Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

I discovered air fryer pizza rolls completely by accident when my teenager came home buzzing about a TikTok trend and challenged me to make them from scratch. Skeptical but curious, I pulled out the refrigerated pizza dough I had on hand and started experimenting in the kitchen. What started as a casual afternoon project turned into the easiest, crispiest snack I've made in years. Now they're the first thing I make when friends drop by unexpectedly, and somehow a batch of 24 never lasts more than thirty minutes in our house.

I made a double batch for my son's movie night last month, and I watched him eat five of them in a row before offering one to his friends. That moment when someone closes their eyes after the first bite because the cheese is still warm and the outside is perfectly crispy—that's when I knew this recipe was a keeper.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough (1 package, about 400g): This is your secret shortcut—it gives you restaurant-quality results without spending an hour on dough from scratch, and it rolls out so smoothly.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (120g): Use the good stuff if you can; low-moisture mozzarella stays gooey inside without leaking out during cooking.
• Mini pepperoni slices (60g, optional): They crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, but honestly, roasted red peppers or mushrooms work just as well if you're going vegetarian.
• Pizza sauce (4 tbsp): A thin layer is all you need—too much and the rolls get soggy, so go easy and taste as you spread.
• Parmesan cheese (2 tbsp): This adds a salty, umami kick that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is.
• Dried Italian herbs (1/2 tsp): A pinch of oregano and basil rounds everything out without overpowering the cheese.
• Beaten egg (1 egg): This seals the rolls and gives them that gorgeous golden shine, but if you're vegan, brush with olive oil instead.
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray: Just a light coating keeps the basket non-stick and prevents sticking without adding unnecessary grease.

Instructions

Heat your air fryer:

Preheat to 190°C (375°F) for 5 minutes while you prep everything else. A hot basket means faster, crispier rolls with less cooking time.

Roll out your dough:

Dust a clean surface lightly with flour and roll the dough into a large rectangle about 30 x 25 cm (12 x 10 inches). Don't press too hard—you want it thin but sturdy enough to hold the filling.

Spread the sauce:

Using the back of a spoon, spread the pizza sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a 1 cm border on all sides. This border is crucial because it seals the rolls and prevents leaking.

Add your fillings:

Sprinkle the mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni or vegetables, and Italian herbs in an even layer. Don't overload it or the rolls will burst open during cooking.

Roll it up tight:

Starting from a long edge, roll the dough into a tight log, pinching the seam as you go to seal it. Imagine you're wrapping it as snugly as possible without tearing the dough.

Slice into pieces:

Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 24 even pieces. A serrated knife actually works better here because it cuts cleanly without squishing the dough.

Seal with egg wash:

Brush each cut surface lightly with beaten egg to seal the filling inside. This is what keeps all that melted cheese from escaping during cooking.

Prepare the air fryer:

Spray the basket with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking. This makes cleanup easier and keeps the bottoms from browning too much.

Arrange in the basket:

Place the rolls in a single layer, leaving space between them so hot air circulates. If you're making a full batch of 24, you'll likely need to cook in two batches, which is fine.

Brush the tops:

Give the tops another light brush of egg wash before cooking. This is what gives them that restaurant-quality golden finish.

Cook until crispy:

Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You'll know they're done when they're deep golden brown and the cheese is starting to peek out slightly.

Cool before serving:

Let them sit for 2–3 minutes after cooking—they firm up and are way easier to handle when they cool just slightly.

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There's something magical about watching someone bite into these rolls for the first time and seeing their eyes light up when the warm cheese hits their mouth. My sister visited last week and ate an entire batch while we were catching up, and afterward she just laughed and said, "These are dangerously good."

Customizing Your Fillings

The beauty of pizza rolls is that they're incredibly flexible, so feel free to swap ingredients based on what you love. I've made versions with roasted bell peppers and fresh basil for friends who don't eat meat, and I've done jalapeños and extra Parmesan when I'm in the mood for heat. The filling-to-dough ratio is what really matters—stick to roughly 4-5 tablespoons of total filling per roll and you'll be golden.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover pizza rolls (if you somehow have them) keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and they reheat perfectly in the air fryer for just 3-4 minutes at 160°C. You can also freeze them unbaked for up to a month—just add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time when you fry them straight from frozen.

Serving Suggestions

These are perfect on their own with a cup of pizza sauce for dipping, but they also shine alongside a simple green salad or some fresh fruit when you want to round out the meal. I always make extra because they disappear so fast, and honestly, that's the real compliment you can get from anyone in your kitchen.

• Serve them warm right out of the air fryer for the best texture and gooey cheese.
• Have extra pizza sauce on hand because people will want more for dipping than you expect.
• Make them ahead up to the cooking step and refrigerate until you're ready to air fry—they cook beautifully straight from the fridge.

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These pizza rolls have become my go-to when I want to impress people without spending hours in the kitchen. They're the kind of recipe that feels like you put in way more effort than you actually did, which is exactly why they're now a permanent fixture at our table.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of dough is best for pizza rolls?

Refrigerated pizza dough works well due to its elasticity and ease of rolling, but whole wheat or gluten-free doughs are good alternatives.

→ Can I make these pizza rolls vegetarian?

Yes, substitute pepperoni with diced bell peppers or other vegetables and use only cheese for the filling.

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

Brush the edges with beaten egg before rolling and again after slicing to help seal and create a golden crust.

→ What temperature and time are recommended for air frying?

Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) and cook the rolls for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispness.

→ Can I customize the filling?

Absolutely, add olives, mushrooms, jalapeños, or switch cheeses for different flavors.

→ What if I want vegan versions?

Use vegan cheese and brush rolls with olive oil instead of egg wash to keep them fully plant-based.