Pizza Rolls in an Air Fryer

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are a quick, crispy, and satisfying snack or light dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes. Wrapped in golden pizza dough and filled with gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and rich tomato sauce, these handheld bites deliver classic pizza flavor with a perfectly crisp exterior. The air fryer ensures even browning without excess oil, making them both convenient and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Crispy Without Deep Frying – Air fryer creates a golden crust with minimal oil.
• Customizable Fillings – Easily swap meats, cheeses, or sauces.
• Kid-Friendly Favorite – Perfect for snacks, lunches, or casual dinners.
• Minimal Cleanup – No oven or stovetop required.
• Great for Entertaining – Bite-sized and easy to serve at gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 1 package pizza dough – Forms the soft yet crisp outer shell.
• 200g mozzarella cheese – Provides melty, stretchy texture (can substitute with provolone or cheddar).
• 100g pepperoni – Adds savory, slightly spicy flavor (or substitute ham or salami).
• 100g tomato sauce – Classic pizza base; enhance with oregano or garlic powder.
• Cooking spray – Helps achieve golden, crispy exterior.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F) for even cooking and optimal crisping.

Roll and Cut the Dough
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into evenly sized squares.

Add the Filling
Place a spoonful of tomato sauce in the center of each square, followed by mozzarella and pepperoni.

Fold and Seal
Fold each square into a roll or pocket shape. Press and pinch the edges firmly to seal and prevent filling from leaking.

Spray for Crisping
Lightly spray each roll with cooking spray to encourage browning.

Air Fry Until Golden
Arrange rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Serve Immediately
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm for the best texture.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Avoid Overfilling – Too much filling can cause leaks during cooking.
• Seal Edges Well – Press firmly or use a fork to crimp edges securely.
• Cook in Batches – Avoid overcrowding for even airflow and crisping.
• Monitor Closely – Air fryer times may vary slightly by model.
• Add Seasoning – Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top before cooking.
• Use Fresh Dough – Ensures soft interior and crispy exterior.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 rolls
Calories: Approximately 250 calories per roll (estimated)

Perfect Pairings

• Marinara dipping sauce
• Caesar salad
• Garlic butter dipping sauce
• Sparkling soda or iced tea

Ideal Occasions

• After-school snacks
• Game day appetizers
• Quick weeknight dinners
• Casual movie nights

Storage & Serving Tips

• Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days.
• Reheat in air fryer at 180°C for 3–5 minutes.
• Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain crispness.
• Freeze uncooked rolls up to 1 month; cook directly from frozen with slightly extended time.

Creative Variations to Try

• Veggie Lover’s Roll – Add sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
• Cheese Explosion – Mix mozzarella with ricotta or parmesan.
• Buffalo Chicken – Replace pepperoni with shredded buffalo chicken.
• Hawaiian Style – Add ham and pineapple chunks.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Filling leaks out – Ensure edges are tightly sealed.
• Rolls too pale – Lightly increase cooking time by 1–2 minutes.
• Dough undercooked – Reduce filling amount and cook slightly longer.
• Uneven browning – Flip rolls halfway through cooking if needed.

Why This Recipe Works

Air fryers circulate hot air rapidly around the dough, promoting even browning through convection heat. The cooking spray encourages surface crisping by aiding in Maillard browning, while sealed dough traps steam inside, creating a soft interior. Proper portion control prevents overstuffing and ensures balanced cooking. At approximately 250 calories per roll, these pizza bites offer satisfying flavor with a lighter preparation method compared to deep frying.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy pizza in a fun, portable form. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they’re ideal for quick meals or entertaining. For a lighter version, opt for reduced-fat cheese or add more vegetable fillings while maintaining that irresistible pizza taste.