Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls: The Easiest & Fastest Recipe (Ready in Minutes!)

Posted on June 5, 2023 by Sophie

Dinner

Introduction

Oh, pizza rolls! Just hearing those words brings back a flood of memories, doesn’t it? Whether it’s movie nights, after-school snacks, or a quick and satisfying dinner, pizza rolls have a special place in our hearts (and our freezers!). But what if I told you that you could make them even better, way faster, and with a delightful crispy edge that boxed versions just can’t compete with? Get ready to say hello to your new favorite weeknight treat: Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls! They’re so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever waited for the store-bought kind.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fast: From dough to delicious in under 30 minutes!
  • Easy: Minimal ingredients and super straightforward steps.
  • Giftable: Make a batch and share the pizza love (if they last that long!).
  • Crowd-pleasing: These are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Gather ’round, folks, because this list is short and sweet, meaning more time for munching and less time for complicated shopping!

  • 1 cup pepperoni slices: The classic pizza topping that brings all the flavor!
  • 1/4 cup marinara sauce: Your favorite pizza sauce works perfectly here. Just a little goes a long way!
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning: This little sprinkle adds a big punch of classic Italian flavor.
  • 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade): The star of our show! Grab your favorite refrigerated pizza dough from the store, or use a homemade one if you’re feeling extra ambitious.
  • 1 pinch salt: Just a touch to enhance all those yummy flavors.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil: For that irresistible golden-brown, crispy finish.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Because what’s pizza without gooey, melty cheese?

How to Make It

Alright, kitchen buddies, let’s get these amazing pizza rolls rolling! It’s seriously as easy as 1, 2, pizza!

  1. Prep your air fryer: First things first, let’s get our air fryer nice and warm. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). This is key for getting that perfect crispy exterior.
  2. Roll out the dough: Grab a clean surface, sprinkle it with a little flour to prevent sticking, and then roll out your pizza dough. Aim for a nice, thin layer – this helps them cook through evenly and get that satisfying crunch.
  3. Sauce it up: Spread a thin, even layer of your marinara sauce all over the rolled-out dough. Remember to leave a little border around the edges so your delicious fillings don’t ooze out!
  4. Cheese, please! Now for the best part – the cheese! Sprinkle your shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
  5. Pepperoni power: Distribute those yummy pepperoni slices over the cheese. You want a good amount in every bite!
  6. Seasoning magic: Sprinkle your Italian seasoning and that pinch of salt over everything. It’s like a little flavor boost for our pizza rolls.
  7. Roll ’em up: This is where the “roll” in pizza roll comes in! Carefully and tightly roll up the dough, starting from one end, to form a log. The tighter you roll, the neater your slices will be.
  8. Slice and dice: Using a sharp knife, cut your dough log into 1-inch thick slices. These are your individual pizza rolls!
  9. Get that golden glow: Lightly brush each pizza roll slice with olive oil. This is our secret weapon for achieving that beautiful golden-brown and crispy finish in the air fryer.
  10. Air fryer time: Now, place your pizza rolls in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re in a single layer and aren’t touching each other. If you have a lot, you’ll likely need to cook them in batches – this ensures they all get that nice crispy texture.
  11. Cook to perfection: Air fry for 8-10 minutes. About halfway through the cooking time, give them a little flip to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden-brown color and a delightful crispiness.
  12. Serve and enjoy! Carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve them hot. Grab a side of extra marinara for dipping, if you like!

