That first pop from the air fryer? Music to my snack-loving ears. I used to hear it just as the kids tumbled through the door, backpacks thudding and shoes kicked off. This Air Fryer Pizza Rolls recipe brings that same jam-packed flavor of your favorite freezer snackbut hotter, crispier, and way more fun to make. Fast, nostalgic, and all the rage right now for good reason.
These use simple refrigerated pizza dough, a core of gooey cheese and marinara, and a dash of garlic for kick. You roll, slice, and let the air fryer work its magic. Crispy outside, melty insidelike your favorite pizzeria bite, but done in minutes. No deep frying, no fuss, and yes, they freeze beautifully if you somehow have leftovers. It’s a quick air fryer fix the whole crew cheers for.
First made these in the fall of 2019 after a marathon weekend recipe test. My teenager bit into one and said, “This is better than Totino’s,” and I nearly cried tears of crispy joy. Found out brushing the tops with olive oil makes the outside golden without drying out the dough. After eight years behind the camera and even more in the kitchen, I trust when my oven’s jealous of my air fryerthese rolls are why.

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Recipe: Quick Delicious Snack
Ingredients
Method
- Gather all your ingredients.
- Prepare the dough by letting it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes or rolling out homemade dough.
- Cut the rolled-out dough into 3×3 inch squares.
- Fill each square with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Seal the rolls by folding the dough over the filling and crimping the edges.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil and arrange the rolls in a single layer.
- Cook the pizza rolls for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce.
Notes
- Experiment with different fillings like bell peppers, onions, or different cheeses.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Recipe
This Air Fryer Pizza Rolls recipe truly hits the spot, delivering crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness in mere minutes. It’s bound to become a go-to in your kitchen for so many reasons:
- No deep-frying fuss: The air fryer gets these rolls perfectly golden and crispy with just a light spritz of olive oil, no greasy mess!
- Quick & family-friendly: Ideal for last-minute after-school snacks, spontaneous get-togethers, or simply satisfying that pizza craving in under 40 minutes from start to finish.
- Customizable fun: Feel free to get creative with the filling to match whatever you’re in the mood for or what you have on hand.
- Make-ahead magic: They freeze and reheat like a dream, so you’ll always have a delightful snack ready when hunger strikes!
Quick Glance:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Yields: Approximately 16-20 pizza rolls

