Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Recipe – Crispy, Cheesy, and Easy Snack

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Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are the ultimate quick snack that combines the irresistible flavors of pizza in a convenient, bite-sized roll. Perfect for busy weeknights, kids’ lunchboxes, or party appetizers, these homemade pizza rolls are healthier and faster than store-bought frozen versions. Using an air fryer ensures a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the cheese and toppings warm and gooey inside. This recipe is beginner-friendly, customizable, and ideal for anyone craving a fun and satisfying snack without the long wait.

Why Make Air Fryer Pizza Rolls?

Traditional pizza rolls often come frozen and contain preservatives or artificial flavors. Making your own air fryer pizza rolls allows you to control the ingredients, customize fillings, and enjoy a freshly baked snack in under 20 minutes. The air fryer gives you golden, crispy rolls without deep-frying in oil, making them a lighter, healthier option. Plus, this recipe is flexible—vegetarian, meat lovers, or even dessert variations are possible with minimal changes.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or homemade pizza dough
  • 1 tsp olive oil (for brushing)

Filling

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
  • Optional: chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or cooked sausage

Seasoning

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dough: Roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/4 inch thick. Trim edges if needed to form a rectangle.
  2. Add Filling: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella, mini pepperoni slices, and any additional toppings. Sprinkle Parmesan and season with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Roll and Cut: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from one long edge. Slice the roll into 1–1.5 inch pieces using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
  4. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  5. Cook Rolls: Lightly brush the pizza rolls with olive oil. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket (do not overcrowd). Cook for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
  6. Serve: Remove carefully from the air fryer and let cool for 2 minutes. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

  • Even Sizing: Slice rolls evenly to ensure all cook at the same rate.
  • Cheese Control: Use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for extra melty texture.
  • Crispier Rolls: Brush a little olive oil or melted butter on top for a golden crust.
  • Freeze Ahead: Assemble rolls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry directly from frozen—add 2–3 minutes to cooking time.

Variations

  • Vegetarian: Skip pepperoni; add bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or olives.
  • Meat Lovers: Add cooked sausage, bacon, or ham.
  • Cheese Explosion: Mix mozzarella with cheddar or gouda for deeper flavor.
  • Dessert Pizza Rolls: Spread Nutella inside dough, add sliced bananas or strawberries, air fry, and dust with powdered sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are perfect for:

  • Kids’ after-school snacks
  • Game day appetizers
  • Party finger foods
  • Quick lunch or dinner side

Pair with ranch dressing, garlic butter, or spicy marinara for dipping. Serve alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Fun Facts About Pizza Rolls

  • Pizza rolls were invented in the United States as a convenient snack inspired by Italian calzones.
  • They became widely popular in frozen food aisles during the 1960s and 70s.
  • Using an air fryer is a modern twist, reducing oil and making homemade pizza rolls crispier and faster than oven baking.

Nutrition (Approximate per roll)

  • Calories: 180
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are a balanced snack that delivers protein and calcium from cheese, while keeping fried oil content low.

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Crispy, cheesy, and easy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls perfect for snacks, parties, and quick meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1 tsp olive oil for brushing
Filling
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup mini pepperoni slices
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 cup marinara sauce plus extra for dipping
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Air fryer
  • Rolling Pin
  • Knife or pizza cutter

Method
 

  1. Roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thick.
  2. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough. Add mozzarella, pepperoni, Parmesan, and seasonings.
  3. Roll the dough into a log and slice into 1–1.5 inch pieces.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  5. Brush rolls with olive oil and place in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook 8–10 minutes until golden.
  6. Cool 2 minutes and serve warm with marinara sauce.

Notes

Optional toppings include mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked sausage. Rolls can be frozen before air frying for meal prep.

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