Pin It I discovered these air fryer pizza rolls completely by accident when my teenager showed me a TikTok video at 11 PM on a Saturday night. What started as a "let's just try it" moment turned into the most requested snack in our house, and honestly, they've become my secret weapon for feeding hungry kids without actually cooking dinner. The beauty of them is how quickly they come together and how impossibly crispy they get in the air fryer, with the cheese still warm and melty inside.
The first time I made these for my son's friends before a movie marathon, I panicked halfway through rolling because I thought I'd made them way too complicated. But then one of the kids bit into one straight from the air fryer basket, barely burned his mouth, and the whole room just went quiet before someone said, "These are better than the frozen ones." That's when I knew I had accidentally created something genuinely good.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated pizza dough (1 package, about 400g): Room temperature dough rolls out more easily and seals better when you pinch it closed, so pull it from the fridge about 15 minutes before you start.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (120g): Use whole milk mozzarella for the best melt, and avoid pre-shredded if you can because it contains anti-caking agents that sometimes make it clump instead of flow smoothly.
- Mini pepperoni slices (60g) or diced bell peppers: Pepperoni adds that classic pizza roll flavor, but honestly, the peppers stay crispier if you chop them small and pat them dry first.
- Pizza sauce (4 tbsp): Don't go heavy on this or the rolls will be soggy; spread it thin and deliberately, like you're icing a cake.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tbsp): This adds a sharper, saltier note that cuts through the richness and keeps the rolls from tasting one-dimensional.
- Dried Italian herbs (1/2 tsp): A tiny amount goes a long way here because the air fryer concentrates flavors as it cooks, so resist the urge to overseasoning.
- Egg, beaten (1): The egg wash is what gives you that glossy, sealed edge and helps the rolls stay together as they cook.
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray: A light coating in the basket prevents sticking and helps everything crisp up evenly.
Instructions
- Preheat and prep your station:
- Get your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for a solid 5 minutes while you flour your work surface. Having everything ready means you won't be frantically assembling once the dough is out.
- Roll out the dough gently:
- Flatten the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 30 x 25 cm, working from the center outward so it doesn't crack. If it fights back, let it rest for a minute and try again because warm dough is way more cooperative.
- Spread the sauce and toppings:
- Leave a 1 cm border bare on all sides so nothing leaks out when you roll it up, then layer the mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni or peppers, and herbs evenly. Uneven filling means some rolls will be empty and disappointing, so take a breath and distribute everything thoughtfully.
- Roll it up tight and seal:
- Starting from a long edge, roll the dough firmly toward you like you're making a cinnamon roll, then pinch that seam really hard so it doesn't unravel. A loose seam will let all the cheese escape into your air fryer basket, and cleaning that is its own special kind of annoying.
- Slice into pieces:
- Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts so each slice stays neat and the filling doesn't smear everywhere. You should get about 24 rolls that are all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
- Prepare the rolls for cooking:
- Brush each roll lightly with beaten egg on the cut sides first, then arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer with a little space between each one. If they're touching, they'll steam instead of crisping, so don't overcrowd the basket.
- Brush the tops and air fry:
- Give the tops one more egg wash brush for that golden finish, then cook at 190°C for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You'll know they're done when the outside is golden brown and the cheese is just starting to peek through the edges.
- Cool and serve:
- Let them sit for 2-3 minutes on the counter before eating because the cheese is molten hot and will burn your mouth if you don't wait. Dip them in extra pizza sauce or eat them plain, both ways are completely valid.
Pin It Last week my daughter brought these to a school potluck and came home with an empty container and three friend requests. Watching her face light up when she realized she'd actually impressed people with food she made herself was one of those quiet kitchen moments that reminded me why I love cooking with her in the first place.
Why Air Fryer and Not the Oven
The air fryer gets these crispy in 10 minutes instead of 20, and the heat circulates in a way that makes the outside crunch without the inside drying out. I tried the traditional oven route once out of stubbornness and they came out fine but sort of sad and pale, so now I don't bother unless I'm making a huge batch and need the oven real estate.
Customization Ideas That Actually Work
I've tested these with everything from spinach and ricotta to Italian sausage and caramelized onions, and the best versions are the ones where you're thoughtful about moisture. Wet fillings make soggy rolls, so if you're using vegetables, chop them small and pat them completely dry. For proteins, cook them first or use something already cooked like pepperoni or pre-cooked sausage.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These keep in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days, and you can definitely freeze them raw for up to a month. Just add a minute or two to the cooking time if you're starting from frozen. I've also reheated them in the air fryer at a lower temperature for 3-4 minutes and they come back to life almost as good as fresh.
- Freeze them in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a container so they don't stick together.
- Raw frozen rolls are honestly better than cooked ones reheated because you get that just-made crispness.
- If you're meal prepping, make a double batch because they disappear faster than you'd expect.
Pin It These pizza rolls have honestly become the thing I make when I want to feel like a good parent without actually planning or stressing. They're simple enough that your kids can help with the rolling and filling, which is half the fun anyway.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best dough to use?
Refrigerated pizza dough works best for ease and texture, but whole wheat or gluten-free dough can be substituted for dietary preferences.
- → Can I make these rolls vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, substitute pepperoni with diced bell peppers for vegetarian versions, and use vegan cheese with olive oil instead of egg wash for vegan options.
- → How do I ensure the rolls are crispy?
Brushing the rolls with beaten egg or olive oil and air frying at 190°C (375°F) until golden ensures a crispy outer layer.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
You can assemble the rolls ahead and refrigerate them; cook in the air fryer just before serving for best results.
- → What dipping options complement these rolls?
Extra pizza sauce is classic, but garlic butter or marinara sauce also pair well with these flavorful bites.