What You’ll Need
To whip up these delicious pizza rolls, you’ll only need a few everyday items, making this recipe wonderfully accessible and hassle-free.
- Pizza dough: (1 lb) Store-bought (like a refrigerated tube) or homemadechoose what fits your schedule best.
- Mozzarella cheese: (½ cup) Shredded cheese that melts into that irresistible gooey perfection.
- Pepperoni: (¼ cup, mini or diced) Classic, flavorful slices that are often the heart of a perfect pizza roll.
- Italian seasoning & salt: (½ tsp Italian seasoning, pinch of salt) A sprinkle of seasoning brings that signature pizza parlor taste.
- Olive oil: (1-2 tbsp, for brushing or spraying) Lightly spray or brush the rolls to achieve that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
- Dipping marinara: (½ cup) Totally optional, but a non-negotiable for true sauce lovers!
Tools needed: An air fryer, rolling pin, small knife or pizza cutter, and a basting brush for oil.
Step-by-Step: Making Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Time to roll up your sleeves! From preparing the dough to sealing your delightful little pizza parcels, here’s how to create these utterly irresistible snacks:
- Prep your dough: If using refrigerated dough, let it rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes to make it more pliable. Lightly flour your surface, then roll the dough out evenly to about ⅛-inch thick into a smooth rectangle. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut it into roughly 3×3 inch squares.
- Fill and fold: Place a small pinch of mozzarella, one or two mini pepperoni slices (or a small amount of diced regular pepperoni), and a light sprinkle of Italian seasoning into the center of each dough square. Carefully fold one corner of the dough over the filling to meet the opposite corner, forming a triangle. Firmly crimp the edges with a fork to ensure they’re tightly sealed, preventing any cheesy leaks during cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes while you finish preparing the rolls. This ensures they cook evenly right from the start.
- Cook your rolls: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange the rolls in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket (work in batches if necessary!). Lightly brush or spray the tops of the rolls with a little olive oil for extra crispiness. Air fry for 8–10 minutes. Gently shake the basket or flip the rolls halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Cool and serve: Once golden brown and crispy, carefully remove the rolls from the air fryer. Let them rest for a minute or two before diving inthis helps the cheese set and prevents burns. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time and Temperature Chart
| Step | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Preheat Air Fryer | 375°F (190°C) | 5 minutes |
| Cook Pizza Rolls | 375°F (190°C) | 8–10 minutes |
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Every air fryer is a little different, so here are a few extra pointers to help you achieve pizza roll perfection every time:
- Don’t overcrowd: Giving your pizza rolls enough space in the air fryer basket is crucial for proper air circulation and even, crispy cooking. Cook in batches if needed!
- Check before 10 minutes: Depending on your specific air fryer model, these might cook faster than expected. Start checking for golden edges and bubbling cheese around the 7 or 8-minute mark to prevent overcooking.
- Sealing is key: Double-check that all edges of the dough are tightly crimped. This is your best defense against any delicious cheesy filling escaping during cooking.
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. To restore that irresistible crispiness, simply reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Filling Swaps and Additions
| Ingredient | Swap or Add |
|---|---|
| Pepperoni | Diced cooked sausage, finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms for a veggie option, or even cooked ham. |
| Mozzarella | Try a blend of cheddar and mozzarella, provolone, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a different flavor profile. |
| Marinara sauce | Serve with warm pesto, creamy ranch, or even a garlicky butter sauce for dipping. |
Expert Insight: Mastering Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Using an air fryer for this homemade pizza rolls recipe offers a fantastic advantage: it delivers an incredibly crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. The rapid, circulating hot air cooks these rolls quickly and evenly, making them a more efficient and health-conscious alternative to traditional deep-frying methods, all while locking in superb flavor and texture.
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Perfecting My Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Recipe
Developing this air fryer pizza rolls recipe was a journey, taking several enjoyable rounds to truly nail down the perfect balance. One early batch was a bit too crunchy, almost overdone, while another left the filling a little too cool. With each attempt, I learned crucial detailslike the precise dough thickness and how a light brush of oil makes all the differenceto balance a wonderfully crispy outside with gooey, perfectly melted cheese inside. Today’s version is the delicious result of those tasty lessons and plenty of eager taste testing right here at home.
FAQs ( Air Fryer Pizza Rolls recipe )
Can I use frozen pizza rolls in the air fryer?
Absolutely, frozen pizza rolls cook well in the air fryer. To get them crispy and evenly heated, preheat your air fryer and cook the rolls at 380°F for about 6 to 8 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for the best results and avoid overcrowding.
What oil is best for air frying pizza rolls?
Use a light, high smoke-point oil like avocado or canola oil to lightly coat the pizza rolls before air frying. This helps achieve a crispy exterior without overpowering the flavors. A quick spray or brush is enoughtoo much oil can cause sogginess.
How do I make pizza rolls crispy inside and out?
To get a perfect crispy bite, avoid overfilling to prevent sogginess inside. Cook at a moderate temperature (around 380°F) and flip the rolls halfway so each side crisps evenly. Let them rest a minute after cooking to firm up before serving.
Can I reheat leftover pizza rolls in the air fryer?
Yes, reheating in the air fryer is an excellent way to maintain crispiness. Heat them at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes and check frequently to avoid burning. This method is faster and tastier than using a microwave.
What are some tips for making air fryer pizza rolls even better?
For extra flavor, add a pinch of Italian seasoning or garlic powder before cooking. Don’t overcrowd the basket so hot air circulates well. Serving with a side of marinara sauce freshens the meal and enhances the taste.

Conclusion
This Air Fryer Pizza Rolls recipe truly delivers: perfectly crispy, melty bites that come together quicklymaking them ideal for busy households craving homemade comfort. You’ll absolutely love how the golden, air-fried crust perfectly cradles that gooey, bubbling cheese inside, transforming snack time into a mini celebration every single time.
Don’t hesitate to experiment! Try mixing up the fillings with your favorite veggies or cooked meats, or swap out the classic marinara for a zesty pesto or creamy ranch for a fresh twist. And remember, these little gems store wonderfully in the fridge and reheat beautifully in the air fryer, bringing back that perfect crispiness every time. A personal tip I picked up? A quick brush of olive oil on top before cooking ensures an even more golden, irresistible finishtrust me, it’s worth that extra second!
Go ahead, whip up a batch, snap a pic, and share your delicious creation! Did these remind you of a cherished childhood favorite, or have they inspired new family snack traditions? Be sure to pass this cozy, quick recipe along to friends or surprise your loved ones with a batch. It’s comfort food you’ll find yourself wanting to make again and again.










