Save The first time I saw those TikTok videos of people making pizza rolls in their air fryers, I honestly thought it was too good to be true. But then my teenage cousin came over for a weekend visit and absolutely insisted we try making them together. We turned it into a whole Friday night thing, blasting music and accidentally getting flour everywhere while trying to figure out the perfect rolling technique.
Last Super Bowl, I made a double batch and my brother stood by the air fryer for twenty minutes straight, pulling them out as soon as they were done and eating them before they even hit the serving platter. My niece now requests them every single time she sleeps over, and shes started experimenting with her own filling combinations.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated pizza dough: This shortcut saves so much time and the texture is consistently reliable after many test rounds in my kitchen
- All-purpose flour: Keep some nearby for dusting your work surface because the dough will stick otherwise
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: This melts into those gooey pockets everyone fights over in the final batch
- Mini pepperoni slices: These distribute better than large slices and create little pools of flavor throughout
- Pizza sauce: Do not overload here or your rolls will burst open during air frying
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds that salty depth that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is
- Dried Italian herbs: Dried herbs work better than fresh here because they will not make the dough soggy
- Egg, beaten: This creates the golden seal that keeps all the cheese inside where it belongs
- Cooking spray: A light coating prevents sticking without adding excess oil to your snack
- Extra pizza sauce: Warm this up while the rolls cook because dipping is non negotiable in my house
Instructions
- Get your air fryer ready:
- Preheat to 190°C (375°F) for about 5 minutes because starting with a hot basket makes all the difference in achieving that initial crisp
- Roll out the dough:
- Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough into a rectangle about 30 x 25 cm, working from the center outward to maintain even thickness
- Layer the sauce:
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly but stay at least 1 cm away from the edges or the filling will escape during rolling
- Add the toppings:
- Sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni, and herbs across the surface like you are tucking them in for a nap
- Roll it tight:
- Start from a long edge and roll firmly but gently, then pinch the seam closed with damp fingers
- Slice into pieces:
- Cut the log into 24 even pieces using a sharp knife, using a gentle sawing motion to avoid squishing the dough
- Seal the rolls:
- Brush the cut sides lightly with egg wash to help keep everything contained while they air fry
- Prep the basket:
- Give your air fryer basket a quick spray of cooking oil, paying attention to the areas where rolls tend to stick
- Arrange for success:
- Place rolls in a single layer with space between them, because crowded baskets lead to uneven cooking every single time
- Add the finish:
- Brush the tops with more egg wash for that gorgeous golden color that makes people grab their phones to take pictures
- Air fry to perfection:
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are deeply golden and you can smell the toasted dough
- The patience step:
- Let them cool for 2 to 3 minutes because the cheese inside is literally molten lava right now
Save These became my go to when my daughter had her friends over for movie nights and suddenly I was the cool mom who made the good snacks. Now whenever I smell that combination of melting cheese and air fried dough, it reminds me of loud laughter and blankets on the floor.
Customizing Your Filling
After making these about a dozen times, I have learned that the filling combinations are basically endless. My vegetarian sister loves diced bell peppers and mushrooms while my brother goes all in with extra pepperoni and jalapeños.
Making Them Ahead
You can assemble the rolls up to 24 hours before cooking and store them in the refrigerator on a parchment lined baking sheet covered tightly with plastic wrap. Just add an extra minute or two to the air frying time if cooking them cold from the fridge.
Freezing For Later
Flash freeze the uncooked rolls on a baking sheet for about an hour until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months. Cook them frozen at 190°C (375°F) for 12 to 14 minutes, no thawing needed.
- Double the recipe because they disappear faster than you expect
- Keep extra pizza sauce warm for dipping throughout the party
- Make a plain cheese batch for picky eaters
Save Hope these become your family new favorite Friday night tradition.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I prevent the rolls from sticking in the air fryer?
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking or olive oil spray before placing the rolls to keep them from sticking.
- → Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade pizza dough works well. Roll it out evenly and follow the same filling and cooking instructions.
- → What are good vegetarian filling alternatives?
Substitute pepperoni with diced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or vegan cheese for a vegetarian version.
- → How do I achieve a golden, crispy exterior?
Brushing the rolls with beaten egg before cooking and again halfway through air frying helps obtain a golden, crispy crust.
- → Can I prepare these pizza rolls ahead of time?
You can assemble the rolls in advance and refrigerate them before air frying. Cook fresh for best crispness.