Homemade Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Last Saturday was one of those rare days when the whole family had nowhere to be. No soccer practice, no piano lessons, no birthday parties stacked back-to-back. We decided to pile into the car and head to a little park just outside of town with a picnic basket in hand. It wasn’t anything fancy—just sandwiches, fruit, and some store-bought snacks—but the fresh air made it feel special.

On the way home, my kids started talking about pizza (because what family day is complete without at least one pizza request?). I didn’t want to order takeout since we’d already indulged a bit, so I promised them something fun we could make together once we got home. That’s how these air fryer pizza rolls came to the rescue.

We rolled up our sleeves, gathered some pepperoni, mozzarella, and a bit of pizza dough I had in the fridge, and turned the kitchen into our own little pizzeria. The air fryer gave them that crispy golden shell without drowning in oil, and they were ready faster than any delivery could arrive. By the time the rolls hit the table, we were dipping them into marinara, laughing about our day, and making plans for our next family picnic.

These pizza rolls aren’t just a snack. They’re a little slice of joy wrapped up in crispy dough, and now they’re a regular request in my house.

Short Description

Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are golden, cheesy bites filled with pepperoni and mozzarella, wrapped in pizza dough, and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Quick, easy, and perfect for snacking or game-day spreads.

Key Ingredients

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup pepperoni slices
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Marinara sauce, for dipping

Tools Needed

• Air fryer
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Pastry brush
• Mixing bowl

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Make sure it’s even so the rolls cook uniformly.

Step 2: Add the Filling
Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the dough, then scatter pepperoni slices on top. Dust lightly with Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.

Step 3: Roll and Slice
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into 1-inch pieces.

Step 4: Brush with Olive Oil
Place the rolls in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil, tossing gently to coat. This helps them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

Step 5: Air Fry Until Golden
Arrange the rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese is bubbling. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Serve Hot
Remove the rolls carefully, let them cool for a minute, then serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Troubleshooting tip: If your dough feels too sticky to roll, dust lightly with flour. If cheese leaks out during cooking, don’t worry—it just adds to the crispy edges.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy outside, gooey inside—perfect balance of textures

Quick and easy, ready in under 20 minutes

Kid-approved and fun to make together

Lighter than deep-fried snacks thanks to the air fryer

Perfect for parties, game nights, or lazy weekend lunches

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overcrowding the basket: Rolls won’t crisp if they’re too close. Cook in batches instead.

Rolling too loosely: The filling may fall out. Roll tightly and seal edges by pinching.

Skipping the oil: Even a light brush of olive oil makes a huge difference in crispiness.

Cutting rolls too thick: Thick rolls may stay doughy inside. Stick to 1-inch slices.

Not preheating the air fryer: A hot basket ensures even browning from the start.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve as a fun appetizer for parties or movie nights.

Pair with a crisp green salad for a light meal.

Offer with a variety of dips: ranch, garlic butter, or spicy marinara.

Present on a platter for a family-style snack spread.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes. This keeps them crispy instead of soggy.

Freeze uncooked rolls for up to 1 month. Just air fry straight from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to cooking time.

FAQs

1. Can I use different fillings?
Yes, try cooked sausage, mushrooms, or veggies like bell peppers.

2. Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
Absolutely, but the texture will be flakier and less chewy.

3. Do I need to line the air fryer basket?
No, just lightly grease if sticking is a concern.

4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rolls, store them in the fridge, and air fry when ready.

5. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
Bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden.

Tips & Tricks

For extra gooey centers, add a small cube of mozzarella in each roll before cooking.

Use homemade dough for a fresher, more artisanal feel.

Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before air frying for added flavor.

Don’t skip the dipping sauce, it makes the rolls irresistible.

Recipe Variations

Hawaiian Style: Replace pepperoni with diced ham and add pineapple tidbits.

Veggie Lovers: Use sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and onions instead of meat.

Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.

Cheese Explosion: Mix mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for a bolder flavor.

Breakfast Rolls: Swap pepperoni for scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage.

Final Thoughts

These crispy air fryer pizza rolls are easy enough to whip up on a weeknight but fun and flavorful enough to serve for a party. The air fryer transforms simple dough, cheese, and pepperoni into something that feels indulgent without the heaviness of deep frying.

What makes this recipe special is how customizable it is—whether I want something classic or a little more adventurous, I can tweak the filling and keep the process simple. It’s a playful way to get kids involved in cooking too, because rolling and slicing the dough is a hands-on job they adore.

Every time these come out of the air fryer, the smell alone brings everyone into the kitchen before I can even plate them. To me, that’s the real magic of recipes like this: they’re not just food, they’re little invitations to gather, share, and enjoy.