I’ve made these air fryer pizza rolls more times than I can count, and they’re my secret weapon for after-school snacks. The first batch I ever made didn’t seal properly because I overstuffed them, and cheese oozed everywhere in the air fryer. I learned quickly that restraint with the filling is key. Now they turn out perfectly crispy every time, with just enough gooey cheese inside without the mess.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
I keep pizza dough in my refrigerator at all times because it’s endlessly versatile for quick meals. For these rolls, store-bought dough works beautifully and saves time. My go-to brand is Trader Joe’s pizza dough since it’s consistently good and affordable. Here’s everything you’ll need to make about 12-14 rolls:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, at room temperature)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – I recommend using whole milk mozzarella for the best melt
- 1 cup pepperoni slices (mini pepperonis work especially well here)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of salt
- Olive oil spray (for the basket)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping) – My preference is Rao’s marinara for its authentic flavor
Optional fillings to customize:
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage – In my experience, browning it beforehand prevents excess grease
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach (chopped fine)
- 1/2 cup mixed cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend letting your dough sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before you begin. This makes rolling and sealing much easier and prevents the dough from tearing.
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes. While it heats, roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into 3×3 inch squares. You should get 12-14 squares depending on how you cut them.
Step 2: Place each dough square on your work surface. Add 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center, followed by 2-3 pepperoni slices, a small pinch of Italian seasoning, and a tiny pinch of salt. Don’t overfill or they’ll burst open during cooking.
Step 3: Fold the dough over the filling diagonally to create a triangle shape, or bring all four corners to the center and pinch together for a packet-style roll. Press the edges firmly together, then use a fork to crimp all around the sealed edges. This creates a tight seal and adds a decorative pattern.
Step 4: Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the pizza rolls in a single layer, leaving about 1/2 inch of space between each one. Cook in batches if necessary rather than overcrowding.
Step 5: Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, gently shaking the basket at the 5-minute mark to ensure even browning on all sides. The rolls are done when golden brown and crispy. Let them cool for 2-3 minutes before serving since the filling will be extremely hot straight from the air fryer.
Perfect Pairings for Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
These crispy bites pair beautifully with sides that balance their rich, cheesy flavor without overwhelming your palate.
Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy Caesar dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy rolls. The combination creates satisfying balance between indulgent and light.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes: For a heartier meal, serve these alongside garlicky steak bites and crispy potatoes. The savory combination makes a satisfying spread for game day or casual gatherings.
Garden Salad with Vinaigrette: A simple mixed greens salad with light vinaigrette offers a fresh, acidic counterpoint that cuts through the richness of cheese and dough.
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage: Double down on comfort food with these creamy, cheesy potatoes alongside your pizza rolls for an indulgent party platter everyone will devour.
Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup: On cooler evenings, serve these pizza rolls alongside a bowl of warm, creamy potato soup for a comforting meal that satisfies completely.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts seasoned with garlic and olive oil. The caramelized edges of roasted veggies add nutritional value and textural variety.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’ve cooled completely before storing to prevent condensation from making them soggy.
For reheating, the air fryer gives the best results. Pop them back in at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again. If you’re short on time, the microwave works in 30-45 seconds, though you’ll sacrifice crispiness. Place a paper towel under them in the microwave to absorb excess moisture.
These rolls freeze beautifully both cooked and uncooked. For uncooked rolls, assemble them completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen at 375°F for 12-15 minutes. For cooked rolls, let them cool completely, freeze the same way, and store for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use egg roll wrappers instead of pizza dough?
Yes, egg roll wrappers create an extra crispy texture and are even easier to work with. Brush the edges with water to seal them properly, and reduce cooking time to 6-8 minutes since they cook faster than dough.
Why do my pizza rolls burst open during cooking?
This usually happens from overfilling or not sealing the edges properly. Stick to about 1 tablespoon of filling per roll and make sure to crimp the edges well with a fork for a secure seal.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze them uncooked for up to 2 months. Cook frozen rolls at 375°F for 12-15 minutes without thawing first.
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes. Roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut the dough into 3×3 inch squares using a pizza cutter or sharp knife to create 12-14 squares.
- Place each dough square on your work surface. Add 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center, followed by 2-3 pepperoni slices, a small pinch of Italian seasoning, and a tiny pinch of salt. Avoid overfilling to prevent bursting.
- Fold the dough over the filling diagonally to create a triangle shape or bring all four corners to the center for a packet-style roll. Press the edges firmly together, then use a fork to crimp all around the edges to create a tight seal.
- Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange the pizza rolls in a single layer, leaving about 1/2 inch of space between each roll. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, gently shaking the basket at the 5-minute mark to ensure even browning. The rolls are done when they are golden brown and crispy. Let them cool for 2 to 3 minutes before serving with marinara sauce.
Notes
