Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

I discovered these air fryer pizza rolls completely by accident while scrolling through TikTok at midnight, and my first thought was, wait, this actually works? My teenager had been begging for something fun to make together, and here was the answer—something that looked impressive but felt genuinely easy. The moment I pulled that first batch out of the air fryer, golden and crackling, with the cheese just barely holding in at the edges, I understood why this trend had taken over the internet. They're crispy, gooey, and feel like you're doing something special without breaking a sweat.

Last month, my friends came over for a movie night, and I decided to surprise them with these instead of the usual frozen appetizers. Watching their faces light up when they bit into that hot, crunchy exterior and hit the melted cheese inside—that was the moment I realized how much fun food can be when it's made with intention. They immediately asked for the recipe, which meant I'd found something worth repeating.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough (1 package, about 400 g): This is your shortcut to success, and honestly, there's no shame in using it—it bakes into something sturdy enough to hold the filling without getting soggy or splitting during the air fry.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (120 g / 1 cup): Use the good stuff if you can; pre-shredded works fine, but freshly shredded melts more evenly and creates those beautiful gooey pockets.
• Mini pepperoni slices (60 g / 1/2 cup, optional): These stay slightly crispy in the air fryer and add that salty-savory punch, but swap for diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives if you want something different.
• Pizza sauce (4 tbsp): Thin it slightly if it's too thick so it spreads evenly without dragging the dough apart—a small detail that prevents tearing during rolling.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tbsp): This adds a nutty depth that keeps the rolls from tasting one-note, so don't skip it even if it seems small.
• Dried Italian herbs (1/2 tsp): A pinch of oregano and basil brings everything together and makes it taste restaurant-quality without extra effort.
• Egg wash (1 beaten egg): This seals the dough and gives you that golden, bakery-fresh finish that makes people think you spent hours on these.
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray: Either works, but olive oil gives a slightly richer color and flavor.

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer:

Set it to 375°F (190°C) and give it 5 minutes to heat through—this ensures the rolls start crisping immediately instead of steaming first.

Roll out the dough:

Work on a lightly floured surface and stretch the dough into a rectangle about 12 x 10 inches, leaving the edges slightly thicker so they don't tear when rolling. If it springs back, let it rest for a minute and try again.

Spread the sauce:

Use the back of a spoon to distribute the pizza sauce evenly, leaving a 1/2 inch border on all sides so the egg wash can seal it properly.

Layer the fillings:

Sprinkle mozzarella first, then Parmesan, pepperoni (or your vegetable of choice), and herbs—distribute them evenly so each roll gets a balanced bite.

Roll tightly:

Starting from a long edge, roll the dough toward you as tightly as you can without squeezing the fillings out, then pinch the seam closed. A tight roll prevents the filling from leaking during cooking.

Slice with confidence:

Use a sharp knife and slice straight down without sawing motions—this keeps the filling from smearing. You should get 24 even pieces, each standing upright with visible filling.

Seal with egg wash:

Brush the cut sides of each roll lightly with beaten egg—this acts like glue to hold everything together and creates that glossy golden exterior.

Prep the air fryer:

Give the basket a quick spray with cooking oil so the rolls don't stick and you get even browning on the bottoms.

Arrange in the basket:

Place rolls seam-side down in a single layer with a little space between each one; they need room for air to circulate, so don't cram them in. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches.

Final egg brush:

Give the tops a light coating of egg wash for that bakery finish, but don't oversaturate—a thin layer is all you need.

Air fry with attention:

Cook for 8–10 minutes at 375°F, flipping halfway through so both sides crisp up evenly. Watch for golden brown, not dark—they cook faster than you'd expect.

Cool briefly before serving:

Let them rest for 2–3 minutes so the cheese inside sets just enough to not burn your mouth, then serve warm with extra sauce for dipping.

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There's something almost magical about serving homemade pizza rolls—they taste indulgent but feel achievable, and they've become my go-to when I want to impress without stress. That combination of being able to customize them for different people while keeping the technique exactly the same makes them feel like the perfect recipe.

Customization Ideas That Actually Work

The beauty of these rolls is how forgiving they are with variations; I've made versions with everything from caramelized onions to fresh basil, and they all turned out great. The rule is simple: keep the cheese as your base, keep the sauce ratio consistent, and anything else is fair game. For vegetarians, skip the pepperoni and add roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes—the texture stays the same and the flavors work just as well.

Storage and Reheating

I've found these keep beautifully for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheating them in the air fryer for 4–5 minutes at 350°F brings them right back to crispy life without drying them out. You can also freeze them unbaked for up to a month—just add 2–3 minutes to the cooking time straight from the freezer, and they come out just as good as fresh.

Why Your Air Fryer Is About to Become Your Favorite Appliance

Before making these, I thought air fryers were just hype, but the way they crisp the outside while keeping the inside tender and gooey is genuinely impressive—no oil splatters, no standing over a stove, just results. This recipe is what converted me from skeptic to believer, and now I'm convinced the air fryer is secretly the most useful tool in my kitchen for appetizers and snacks. The speed and consistency mean you can go from idea to serving in under 30 minutes, and that's worth its weight in gold when you're entertaining.

• Always preheat your air fryer, even if the manual says you can skip it—those 5 minutes make a real difference in crispiness.
• If rolls stick slightly, a small offset spatula or butter knife slides under them perfectly and helps you flip without them falling apart.
• For extra golden rolls, brush with a mix of egg yolk and a tiny splash of water instead of whole egg—it creates an even more beautiful finish.

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These pizza rolls have become the recipe I reach for when I want something fun that doesn't require any special skills or ingredients. They remind me that some of the best things to serve come from paying attention to the details—a good seal, even layers, proper spacing—rather than complexity.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of dough works best?

Refrigerated pizza dough provides the ideal texture and ease of use, but whole wheat or gluten-free dough can be substituted.

→ Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes, by using diced vegetables like bell peppers instead of pepperoni and keeping the cheese, these rolls suit vegetarian preferences.

→ How do I ensure the rolls stay sealed during cooking?

Brushing the edges with beaten egg before rolling and after slicing helps to seal and create a golden crust.

→ What is the ideal air fryer temperature and time?

Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for an even crisp finish.

→ Can these be made vegan?

Yes, use vegan cheese and skip the egg wash, brushing with olive oil instead to maintain crispness.