Easy Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

There are few smells as comforting as warm, cheesy pizza baking away in the kitchen. I remember the first time I tried to make pizza rolls at home. The frozen ones from the store just didn’t cut it; they were either too salty, too bland, or burned on the edges before the inside even warmed up. That’s when I thought, why not try making my own in the air fryer?

The experiment turned out better than I imagined. The crust puffed into golden pillows, the cheese oozed in melty strands, and the pepperoni added that smoky, savory punch.

Best of all, they were ready in minutes and didn’t leave me with a greasy mess like deep frying would. These little rolls have since become my quick comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights, family movie nights, or even as a fun appetizer for gatherings.

Cooking them in the air fryer makes everything easier. The texture is light and crispy, the flavor feels indulgent but not heavy, and cleanup is a breeze. Honestly, I love how versatile they are you can fill them with anything from classic pepperoni to veggies or even leftover chicken. They’re kid-friendly, adult-approved, and perfect for anyone craving a pizza fix without the fuss of a whole pie.

Short Description

These Easy Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are golden on the outside, gooey on the inside, and bursting with pizza flavor. They’re quick, customizable, and healthier than fried versions.

Key Ingredients

• 1 cup pepperoni slices
• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Tools Needed

• Air fryer
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Small bowl for sauce
• Pastry brush

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dough
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.

Step 2: Add the fillings
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, Italian seasoning, and a small pinch of salt.

Step 3: Roll it up
Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the edges to seal.

Step 4: Cut the rolls
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the log into 1-inch pieces. You should get around 10–12 rolls.

Step 5: Prepare the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Brush the basket lightly with olive oil or line it with parchment for easy cleanup.

Step 6: Air fry
Place the pizza rolls in the basket, leaving a little space between each one. Brush the tops with olive oil. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve
Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Troubleshooting Tip: If the cheese leaks out while cooking, your roll may not have been sealed tightly. Next time, pinch the edges firmly before cutting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy outside, cheesy inside

Ready in under 20 minutes

Healthier than deep-fried versions

Customizable with your favorite toppings

Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Overfilling with sauce: Can cause soggy dough
Solution: Use a thin layer of marinara

Mistake 2: Not sealing edges: Filling leaks out
Solution: Pinch or tuck ends securely

Mistake 3: Crowding the air fryer: Rolls won’t crisp
Solution: Cook in batches for even air circulation

Mistake 4: Skipping oil: Leads to pale crust
Solution: Brush tops lightly with olive oil

Mistake 5: Undercooking: Dough stays raw inside
Solution: Cook for 1–2 extra minutes until golden

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with extra marinara or garlic butter for dipping

Pair with a fresh green salad for balance

Make it a game night platter with wings, fries, and these rolls

Great as an appetizer at parties or a light lunch with soup

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until crisp again

Avoid microwaving too long it makes them chewy instead of crispy

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before air frying.

Can I freeze pizza rolls?
Absolutely! Freeze uncooked rolls on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Cook straight from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes to the air fryer time.

Can I use different fillings?
Yes! Try mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even cooked chicken.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, it helps the dough start crisping immediately.

What if I don’t have pizza dough?
You can substitute crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or flatbread for a similar result.

Tips & Tricks

Use parchment rounds in the air fryer basket to catch melted cheese.

For extra flavor, sprinkle garlic powder or Parmesan on top before cooking.

Serve rolls right away for best texture crispy outside, gooey inside.

Recipe Variations

Veggie Lovers: Replace pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and spinach.

BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls: Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara and shredded chicken instead of pepperoni.

Breakfast Pizza Rolls: Fill with scrambled eggs, cooked sausage, and cheddar cheese.

Spicy Pepperoni Rolls: Add jalapeños and red pepper flakes for heat.

Final Thoughts

They’re fast, fun, and endlessly customizable. The smell of bubbling cheese and toasty dough in the air fryer is enough to gather everyone in the kitchen. They always disappear quicker than I expect, which to me is the best compliment.

If you’ve been looking for a snack that’s both satisfying and easy to make, this recipe might just become your new favorite. It’s proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to make something delicious. For me, these rolls aren’t just a recipe they’re a little bite of comfort and nostalgia rolled into one.