© Original recipe by Serena Miller ©
🍕🔥 Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls for Snack Attack
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a snack that’s both crispy and satisfyingly cheesy, then air fryer pizza rolls are your new best friend. These bite-sized delights combine gooey melted cheese, flavorful pepperoni, and zesty marinara—all encased in a crispy, golden shell. Perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer, this recipe delivers the irresistible crunch and savory goodness that make pizza rolls a universal favorite. Plus, using the air fryer means you get that perfect crunch without the greasy aftermath.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 15-20 minutes—perfect for quick snack cravings or last-minute parties.
- Super crispy snack with a tender, melty interior that melts in your mouth.
- Healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried pizza rolls, thanks to the air frying method.
- Easy party appetizer—impress guests with minimal effort but maximum flavor.
- Versatile — customize fillings to suit your taste or dietary needs.
3. Ingredient Notes
For this recipe, quality matters. Use freshly grated mozzarella cheese for that gooey, melty texture that pizza rolls are famous for. A good pizza sauce adds zest and tang—opt for a smooth marinara or your favorite marinara blend. Pepperoni or other cured meats provide that savory bite, but feel free to swap in cooked sausage, chopped veggies, or even plant-based proteins for variety.
When it comes to wrapper dough, store-bought pizza dough or pre-made crescent roll sheets work perfectly. For a healthier twist, try whole wheat dough or gluten-free options. To ensure your rolls stay sealed and don’t burst during cooking, use a beaten egg wash or a touch of water to seal the edges securely.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
At the heart of this crispy snack is a good compact 6-in-1 digital air fryer. This versatile gadget ensures your pizza rolls turn out evenly crispy without excess oil, plus its easy-to-use interface makes cooking straightforward. A quality non-stick cookware set makes prepping and handling the dough seamless, while a Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer offers additional cooking flexibility if you want to experiment with other snack ideas.
5. How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Prepare the Filling
Start by mixing shredded mozzarella, chopped pepperoni, and perhaps a spoonful of marinara sauce in a bowl. You want a cheesy, flavorful filling that’s easy to spoon onto the dough.
Wrap and Seal
Roll out your dough into a thin rectangle. Distribute the filling evenly across one edge, leaving about an inch of space around the edges. Carefully roll up the dough, sealing the edges with a bit of beaten egg or water to prevent leaks. Slice into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces, and place them seam side down on a parchment-lined tray.
Air Frying
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the rolls with a bit of oil or spray for added crispiness. Arrange the rolls in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren’t touching. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. The aroma of baked dough and melting cheese will fill your kitchen!
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Do not overfill — a generous but not overflowing amount of filling ensures they seal well and cook evenly.
- Use parchment paper or silicone liners inside your air fryer to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Spray lightly with oil on top before air frying for an extra crispy exterior.
- Allow to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking—this helps the cheese set and prevents hot fillings from escaping when biting.
7. Variations & Substitutions
Switch up the fillings to cater to different diets or preferences. Vegetarian? Try sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives. Vegan? Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based sausage or veggies. For a spicy kick, add some jalapeños or hot sauce into the filling. Gluten-free? Opt for a celiac-safe dough or try cauliflower-based wraps.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes, or until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the shells soggy and diminish that signature crunch.
9. FAQ
Can I freeze uncooked pizza rolls?
Yes! Shape and freeze the prepared rolls on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen solid, transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen in the air fryer, adding an extra 3-4 minutes to the cooking time.
What are the best fillings for pizza rolls?
Cheese and pepperoni are classic, but you can get creative with cooked sausage, vegetables, or vegan cheese. Just ensure that the fillings are cooked before wrapping to ensure even heating.
How do I prevent the rolls from bursting open?
Sealing the edges thoroughly with egg wash or water helps keep the filling contained. Avoid overfilling and use a sharp knife to cut cleanly, preventing tears in the dough.
Can I make these in a regular oven?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
10. Conclusion
These crispy air fryer pizza rolls are a game-changer for quick snacks or parties. Their perfect crunch and cheesy, savory filling make them irresistibly snackable. With just a handful of ingredients and simple techniques, you can elevate your snack game and impress everyone with this easy, delicious treat. Dive into more fun recipes like indulgent wizarding desserts or create a magical brunch with Hogwarts-inspired brunch.
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Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls for Snack Attack
These air fryer pizza rolls are a crispy, cheesy snack filled with flavorful toppings, perfect for quick bites or parties.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 package of refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Cut into small rectangles or circles.
- Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce onto each piece, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add Italian seasoning.
- Roll up each piece into a tight log or fold over to form a pocket, pinching the edges to seal.
- Place the rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve with marinara sauce.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time for larger or smaller rolls.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with garlic powder or red pepper flakes before cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Method: Air frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rolls
- Calories: 180 Kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
