Golden Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Not long ago, I spent a Saturday afternoon at the county fair with my grandchildren. Between the rides, the games, and the petting zoo, everyone’s energy was high, but as the sun dipped lower, we all started thinking about food.

The aroma of fried dough, popcorn, and sizzling sausage drifted through the air, tempting us at every turn. My granddaughter spotted a food truck selling pizza rolls, and before I knew it, we were standing in line, waiting with eager faces. They were delicious, no doubt, but as I took a bite, I thought about how oily and heavy they felt.

When we returned home that evening, the kids still talked about those rolls. That’s when I decided to try making my own version—lighter, crispier, and something we could enjoy without feeling weighed down. My air fryer was the first thing I reached for, and it turned out to be just the tool I needed. The result was everything I had hoped for: golden on the outside, gooey and cheesy inside, with a burst of pepperoni in every bite.

What made it even better was the excitement on the kids’ faces as they helped roll the dough and sprinkle on the cheese. We turned that memory from the fair into a family activity right in my kitchen, and now pizza rolls have become a favorite request whenever they visit.

Short Description

These crispy air fryer pizza rolls are filled with gooey mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and seasoned sauce, all wrapped in golden pizza dough. A lighter twist on the fairground favorite, they’re quick, tasty, and family-approved.

Key Ingredients

• 1 pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup pepperoni slices
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Tools Needed

• Air fryer
• Rolling pin
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife
• Small bowls for filling ingredients
• Pastry brush

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dough
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.

Step 2: Layer the filling
Spread marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt. Add mozzarella cheese and layer the pepperoni slices on top.

Step 3: Roll and cut
Starting at the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into 1-inch rolls.

Step 4: Preheat the air fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for 3 minutes.

Step 5: Brush with oil
Lightly brush each roll with olive oil to help them crisp up while cooking.

Step 6: Air fry
Place the rolls in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve
Allow them to cool slightly before serving. Pair with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Troubleshooting tip: If your rolls uncoil while cooking, secure them with a toothpick before air frying, then remove before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy without deep frying

Gooey, cheesy filling in every bite

Easy to customize with your favorite toppings

Quick to prepare, perfect for snacks or parties

Fun for kids to help make

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overstuffing the rolls: Too much filling makes them burst. Keep layers thin and even.

Crowding the air fryer basket: Overlapping rolls won’t crisp. Cook in batches for best results.

Skipping the oil brush: A light coat of olive oil is key to golden edges.

Using too much sauce: The dough will turn soggy. Use just a thin layer.

Cutting uneven pieces: Slice rolls evenly for consistent cooking.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve as a game-day snack with bowls of marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for dipping.

Pair with a fresh garden salad for a lighter meal.

Arrange on a platter for family-style serving at parties or potlucks.

For kids’ sleepovers, serve with fruit skewers for balance.

Storage and Reheating Tips

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

To reheat, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until warmed through.

Avoid microwaving, they’ll turn soggy.

For freezing, place cooled rolls in a freezer bag and store up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 6–7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

2. Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
Absolutely, puff pastry gives them a flakier texture. Adjust cooking time by 1–2 minutes.

3. How do I keep the rolls from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly spray or brush the basket with oil before placing the rolls.

4. Can I make them vegetarian?
Replace pepperoni with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.

5. What cheese works best besides mozzarella?
Try cheddar, provolone, or a mix of Italian cheeses for more flavor depth.

Tips & Tricks

Chill the dough briefly in the fridge before slicing to make cleaner cuts.

Don’t overload the rolls—less filling gives a neater, crispier result.

Serve rolls with a side of warm marinara in little ramekins for dipping.

For a fun twist, sprinkle Parmesan on top before air frying.

Recipe Variations

BBQ Chicken Rolls: Replace pepperoni with shredded cooked chicken, drizzle with BBQ sauce, and use cheddar instead of mozzarella.

Veggie Lovers: Fill with sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, peppers, and spinach for a lighter bite.

Breakfast Rolls: Use scrambled eggs, cooked bacon or turkey sausage, and cheddar cheese. Serve with salsa.

Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Hawaiian Style: Fill with ham, pineapple chunks, and mozzarella for a sweet-savory combo.

Final Thoughts

As I think back to that fairground evening, I realize these pizza rolls have become more than just a snack. They’re a way to relive a fun day without the greasy aftertaste, and they’ve quickly turned into a family tradition at my house. The grandchildren ask for them whenever they come over, and even my husband, who’s usually a simple-meal kind of man, lights up when he sees them coming out of the air fryer.

Food has the power to turn an ordinary evening into something special. These rolls are quick enough for a weeknight, fun enough for a party, and comforting enough to enjoy on a quiet night in. Cooking them together gives us laughter and little moments that I’ll always treasure. And every time the air fryer timer dings, it feels like a little invitation to gather around the table again.