Introduction
If you love pizza and crave a quick, cheesy, and crispy snack, these Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are just what you need! Made with store-bought pizza dough, savory pepperoni, and gooey melted mozzarella, these bite-sized treats cook in just 10 minutes in the air fryer. They’re golden brown, crispy on the outside, and deliciously cheesy on the inside—all with minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish.
✔ Crispy & Cheesy – Perfectly crispy outside, gooey cheese inside.
✔ Healthier than Deep-Fried – The air fryer gives you crispy results without excess oil.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for snacks, parties, game nights, or lunchboxes.
✔ Customizable – Use your favorite toppings and fillings!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before getting started, gather the right tools to make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Air Fryer | Cooks the pizza rolls to a crispy golden brown. |
| Rolling Pin | Flattens the pizza dough evenly. |
| Pizza Cutter or Knife | Cuts the dough into squares. |
| Small Brush | For brushing olive oil on top of the rolls. |
| Fork | (Optional) For sealing and crimping the edges. |
| Tongs | Helps flip the rolls easily during cooking. |
Preparation Tips
- Use pre-made pizza dough to save time. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling for better flexibility.
- Don’t overstuff the rolls—too much cheese or pepperoni can cause leaks.
- Seal the edges well to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Leave space between the rolls in the air fryer to allow even cooking.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Main Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce (for dipping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Adds a delicious herby flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – For a garlicky kick.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes – If you like a spicy touch.
Step-by-Step Directions to Make Pizza Rolls in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the pizza rolls.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle.
- Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into 3×3-inch squares.
Step 3: Add the Fillings
- Place 1 slice of pepperoni and a small pinch of mozzarella cheese in the center of each dough square.
- If you like extra cheese, add a tiny extra pinch—but don’t overfill!
Step 4: Seal the Pizza Rolls
- Carefully fold the dough over the filling, making a small sealed pocket.
- Pinch the edges together to prevent leaks.
- For an extra decorative touch, use a fork to crimp the edges.
Step 5: Brush with Olive Oil
- Use a small brush to coat the top of each pizza roll with olive oil.
- If desired, sprinkle with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Step 6: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray.
- Place the pizza rolls inside in a single layer, leaving some space between them for even cooking.
Step 7: Cook Until Crispy
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- The rolls should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the pizza rolls cool for a minute before serving.
- Serve warm with a side of pizza sauce for dipping!
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
✔ Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Cook in batches if necessary.
✔ For extra crispiness, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
✔ Want a golden shine? Brush the rolls with an egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 tbsp water) before air frying.
✔ Experiment with flavors – Add different toppings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, or jalapeños!
Serving Suggestions & Recipe Perfection Tips
Now that you’ve made your delicious Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls, it’s time to take them to the next level with perfect pairings, serving ideas, and expert tips.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Pizza Rolls
These crispy pizza rolls are great on their own, but pairing them with complementary dips and side dishes makes them even better!
Best Dipping Sauces
✔ Marinara Sauce – A classic, rich tomato-based dip that enhances the pizza flavors.
✔ Garlic Butter Sauce – Buttery, garlicky goodness for extra indulgence.
✔ Ranch Dressing – A cool, tangy contrast to the crispy rolls.
✔ Buffalo Sauce – Spicy, zesty, and perfect for heat lovers.
✔ Cheese Sauce (Queso Dip) – Because extra cheese is always a good idea!
✔ Pesto Sauce – Adds a fresh and herby twist.
✔ Honey Mustard – Sweet and tangy for a surprising flavor boost.
8 Perfect Side Dishes for Pizza Rolls
Pair your Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls with these delicious side dishes to create a full meal or party platter!
- Crispy Air Fryer French Fries – Classic and crispy, just like restaurant-style fries.
- Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks – Double the carbs, double the fun!
- Caprese Salad – A light, refreshing side with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Caesar Salad – Crunchy romaine, parmesan, and Caesar dressing for balance.
- Mozzarella Sticks – Because you can never have too much cheese!
- Loaded Nachos – A fun, shareable side for parties.
- Vegetable Platter with Hummus – A healthy, crunchy contrast to the rich pizza rolls.
- Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers – A spicy and cheesy addition to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect Your Pizza Rolls
Even though this recipe is super easy, a few mistakes can ruin your pizza rolls. Here’s how to avoid them!
❌ Overstuffing the Rolls
- Problem: Too much filling causes the rolls to burst open in the air fryer.
- Fix: Stick to 1 pepperoni slice + a small pinch of cheese per roll.
❌ Not Sealing the Dough Properly
- Problem: The cheese melts and leaks out during cooking.
- Fix: Pinch the edges firmly and use a fork to crimp them for extra security.
❌ Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket
- Problem: The rolls don’t cook evenly and may turn out soggy.
- Fix: Arrange the rolls in a single layer with space between them. Cook in batches if needed.
❌ Skipping the Olive Oil Brushing
- Problem: The rolls don’t get that golden brown, crispy crust.
- Fix: Always brush with olive oil (or use an egg wash for extra shine).
❌ Not Flipping the Rolls Halfway Through
- Problem: Uneven cooking, with one side crispier than the other.
- Fix: Flip the rolls at the 5-minute mark for an even crisp.
❌ Using Too Much Dough per Roll
- Problem: The doughy exterior overpowers the filling.
- Fix: Roll the dough thinly so that each bite has the perfect ratio of crust to filling.
Recipe Tips, Storage & FAQs
Now that you’ve mastered making Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls, let’s talk about storing, reheating, and answering common questions to ensure they stay crispy and delicious every time!
Recipe Tips for the Best Pizza Rolls
✔ Use Fresh Dough – If using refrigerated pizza dough, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling to prevent shrinking.
✔ Try Different Fillings – Add cooked sausage, mushrooms, jalapeños, or spinach for variety.
✔ Add Extra Cheese Inside – Mix mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or parmesan for a richer taste.
✔ Brush with Garlic Butter After Cooking – For extra flavor, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley, then brush over the warm rolls.
✔ Make It Spicy – Sprinkle red pepper flakes inside the rolls or dip them in Buffalo sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
How to Store Leftover Pizza Rolls
🍕 Refrigerator: Store cooled pizza rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
❄️ Freezer: Freeze uncooked or cooked rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet for 30 minutes, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Pizza Rolls
🔥 Air Fryer (Best Method!):
- Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warm and crispy.
🍽️ Oven:
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes on a baking sheet.
⚡ Microwave (Not Recommended):
- Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, but note they won’t be crispy.
🧊 Reheating from Frozen?
- No need to thaw! Just air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pizza rolls and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before air frying.
2. Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely! Just roll it out to about ¼-inch thick for the best texture.
3. Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Just skip the pepperoni and fill them with cheese, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
4. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version.
5. Why did my pizza rolls open in the air fryer?
This happens when they aren’t sealed properly. Make sure to pinch the edges tightly and crimp with a fork.
6. Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Yes! Preheating ensures even cooking and crispiness.
7. What other fillings can I try?
Try ham & cheese, BBQ chicken, buffalo chicken, or spinach & ricotta for variety!
8. Can I cook store-bought frozen pizza rolls in the air fryer?
Yes! Cook frozen store-bought pizza rolls at 380°F (193°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are the ultimate snack, appetizer, or party food! They’re crispy, cheesy, and packed with classic pizza flavors, but much quicker and healthier than traditional pizza rolls.
Whether you’re making them for game night, after-school snacks, or a quick dinner, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try different fillings, pair them with delicious dips, and enjoy homemade pizza rolls whenever you crave them!
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