Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

These air fryer pizza rolls turn an ordinary pizza night into something extra fun and simple for busy evenings. Bite-sized and packed with gooey cheese and spicy pepperoni, they are ideal as appetizers, school snacks, or a cozy weeknight treat when you crave that classic pizzeria flavor with barely any cleanup.

I started making these for movie nights and my husband insists they are better than anything store-bought. It is so rewarding to watch everyone rush to grab them the second they hit the table.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: good dough gives a chewy texture and golden crust try a local bakery or make your own for the best result
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: fresh block cheese melts beautifully and gives classic stretch
• Pepperoni slices: look for small ones without too much grease they crisp up well inside
• Marinara sauce: for dipping pick a rich thick sauce with real tomato flavor
• Italian seasoning: a blend of oregano basil and garlic brings that familiar pizzeria aroma
• Salt: just a pinch highlights all the flavors
• Olive oil for spraying: helps rolls crisp without sticking select extra virgin for a light fruity note

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients:

Let the pizza dough come to room temperature so it becomes soft and easy to shape this relaxes the gluten

Shape and Cut Dough:

Roll out the dough evenly on a lightly floured surface aim for about one quarter inch thick then use a knife or pizza cutter to slice into three inch by three inch squares

Add Fillings:

Place a small handful of mozzarella cheese and some pepperoni slices in the center of each square sprinkle with Italian seasoning and a tiny bit of salt for flavor

Seal the Rolls:

Fold each square over the fillings and pinch the edges firmly together flip seam side down and pinch again so nothing leaks

Preheat Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety Celsius and let it preheat for five minutes for even cooking

Arrange and Spray:

Lay out the pizza rolls in the basket in a single layer giving them a little space mist with olive oil for a crisp finish

Air Fry the Rolls:

Cook for eight to ten minutes pausing halfway to gently shake the basket so the rolls brown on all sides

Cool and Serve:

Remove from the air fryer and let them cool just until warm inside serve with a bowl of marinara on the side for dipping

My favorite thing is how the cheese turns perfectly stretchy and gooey inside these rolls. My kids always ask to help seal the little parcels which makes it a fun family project and not just a quick meal.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. Pizza rolls also freeze beautifully for up to two months just thaw overnight before reheating in the air fryer for best texture. Reheat at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for three to five minutes to restore that irresistible crunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of pepperoni try cooked crumbled sausage roasted vegetables or even a spoonful of pesto. Fresh mozzarella or provolone also work well just avoid overfilling. For a dairy free option shredded vegan cheese melts nicely and still gives plenty of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These are dynamite on their own but even better paired with extra dipping sauces like garlic butter or ranch. I often set out a plate with olives and a crisp salad to round out the meal and make things feel festive. For parties thread pizza rolls onto skewers and sprinkle with parmesan for a playful platter.

Cultural Context

Pizza rolls are a playful American twist on classic pizza and calzones. In Italy families might shape leftover dough into savory pockets or panzerotti which inspired American adaptations like these crispy bites. Making them at home lets you experiment with all sorts of fillings beyond just cheese and pepperoni.

Seasonal Adaptations

Add roasted vegetables like peppers or mushrooms for an autumn spin
Swap in buffalo chicken for a game day twist
Use pesto and sun dried tomato for a summer garden flavor

Success Stories

My friend brought a whole tray of these to a picnic and they disappeared in minutes. Another time I served them at a birthday party and even grownups kept sneaking back for more. The best memories come from the laughter in the kitchen while everyone assembles their own pizza roll creations.

Freezer Meal Conversion

To make these ahead for the freezer just assemble up to the cooking step then arrange uncooked rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Store in a freezer bag with parchment between layers. Cook straight from frozen adding an extra two to three minutes in the air fryer until piping hot inside.

You will love making these air fryer pizza rolls for all kinds of events. Homemade pizza pockets are fun and so much tastier than store-bought snacks.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use homemade dough for these pizza rolls?

Yes, you can use either homemade or store-bought dough for this method. Let homemade dough rest at room temperature before rolling out.

→ What cheese works best inside pizza rolls?

Shredded mozzarella is ideal for melt and flavor, but provolone or a blend can also be used for variety.

→ How do I keep pizza rolls from bursting in the air fryer?

Seal the dough tightly around the filling and crimp the edges to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.

→ Can I add other fillings besides pepperoni?

Absolutely! Try adding vegetables, cooked sausage, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor and texture.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these pizza rolls?

Classic marinara is a great choice, but ranch, garlic butter, or a spicy tomato dip are also delicious options.