Substitutions & Additions

The beauty of these air fryer pizza rolls is how easily you can customize them! Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen. Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination:

  • Veggies Galore: Love a loaded pizza? Add finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or even some spinach before you roll. Just make sure they’re small enough to cook through.
  • Meat Lover’s Dream: Swap out the pepperoni for cooked crumbled sausage, ham, or even some crispy bacon bits.
  • Spice it Up: Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or a dash of hot sauce to your marinara.
  • Cheese Please! Feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor.
  • Different Sauces: While marinara is classic, you could also try a pesto or even a white garlic sauce for a different vibe.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks can make your air fryer pizza roll experience even smoother:

  • Don’t Overcrowd: This is probably the most important tip for crispy results. Give those rolls space in the air fryer basket!
  • Roll Tightly: For the neatest slices and to prevent excessive filling leakage, roll the dough log as tightly as possible.
  • Thin Dough is Key: Rolling the dough thinly ensures that the dough cooks through completely and becomes nice and crispy, not doughy in the middle.
  • Prep Ahead: You can make the pizza roll logs and slice them a few hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and then brush with olive oil and air fry when you’re ready to eat.

How to Store It

While these pizza rolls are truly best served fresh and hot, if you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occasion in my house!), here’s how to store them:

Once cooled completely, store any leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, I find the air fryer works best again! Pop them back in at around 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and slightly re-crisped.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?

You absolutely can! Crescent roll dough will give you a flakier, lighter result, which is also delicious. Just follow the same steps!

Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes! You can assemble the rolls, slice them, and then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to cook, you can air fry them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What dipping sauces go well with these pizza rolls?

Marinara sauce is the classic choice, of course! But you can also try ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a garlic parmesan dipping sauce for some extra flavor fun.

Print

Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Transform your freezer aisle favorites into a homemade masterpiece with this incredibly easy and fast Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls recipe. Perfect for a quick snack, movie night, or even a simple dinner, these pizza rolls are ready in under 30 minutes and deliver a delightful crispy exterior that store-bought versions can only dream of.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale

Main ingredients

  • 1 cup pepperoni slices (The classic pizza topping that brings all the flavor!)
  • 0.25 cup marinara sauce (Your favorite pizza sauce works perfectly here. Just a little goes a long way!)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (This little sprinkle adds a big punch of classic Italian flavor.)
  • 1 package pizza dough (Store-bought or homemade. Grab your favorite refrigerated pizza dough from the store, or use a homemade one if you’re feeling extra ambitious.)
  • 1 pinch salt (Just a touch to enhance all those yummy flavors.)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (For that irresistible golden-brown, crispy finish.)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (Because what’s pizza without gooey, melty cheese?)

Instructions

  1. First things first, let’s get our air fryer nice and warm. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). This is key for getting that perfect crispy exterior.
  2. Grab a clean surface, sprinkle it with a little flour to prevent sticking, and then roll out your pizza dough. Aim for a nice, thin layer – this helps them cook through evenly and get that satisfying crunch.
  3. Spread a thin, even layer of your marinara sauce all over the rolled-out dough. Remember to leave a little border around the edges so your delicious fillings don’t ooze out!
  4. Now for the best part – the cheese! Sprinkle your shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
  5. Distribute those yummy pepperoni slices over the cheese. You want a good amount in every bite!
  6. Sprinkle your Italian seasoning and that pinch of salt over everything. It’s like a little flavor boost for our pizza rolls.
  7. This is where the “roll” in pizza roll comes in! Carefully and tightly roll up the dough, starting from one end, to form a log. The tighter you roll, the neater your slices will be.
  8. Using a sharp knife, cut your dough log into 1-inch thick slices. These are your individual pizza rolls!
  9. Lightly brush each pizza roll slice with olive oil. This is our secret weapon for achieving that beautiful golden-brown and crispy finish in the air fryer.
  10. Now, place your pizza rolls in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re in a single layer and aren’t touching each other. If you have a lot, you’ll likely need to cook them in batches – this ensures they all get that nice crispy texture.
  11. Air fry for 8-10 minutes. About halfway through the cooking time, give them a little flip to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden-brown color and a delightful crispiness.
  12. Carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve them hot. Grab a side of extra marinara for dipping, if you like!

Notes

While these pizza rolls are truly best served fresh and hot, if you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occasion in my house!), here’s how to store them: Once cooled completely, store any leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, I find the air fryer works best again! Pop them back in at around 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and slightly re-crisped.

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