow border so the sauce does not spill out during rolling Next scatter the mozzarella Parmesan chopped pepperoni Italian herbs and garlic powder evenly over the sauce

Roll and Slice the Dough:

Working from one long edge roll the dough up as tightly as possible to form a log shape Pinch along the seam to seal Use a very sharp knife to cut the roll into twenty four slices each about one and a half centimeters thick

Prep the Air Fryer Basket:

Lightly brush or spray your air fryer basket with olive oil so the rolls do not stick and cook up nicely browned

Arrange the Pizza Rolls:

Place the cut rolls into the basket leaving a bit of space between each one If you can not fit them all at once cook them in batches

Add Toppings:

Brush the tops of the rolls with a little more olive oil and sprinkle on dried oregano plus a pinch of extra grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor

Cook the Pizza Rolls:

Air fry for seven to eight minutes checking at the seven minute mark The cheese should be bubbly and the tops golden brown

Cool and Serve:

After cooking let the rolls rest for two minutes so the cheese sets slightly making them easier to handle Serve while still warm

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One of my favorite tricks is sneaking a little extra Parmesan in the filling for a savory surprise. My kids still talk about the time we made a double batch for a birthday party and there was nothing but empty plates left.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat place them back in the air fryer for two to three minutes until crisp. They also freeze beautifully. Lay cooked rolls on a tray to freeze and then transfer to a sealed bag for up to one month.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a gluten free version seek out certified gluten free pizza dough and check all your toppings. Dairy free cheese shreds work great in place of regular mozzarella and Parmesan. For a different flavor swap in marinara for pizza sauce or try another cooked sausage instead of pepperoni.

Serving Suggestions

Pile these pizza rolls onto a platter with bowls of warmed pizza sauce ranch or your favorite dip. For a fresh touch scatter chopped basil or parsley on top. They pair perfectly with a crunchy salad or a bowl of soup for a complete casual meal.

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Cultural and Historical Context

Pizza as we know it was popularized in Southern Italy but using dough stuffed with fillings has roots in many world cuisines from Italian stromboli to Chinese bao. This American style mashup turns the crowd favorite pizza into an easy snack perfect for air fryer fans and busy families.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you prevent the pizza rolls from sticking in the air fryer?

Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil before adding the pizza rolls. This helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal after cooking.

→ Can you make these pizza rolls vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the pepperoni or swap it for extra cheese or vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

→ What sauces are best for dipping pizza rolls?

Marinara, pizza sauce, or ranch dressing are tasty choices for serving alongside freshly cooked pizza rolls for dipping.

→ How can I add more flavor to the filling?

Add extra Italian herbs, a pinch of chili flakes, or a variety of cheeses. Chopped vegetables or cooked sausage can enhance both flavor and texture.

→ Is it possible to make these pizza rolls gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free pizza dough and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to create a tasty gluten-free version.

→ How do I store leftover pizza rolls?

Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture and taste.