Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls with Cheesy Homemade Filling

It started as a craving during a cozy winter movie night—a craving for something warm, cheesy, and nostalgic. I remembered the frozen pizza rolls we used to devour after school, but I wanted something fresher, crispier, and better. That’s how these homemade air fryer pizza rolls were born. No messy oil, no soggy crust—just golden-brown bites filled with gooey mozzarella and zesty pepperoni, straight from the air fryer in under 15 minutes.

Air fryer pizza rolls solve a lot of snack problems. They’re quick, they please everyone from kids to adults, and they’re endlessly customizable. Whether you’re prepping for a game day, sleepover, or spontaneous snack attack, these rolls will deliver.

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Recipe Overview & Why You’ll Love It

Air fryer pizza rolls are a smarter, tastier way to enjoy a classic snack. Made from fresh dough, melty cheese, and savory pepperoni, they cook up hot and crisp in a fraction of the time it takes to bake or fry.

Each bite offers a golden, crunchy exterior and a hot, gooey center bursting with bold, familiar flavors. They’re ideal for entertaining or a solo treat and adapt easily to vegetarian or spicy preferences.

What makes these air fryer pizza rolls different is the quality of ingredients and the texture. There’s no greasy residue—just clean, savory satisfaction. Plus, no deep-frying means less mess and fewer dishes.

Ingredients & Substitutions

You only need a few pantry-friendly ingredients to get started with air fryer pizza rolls, and each one plays a key role in the final flavor and texture.

Core Filling & Dough

• Pizza dough – 1 batch (store-bought or homemade), rested at room temperature for 20 minutes
• Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup, shredded
• Pepperoni slices – 1 cup, chopped or mini
• Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – pinch
• Olive oil spray – for coating the air fryer basket

For Dipping

• Marinara sauce – for classic dipping
• Optional dips: ranch, garlic butter, sriracha mayo, BBQ sauce

Smart Swaps

• Dough – Use crescent roll dough or puff pastry for a flakier bite
• Cheese – Try cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for flavor variations
• Protein – Use cooked sausage, bacon, or vegetarian sausage crumbles
• Vegan/Dairy-Free – Substitute with vegan mozzarella and meatless pepperoni

Equipment You’ll Need

No fancy appliances required—just the basics and a reliable air fryer.

• Air fryer – Ideally 4-quart capacity or larger
• Rolling pin – or clean bottle as alternative
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife – for clean square cuts
• Fork – to crimp and seal edges securely
• Spatula – to transfer rolls in and out without tearing
• Mixing bowl – if prepping custom fillings

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these precise steps for perfect air fryer pizza rolls every time.

Step 1 – Prepare Ingredients

Gather everything you need. Let the dough come to room temperature (20 minutes) so it’s easier to roll. Pre-shred cheese and slice pepperoni if needed.

Step 2 – Roll & Cut the Dough

Dust your work surface lightly with flour. Roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Use a pizza cutter to slice it into 3×3-inch squares. You should get about 12–16 squares depending on your dough size.

Step 3 – Assemble the Rolls

Place 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella in the center of each dough square. Top with 3–4 pepperoni slices (or 1 tablespoon chopped pepperoni). Sprinkle with a pinch of Italian seasoning and a touch of salt for balance.

Step 4 – Seal & Shape

Fold each dough square into a triangle or rectangle, depending on your shape preference. Pinch the edges closed, then use a fork to crimp and seal all sides. This step ensures no cheese leaks during cooking.

Step 5 – Preheat & Prep Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 6 – Cook

Place the pizza rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each. Do not overcrowd. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket at the 5-minute mark to promote even browning.

The rolls are done when the edges are lightly golden and crisp, and the center is visibly puffed.

Step 7 – Serve

Let the rolls cool for 2–3 minutes before serving—they’ll be very hot inside. Serve with warm marinara or your favorite dip.

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Why This Recipe Works

Air fryer pizza rolls succeed because they combine the convenience of air frying with the freshness of homemade ingredients.

The air fryer uses circulating hot air to create a crisp, golden exterior without submerging anything in oil. That means you get texture and flavor without greasiness.

Letting the dough rest before rolling makes it pliable and easy to shape, preventing tears. Fork-crimping isn’t just decorative—it locks in the filling so nothing escapes mid-cook.

