I’m so excited to share my Air Fryer Pizza Rolls: Crispy, Cheesy, and Perfect for Dipping Recipe with you! These little bites of joy totally satisfy my craving for all things pizza but in a super fun, snackable form. Imagine golden, crispy pockets stuffed with melted mozzarella and spicy pepperoni, just begging to be dunked in rich marinara sauce. I love how quick and easy they come together, making them a perfect treat anytime I want something warm, cheesy, and absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pizza Rolls: Crispy, Cheesy, and Perfect for Dipping Recipe
Whenever I make these pizza rolls, what really stands out to me is the incredible flavor combo. The melted mozzarella becomes this gooey, irresistible center paired with the slightly spicy and savory pepperoni. The Italian seasoning adds just the right hint of herbaceous goodness, and the air fryer delivers a crust that’s crisp without being greasy—just perfect. Every bite has that comforting taste of classic pizza with the convenience of a handheld snack.
What truly makes this recipe special is how effortless it is. I love that I don’t have to heat up the whole oven or fuss over multiple pans. The air fryer does all the work! It’s a great recipe for quick weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or even casual parties where finger foods rule the night. Honestly, once you try these Air Fryer Pizza Rolls, they’ll become your go-to anytime you want something cheesy, crispy, and super satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential for making the magic happen—each one adds a note to the overall flavor, texture, or color that makes these pizza rolls irresistible.
- Pizza dough: I use either store-bought for convenience or homemade for that extra fresh flavor and perfect chew.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: This melts beautifully, creating that classic gooey pizza center we all love.
- Pepperoni slices: Adds spice, savory depth, and a little snap in every bite.
- Marinara sauce: For dipping; it’s the perfect tangy companion to balance the richness inside.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings an aromatic punch and authentic Italian flair.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors without overpowering.
- Olive oil: For lightly spraying the air fryer basket, which helps the crust crisp up beautifully without sticking.
Directions
Step 1: First, gather all your ingredients so everything is at your fingertips before you start. It helps keep the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Prepare the dough. If you’re using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out. If you’re making your own dough, roll it out on a floured surface into about a 12×12 inch square.
Step 3: Cut the rolled-out dough into 3×3 inch squares. I find these sizes perfect for one or two bites, depending on how hungry you are!
Step 4: On each square, place a small pile of shredded mozzarella, a few slices of pepperoni, and sprinkle with a pinch of Italian seasoning and salt. Don’t overstuff, or they might burst while cooking.
Step 5: Carefully fold each square over the filling to create a little pocket, then crimp the edges firmly with your fingers or a fork to seal them completely.
Step 6: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. A hot air fryer means crispier pizza rolls.
Step 7: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil so the rolls don’t stick. Arrange the rolls in a single layer, giving them some breathing room for even cooking.
Step 8: Cook the pizza rolls for 8 to 10 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket gently or flip the rolls for that gorgeous golden-brown finish all around.
Step 9: When done, let the rolls cool for a few minutes. They’re piping hot inside! Serve them warm with plenty of marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy each crispy, cheesy bite.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings, perfect for sharing with friends or family. Prep time is roughly 15 minutes, including rolling and filling the dough. The cook time in the air fryer takes just 8 to 10 minutes, plus 5 minutes to preheat. Altogether, you’re looking at about 30 to 35 minutes from start to finish, including a brief resting time for the dough and cooling after cooking.
How to Serve This Air Fryer Pizza Rolls: Crispy, Cheesy, and Perfect for Dipping Recipe
I love serving these Air Fryer Pizza Rolls piping hot straight from the air fryer because that’s when they’re so perfectly crispy. They pair beautifully with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping, but I also like offering a side of ranch or garlic butter for a different twist. For something fresh on the side, a crisp garden salad or even some roasted vegetables balances the richness wonderfully.
Presentation-wise, I find it fun to serve the pizza rolls on a large platter lined with parchment paper, scattered with fresh basil or a sprinkle of parmesan. It elevates the casual vibe without any extra fuss. If I’m hosting a party, I’ll provide toothpicks so guests can snack with ease.
As for drinks, these go great with a cold lager or an easygoing red wine like Chianti. Non-alcoholic fans will enjoy sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a fun soda. These little pockets of cheesy goodness are winners during game nights, family movie nights, or as a no-fuss appetizer for holidays and gatherings.
Variations
I’m always tinkering with this recipe to suit different cravings or dietary needs. For instance, swapping pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted veggies makes a tasty vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying. You can also experiment with different cheeses like provolone or a spicy pepper jack for a flavor twist.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simple swaps with gluten-free pizza dough work beautifully. For a vegan take, I recommend using vegan mozzarella and plant-based pepperoni alternatives along with your favorite dairy-free dough. The air fryer still creates that wonderful crispiness!
While I swear by the air fryer for its speed and perfect texture, you can bake these pizza rolls in an oven at 400°F for about 12 to 15 minutes if you prefer. Just keep an eye on their color to avoid overbrowning. Each method yields delicious results but the air fryer truly gives these rolls that extra crunch.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though I find they usually disappear fast!), store the pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I use glass or BPA-free plastic containers that seal tightly to keep them from drying out. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, which makes them great for a quick snack or lunch the next day.
Freezing
These pizza rolls freeze well if you want to prep in advance. I recommend freezing them uncooked: place the filled and sealed rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment so they don’t stick, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months frozen. When you’re ready to eat, just air fry from frozen adding a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat leftover pizza rolls and bring back that fresh-from-the-air-fryer crisp, avoid microwaving if you can. Instead, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, a quick bake in the oven works well too. This way, you maintain that perfect outer crunch and melty interior without turning soggy.
FAQs
Can I make these pizza rolls without an air fryer?
Absolutely! While an air fryer gives you the crispiest texture with less oil, you can bake the pizza rolls in a conventional oven at 400°F for about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they get golden but don’t burn. You can also pan-fry them in a skillet with a little oil for a different texture.
What kind of pizza dough works best?
I find both store-bought and homemade dough works wonderfully. Store-bought is super convenient and always reliable, while homemade dough adds a slightly fresher, chewier bite that’s unbeatable if you have the time. Just make sure the dough is rolled evenly so the rolls cook through completely.
Can I use other fillings besides pepperoni?
Definitely! These pizza rolls are super versatile. Try fillings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or even a mix of cheeses. Just be sure to keep fillings on the drier side to avoid soggy dough or leaks during cooking.
Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps the pizza rolls crisp up quickly and cook evenly, so it’s definitely my recommended step. It only takes about 5 minutes and makes a noticeable difference in texture, especially for the signature crisp crust you’re aiming for.
How do I make these rolls crispy without using too much oil?
The air fryer does most of the work here! A light spray of olive oil on the basket prevents sticking and encourages browning without adding greasiness. Avoid drenching the rolls in oil—just a gentle spritz is enough for a beautifully crisp finish.
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Air Fryer Pizza Rolls: Crispy, Cheesy, and Perfect for Dipping Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that brings fun, flavor, and convenience all together in one bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy snack, these pizza rolls will quickly become a favorite. So grab your dough, cheese, and pepperoni, and get ready to enjoy crispy, cheesy deliciousness like never before!
