Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Recipe – Quick & Cheesy Snack

Nothing beats the satisfaction of biting into a perfectly golden, crispy pizza roll with molten cheese stretching out in delicious strings. While store-bought frozen pizza rolls are convenient, making your own air fryer pizza rolls at home takes this beloved snack to an entirely new level.

These homemade beauties are crispy on the outside, perfectly gooey on the inside, and customizable with all your favorite pizza toppings.

The air fryer transforms these little pockets of joy into restaurant-quality appetizers in just minutes, creating that perfect contrast between the flaky, golden crust and the warm, melty filling inside. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick after-school snack, or want to satisfy those late-night cravings, these air fryer pizza rolls deliver every single time.

Recipe Information

• Serves: 4-6 people (makes 12 pizza rolls)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Course: Appetizer, Snack
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (3.5-quart or larger)
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl for egg wash
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Clean kitchen towel
• Cutting board
• Pastry brush (optional)

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup mini pepperoni slices
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

• Diced bell peppers
• Sliced mushrooms
• Cooked Italian sausage
• Diced onions
• Black olives

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, mini pepperoni, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well and set aside. This combination creates the perfect flavor balance that makes each bite irresistible.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean work surface. Using your hands or a rolling pin, gently press the seams together to create one large rectangle. The dough should be approximately 12×8 inches. Cut the dough into 12 equal rectangles, each about 3×2 inches.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Rolls

Place about 1/2 teaspoon of pizza sauce in the center of each dough rectangle. Don’t overfill, as this can cause the rolls to burst during cooking. Add about 1 tablespoon of the cheese and pepperoni mixture on top of the sauce.

Carefully fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges firmly to seal. Make sure all edges are well-sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking. Roll each sealed piece gently between your palms to create a smooth, oval shape.

Step 4: Prepare for Air Frying

Brush each pizza roll lightly with the beaten egg. This creates that beautiful golden-brown color and helps achieve the perfect crispy texture. Place the rolls on a plate and let them rest for 2-3 minutes while you preheat your air fryer.

Step 5: Air Fry the Pizza Rolls

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Place the pizza rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pizza rolls are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the pizza rolls from the air fryer and let them cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. The filling will be extremely hot, so this cooling time is essential to prevent burns.

Serve immediately with warm pizza sauce for dipping and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy interior.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pizza Rolls

1. Don’t Overfill: Less is more when it comes to filling. Overstuffed rolls will burst open during cooking.
2. Seal Well: Press the edges firmly and consider crimping with a fork for extra security.
3. Egg Wash Magic: Don’t skip the egg wash – it’s what gives you that beautiful golden color and crispy texture.
4. Temperature Control: Keep your air fryer at 375°F for the best results. Higher temperatures may burn the outside before the inside is properly heated.
5. Single Layer: Always cook in a single layer for even browning and proper air circulation.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 2 pizza rolls)

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftover pizza rolls in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as this will make them soggy.

Freezing: You can freeze uncooked pizza rolls for up to 2 months. Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Variations to Try

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls

Replace the pepperoni with cooked shredded chicken mixed with buffalo sauce and add a sprinkle of blue cheese.

Veggie Supreme

Load up with diced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives for a vegetarian option.

Breakfast Pizza Rolls

Fill with scrambled eggs, cooked bacon bits, and cheddar cheese for a morning treat.

Hawaiian Style

Use ham and pineapple chunks with mozzarella for a sweet and savory combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

These air fryer pizza rolls are the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and satisfaction. They’re incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them with whatever toppings you have on hand or crave at the moment. The air fryer creates that perfect golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside perfectly melted and gooey.

Whether you’re making them for a crowd, a family snack, or just treating yourself, these homemade pizza rolls are guaranteed to become a favorite in your household. They’re so much better than store-bought versions, and once you try making them at home, you’ll never go back to the frozen ones.

Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to experiment with your own favorite pizza topping combinations. The possibilities are endless, and each variation is delicious in its own way!