Save My teenager scrolled through TikTok one afternoon and declared these air fryer pizza rolls were non-negotiable for their next friend gathering. I was skeptical about the viral trend until I watched the golden rolls come out of the basket, crispy edges shattering with that satisfying crunch, stretching with melted cheese when bitten. Twenty minutes of prep work and ten minutes in the air fryer later, they'd completely vanished from the cooling rack. What started as skepticism turned into a kitchen staple I now make whenever we need something that feels homemade but tastes like a victory.
The real moment these became special was when my partner came home early from work, caught the aroma of baking pizza dough and melted cheese drifting through the kitchen, and asked what the occasion was. There was no occasion, just rolls cooling on the counter, but their face when biting into one said everything. Simple food doesn't have to be fancy to matter.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated pizza dough (1 package, about 400 g): This is your shortcut to homemade without the yeast waiting period; it handles beautifully and rises just enough to give you that tender, not-dense crumb.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (120 g): Low-moisture mozzarella melts cleanly without pooling oil everywhere, and using freshly shredded instead of pre-shredded makes a noticeable difference in texture.
- Mini pepperoni slices (60 g, optional): They cook down slightly and crisp at the edges, but don't feel obligated to use them; roasted bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes bring their own magic.
- Pizza sauce (4 tbsp): A modest amount prevents the rolls from becoming soggy, so resist the urge to go heavy-handed here.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tbsp): This adds sharpness and helps the outside brown more evenly than mozzarella alone.
- Dried Italian herbs (1/2 tsp): A pinch is enough; dried herbs concentrate their flavor, and more won't make them taste better, just dustier.
- Beaten egg (1 egg): The brush of egg creates that restaurant-quality golden finish and seals the edges so they don't unravel during cooking.
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray: Either works, but olive oil spray creates a slightly richer flavor if you're feeling generous.
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace and heat the air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) while you flour your work surface lightly. This five-minute head start ensures even cooking from the moment the rolls hit the basket.
- Roll and fill the dough:
- Roll the pizza dough into a rectangle about 30 x 25 cm, then spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce, leaving a small border so the filling doesn't squeeze out. Layer the cheeses, pepperoni, and herbs across the sauce, staying light-handed—these rolls are small, so less is more.
- Roll tightly and slice evenly:
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough firmly but not aggressively, sealing the seam by pinching it closed as you go. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 24 pieces; wet the blade between cuts to keep things clean and prevent the filling from dragging.
- Seal and arrange:
- Brush each cut side with beaten egg to help seal the edges and create that golden crust. Spray your air fryer basket generously and arrange the rolls in a single layer with a little breathing room; you may need two batches depending on your basket size.
- Air fry to golden perfection:
- Brush the tops with egg one more time, then slide them into the preheated basket. Fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and crisp outside but still tender enough to bite into without shattering your teeth.
- Cool slightly and serve:
- Let them rest for 2–3 minutes so the cheese sets slightly and you don't burn your mouth on lava-hot mozzarella. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping and watch them disappear.
Save These rolls have become the reason my teenager's friends now request them over store-bought chips at movie nights. That shift from casual snack filler to the thing people actually wait for taught me that homemade doesn't need to be complicated to feel personal.
Making Them Your Own
The filling is genuinely flexible, which is where these rolls shine. I've experimented with everything from caramelized onions to jalapeños to a three-cheese blend, and each version has its fans. The only rule I follow is not overstuffing; a light hand keeps them structurally sound and prevents cheese leakage, which protects your air fryer basket and your dignity.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
Unbaked rolls freeze beautifully if you assemble them ahead and layer them between parchment paper in a freezer container. You can cook them straight from frozen, adding just 2–3 minutes to the cooking time. Leftovers reheat well in the air fryer at 160°C for 3–4 minutes if you somehow have any left over, though in my house they never see a second day.
Why the Air Fryer Matters Here
The air fryer's circulating hot air gives you that crispy exterior without deep frying, which means less oil, less mess, and somehow more flavor because nothing's muffled under a layer of grease. The speed is honestly the real gift; there's a window of time between a kid's request and when they disappear that the air fryer fits perfectly into.
- If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake these at 200°C for 12–14 minutes, though they won't be quite as crispy outside.
- Rotate the basket halfway through cooking for the most even browning across all the rolls.
- A little parchment paper in the basket makes cleanup effortless and prevents sticking.
Save These rolls remind me that the best recipes are the ones that fit into real life, the ones your people ask for without prompting. That's what these have become for us.
Questions & Answers
- → Can I make these pizza rolls vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute pepperoni with diced vegetables like bell peppers to keep it vegetarian and flavorful.
- → How do I ensure the rolls are crispy?
Brush the rolls with beaten egg or olive oil before air frying and cook them in a single layer for even crispiness.
- → Can I freeze the prepared rolls before cooking?
Yes, freeze the assembled rolls on a tray, then transfer to a sealed bag. Air fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
- → What can I use instead of pizza dough?
Whole wheat or gluten-free doughs work well, offering alternative textures and catering to dietary preferences.
- → Is air frying healthier than traditional frying?
Air frying uses less oil while achieving a crispy texture, making it a lighter alternative to deep frying.
- → How can I customize the fillings?
Experiment with different cheeses, meats, vegetables, or herbs to suit your taste and dietary needs.