Using shredded mozzarella ensures even melting, and a pinch of seasoning brings the flavor to life. Preheating your air fryer is non-negotiable—it guarantees even cooking and a golden finish.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Use parchment paper liners if your air fryer tends to stick
• Add-ins like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can enhance flavor and nutrition
• Make them spicy with a dash of red pepper flakes or spicy sausage
• Double the batch and freeze extras before cooking for a quick snack later
• Mini version: Cut 2×2″ squares for bite-sized party apps

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing

These air fryer pizza rolls are meal-prep friendly.

• Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance, covered
• Store: Keep cooked, cooled rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days
• Freeze: Place cooked rolls on a sheet pan, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Store up to 1 month

Reheating Tips:

• In air fryer: 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes for best texture
• In microwave: 30–60 seconds (less crisp)
• Avoid oven if possible—it can dry out the filling

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Turn your air fryer pizza rolls into a complete meal or party platter.

• Dips: Serve with classic marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or sriracha mayo
• Sides: Pair with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggie skewers
• Drinks: Offer sparkling water, soda, lemonade, or red wine for adults

Dietary Notes & Allergen Considerations

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and ensure your dough is milk-free
• Vegan: Use vegan dough, dairy-free cheese, and plant-based protein
• Gluten-Free: Substitute with certified GF pizza dough
• Nut-Free: Naturally nut-free (always double-check packaged ingredients)

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

• Filling leaks: Caused by overstuffing or poor sealing. Use fork to crimp edges thoroughly
• Uneven cooking: Usually due to overcrowding. Cook in batches if needed
• Soggy rolls: Can happen if air fryer isn’t preheated or rolls are stacked
• Cheese burns: Ensure rolls are sealed and temperature isn’t too high

Nutritional Information (per 4-roll serving)

• Serving Size: 4 rolls
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Estimates based on standard ingredients; actual values may vary.

FAQs

Conclusion

There’s something deeply satisfying about making air fryer pizza rolls from scratch. You control every detail—the dough, the fillings, the crispness—and the result is leagues beyond the frozen version. These rolls are simple enough for weeknights but fun enough for parties.

So next time you’re looking for something warm, quick, and delicious, skip the takeout and reach for your air fryer. Make them cheesy, make them spicy, make them yours. Once you taste that first crispy, gooey bite, you’ll know exactly why they’re worth it.

More Relevant Recipes

• Holiday Wreath Pizza: This festive and cheesy pull-apart pizza is shaped like a wreath, making it perfect for parties or holiday gatherings. Just like air fryer pizza rolls, it offers gooey mozzarella and classic pizza flavor, wrapped in golden dough bites.
• Pizza Tree on a Stick: These adorable pizza snacks are skewered and stacked to resemble a holiday tree, combining crispy dough, melty cheese, and pepperoni in a fun, kid-friendly format that echoes the flavor profile of pizza rolls.
• Christmas Pizza Bites: Bite-sized and bursting with flavor, these Christmas-themed pizza bites feature rich tomato sauce, stretchy cheese, and festive toppings—ideal for party trays or snacking, just like air fryer pizza rolls.

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

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Print Recipe

These homemade air fryer pizza rolls feature a crispy golden exterior with a gooey center filled with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. Perfect for snacking, parties, or family nights, they offer a nostalgic twist with fresher ingredients and faster prep.

• Author: Benchi
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 rolls
• Category: Snack
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 batch pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup pepperoni slices
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Pinch of salt
• Olive oil spray (for coating air fryer basket)
• Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

1. Let pizza dough rest at room temperature for 20 minutes if refrigerated.
2. Roll out dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Cut dough into 3×3 inch squares using a pizza cutter.
4. Place 1 tablespoon of mozzarella cheese and a few pepperoni slices in the center of each square.
5. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt.
6. Fold each square into a triangle or rectangle and seal edges by pressing and crimping with a fork.
7. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
8. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil.
9. Place pizza rolls in a single layer without overcrowding.
10. Cook at 375°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
11. Let rolls cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce.

Notes

• Use parchment paper liners for easier cleanup.
• Try cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack cheese for variation.
• Add chopped vegetables or cooked sausage for custom fillings.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 7 minutes for best texture.