Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

The first time I made these was on a random Tuesday when my kids were losing their minds for a snack, and I spotted a TikTok someone had shared about air fryer pizza rolls. I had refrigerated pizza dough sitting in the fridge and a handful of mozzarella, so I thought, why not? Twenty minutes later, they were pulling golden, crispy rolls from the basket, biting in, and getting that beautiful gooey cheese explosion. Now they're a regular request whenever there's a movie night or someone's coming over.

I'll never forget watching my sister try one at a casual dinner party and then immediately ask for the recipe before she'd even finished chewing. She made them the next week for her kids' soccer teammates and became an instant legend in her house. That's when I realized these rolls have a kind of magic to them—they're impressive enough to feel special but casual enough that they're just fun.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough: This is your time-saver and your license to not stress about dough-making; one package rolls out beautifully and gives you the perfect thickness.
• Shredded mozzarella: Use the low-moisture kind so your rolls don't get soggy; the cheese is the star here, so don't skimp.
• Pepperoni or vegetables: Mini pepperoni pieces are perfect for their size, but I've done diced bell peppers, fresh basil, and even caramelized onions with fantastic results.
• Pizza sauce: A good sauce matters more than you'd think; I use a simple marinara because complex flavors get lost in a bite-sized piece.
• Parmesan cheese: Just a sprinkle adds a sharpness that balances the mozzarella's creaminess.
• Italian herbs: Dried oregano and basil are your friends here; they distribute evenly and don't get lost.
• Egg wash: This seals the edges and gives you that golden finish that makes people think you spent way more time on these than you did.

Instructions

Get your air fryer ready:

Preheat to 190°C (375°F) for about 5 minutes while you prep; this ensures your rolls start cooking immediately and get that critical crispness.

Roll out your canvas:

Flour your surface lightly and stretch the dough into a large rectangle about 30 x 25 cm, working gently so you don't deflate all those bubbles. If it fights back, let it rest for a minute.

Sauce and season:

Spread the pizza sauce in an even layer, leaving a border so it doesn't ooze out the sides when you roll. This is where you taste as you go—add a little more sauce if it feels bare to you.

Layer your fillings:

Sprinkle the mozzarella first, then scatter your pepperoni or vegetables, then the Parmesan and herbs; the order matters less than making sure it's distributed so each roll gets a bit of everything.

Roll and seal:

Starting from the long side, roll tightly toward you, pinching the seam as you go so nothing unravels. It should feel like you're tucking it in, not just rolling it up.

Slice with confidence:

Use a sharp knife and cut into 24 pieces; a serrated knife works beautifully here and helps you keep clean edges.

Seal the edges:

Brush each roll lightly with beaten egg on the cut sides; this seals everything in and prevents leaking during the air fry.

Prepare your basket:

A quick spray of cooking spray or oil prevents sticking and helps with that golden exterior.

Arrange for success:

Place rolls in the basket in a single layer, spiral-side up, leaving a little space between each one so air can circulate; if you're making all 24, you'll likely need two batches.

Final brush:

One more egg wash on top of each roll before they go in promises that beautiful golden color.

Air fry to golden:

Cook for 8–10 minutes at 190°C, flipping them halfway through so they cook evenly on both sides; you'll know they're done when they're deeply golden and the cheese starts peeking out slightly.

Cool and serve:

Let them rest for 2–3 minutes so the cheese sets a tiny bit and you don't burn your mouth; serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

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There's something really satisfying about watching someone bite into one of these and get that moment of surprise when the cheese hits. It's a small thing, but it's why I keep making them.

Make-Ahead and Storage

You can assemble these rolls completely and freeze them on a baking sheet for up to three weeks; just add an extra minute or two to the air fry time if cooking straight from frozen. I've also made them the morning of a party and kept them in the fridge until it was time to cook, which is honestly the move for stress-free entertaining.

Variations and Customization

Once you've nailed the basic version, the fun really starts. I've made batches with roasted garlic and spinach, others with sun-dried tomato and goat cheese, and even a breakfast version with scrambled eggs and cheddar. The beauty is that you're working with the same simple dough technique, so you can go wild with whatever sounds good to you and whoever you're feeding.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

These are obviously perfect for movie nights, but I've also made them as a main-course appetizer at casual dinner parties, packed them in lunchboxes, and even served them alongside a simple salad as a quick weeknight dinner. The dipping sauce situation is half the fun—try marinara, ranch, or even a garlic aioli if you're feeling fancy.

• Make a whole spread with different dipping sauces so people can mix and match their favorite flavors.
• Pair them with a simple green salad to feel slightly more balanced about eating handfuls of cheese and bread.
• Freeze extras and reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to refresh the crispiness whenever you need a quick snack.

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These pizza rolls have somehow become my go-to when I want to feel like I've actually cooked something impressive in minimal time. They're proof that the simplest ideas, executed well, are often the ones people remember.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make these rolls vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the pepperoni with diced bell peppers or other vegetables for a flavorful vegetarian version.

→ What is the best way to seal the rolls?

Brush the edges with beaten egg before rolling and slice. Brushing sliced edges with egg wash helps keep them sealed during frying.

→ How long do I cook the rolls in the air fryer?

Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure they turn golden and crisp all over.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can assemble the rolls ahead and refrigerate briefly before air frying to save time during serving.

→ Are there gluten-free alternatives for the dough?

Yes, gluten-free dough options can be used, though cooking times may vary slightly.