Air fryer pizza rolls

I discovered these while scrolling through TikTok at midnight, watching someone pull golden, bubbling pizza rolls from an air fryer, and I couldn't resist the urge to make them the very next day. My kitchen filled with that unmistakable smell of melting mozzarella and crispy dough, and suddenly I understood why this trend had captured so many people's hearts. There's something magical about biting into that crunchy exterior and finding warm, gooey cheese waiting inside, all without the mess of frying oil or the guilt that comes with it. These rolls became my go-to move for unexpected guests, late-night cravings, and moments when I wanted to feel like I'd actually accomplished something in the kitchen without much effort.

The first time I made these for my roommate's movie night, I almost burned them because I got distracted talking and forgot to flip them halfway through, but somehow they still turned out perfectly golden. Everyone crowded around the kitchen as soon as they came out of the air fryer, and I remember feeling genuinely proud watching people tear into something I'd made with such simple ingredients. It turned into one of those small moments that doesn't seem like much until you realize it's the kind of thing people actually remember about hanging out at your place.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough (1 package, about 400 g): This is the real shortcut—using store-bought dough means you skip the mixing, kneading, and rising, and honestly, there's no shame in that game.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (120 g): Use the good stuff if you can; low-moisture mozzarella won't weep moisture and make your rolls soggy.
• Mini pepperoni slices (60 g) or diced bell peppers: The pepperoni adds that classic pizza flavor, but swap it out for roasted red peppers, jalapeños, or mushrooms if that's more your style.
• Pizza sauce (4 tbsp): A thin spread is your friend—too much sauce and your rolls become damp and sad instead of crispy and joyful.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tbsp): This adds a sharp, salty note that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is.
• Dried Italian herbs (1/2 tsp): Oregano and basil are the backbone here, but buy the blend if you want less fussing around.
• Beaten egg (1 egg): This acts as both a seal and a golden-brown finish, creating that satisfying crust.
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray: A light mist prevents sticking and helps everything crisp up beautifully.

Instructions

Heat your air fryer:

Set it to 190°C (375°F) and let it preheat for 5 minutes—this matters more than you'd think, because a properly heated air fryer is what creates that golden, crispy exterior.

Roll out your dough:

Lightly dust your work surface with flour, then roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle about 30 x 25 cm (12 x 10 inches), aiming for even thickness so everything cooks at the same pace.

Spread the sauce:

Use a small spoon or the back of a knife to distribute the pizza sauce evenly across the dough, stopping about 1 cm from the edges to give yourself room to seal.

Layer your fillings:

Sprinkle the mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni or vegetables, and Italian herbs across the sauce in an even distribution—don't go overboard or they'll leak out when you roll.

Roll it up:

Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough tightly into a log, pressing as you go, then pinch the seam firmly to seal it shut so nothing escapes during cooking.

Slice into pieces:

Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 24 roughly equal pieces—they don't have to be perfect, just aim for consistency so they cook evenly.

Seal with egg:

Lightly brush the cut sides of each roll with beaten egg, which helps bind everything together and creates that signature golden sheen.

Prepare the basket:

Give your air fryer basket a light spray with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent any sticking.

Arrange and brush:

Place the rolls cut-side up in a single layer with space between each one, then brush the tops with more beaten egg for that beautiful golden finish.

Cook:

Air fry at 190°C for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and the cheese is visibly bubbling at the edges.

Cool briefly:

Let them sit for 2–3 minutes before touching—they'll be molten inside and need that moment to set up slightly so you don't burn your mouth.

Save

There's something about watching someone bite into one of these and getting that surprised expression when they realize how much cheese is hiding inside that crunch that never gets old. It's one of those foods that genuinely tastes homemade but comes together so fast that you can pull it off even when you're not really a cook yet.

Customizing Your Filling

The beauty of pizza rolls is that they're essentially a vehicle for whatever you love in a pizza, so feel free to treat them like your personal canvas. I've made them with roasted red peppers and goat cheese for a fancier version, with jalapeños and crispy bacon when I'm feeling indulgent, and with just cheese and herbs when I'm keeping it vegetarian. The baseline ratio is what matters—you want enough filling to be exciting but not so much that it bursts out during cooking, and the egg wash is what holds it all together, literally and figuratively.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

You can assemble these rolls hours ahead of time and keep them on a baking sheet in the fridge, then air fry them straight from cold without even thawing, though you might need an extra minute or two. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer for about 4 minutes at the same temperature, and they'll taste almost as good as they did fresh. If you want to freeze them, lay them on a sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag, and they'll keep for up to a month.

Why Air Fryer?

I used to make these in the oven, and they were fine, but they never quite got that same crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside contrast that the air fryer delivers in a fraction of the time. The circulating hot air does something special that you can't really replicate otherwise, and the faster cooking means the cheese gets melty before the outside dough browns too much. Plus, there's something satisfying about how quickly it comes together, and your kitchen doesn't end up smelling like a deep fryer for three days.

• An oven will work if you're in a pinch—just bake at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes, but watch carefully.
• Don't try to deep fry these unless you actually enjoy oil splatters and kitchen chaos.
• If you have a convection oven, that's your second-best option after an air fryer.

Save

These rolls have become the thing I make when I want to feel accomplished without actually working that hard, and somehow people always act like you've done something impressive. They're proof that the best recipes aren't always the complicated ones—sometimes it's just about taking something simple and making it taste genuinely delicious.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the rolls from opening during cooking?

Brush the edges with beaten egg before sealing and after slicing for a golden seal that keeps fillings inside during air frying.

→ Can I use gluten-free or whole wheat dough?

Yes, substitute pizza dough with gluten-free or whole wheat alternatives to suit dietary needs without compromising taste.

→ What fillings work best for these rolls?

Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses paired with pizza sauce and Italian herbs create classic flavors; add pepperoni or diced vegetables for variety.

→ How long should I air fry the rolls?

Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even browning and crispiness.

→ Can these be made vegan?

Yes, use vegan cheese options and substitute the egg wash with olive oil to keep them vegan-friendly.