Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls: Your Ultimate Homemade Snack Guide
Craving a delicious, cheesy, and perfectly crispy snack that’s quick and easy to make? Look no further than these homemade Air Fryer Pizza Rolls! Forget the deep-fried, often preservative-laden store-bought versions like Totino’s. This recipe empowers you to create mouth-watering pizza bites right in your own kitchen, packed with savory sausage, spicy pepperoni, and irresistible gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, game day appetizer, or a fun kid-friendly treat, these air fryer marvels offer all the flavor you love with a healthier, less greasy finish. We’ll guide you through every step, from preparing the rich filling to achieving that ideal golden-brown crunch, including crucial tips on cook time, temperature, and how to handle frozen rolls for maximum convenience.
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Why Choose Air Fryer Pizza Rolls?
The air fryer has revolutionized how we think about “fried” foods, offering a guilt-free way to enjoy crispy textures without excessive oil. When it comes to pizza rolls, the air fryer is a game-changer. It circulates hot air around the rolls, ensuring even cooking and a delightfully crisp exterior, mimicking the results of deep frying but with significantly less fat. This method not only makes your snacks healthier but also simplifies the cooking process, making it a go-to appliance for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Beyond health benefits, air frying delivers on convenience. Preparing these homemade pizza rolls in the air fryer is incredibly fast, often taking less time than a traditional oven. The smaller cooking compartment heats up rapidly, cutting down on preheating time, and clean-up is generally much easier. Plus, the precise temperature control and efficient cooking mean you get consistently perfect results every time – no more soggy or unevenly cooked rolls!
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: The Undeniable Advantage
While store-bought frozen pizza rolls offer convenience, making them from scratch gives you complete control over the ingredients. You can select fresh, high-quality meats, cheeses, and sauces, ensuring your family enjoys a meal free from unwanted preservatives or artificial flavors. This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients, allowing you to customize the filling to your exact preferences. Want more spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer a vegetarian option? Load them up with finely diced bell peppers and mushrooms. The possibilities are endless when you take the homemade route.
Furthermore, homemade pizza rolls often taste superior. The fresh ingredients contribute to a more robust and authentic flavor profile that pre-packaged versions simply can’t match. The satisfaction of biting into a warm, crispy roll filled with your own savory blend of ingredients is unparalleled. It’s a fun cooking project for the whole family and a delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Table of Contents
How to Master Air Fryer Pizza Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delightful air fryer pizza rolls is a straightforward process, broken down into three main stages: preparing the savory filling, expertly wrapping each roll, and finally, air frying them to golden perfection. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your pizza rolls are a resounding success!
Preparing Your Flavorful Pizza Roll Filling
- Begin by placing a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, then toss in your chopped onions. Sauté the onions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet aroma.
- Next, introduce the ground sausage to the skillet along with your Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Using a meat chopper or a sturdy spoon, break down the sausage into fine crumbles. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sausage is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the minced garlic, marinara sauce, diced pepperoni, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has melted into a gooey, cohesive blend and the flavors have melded together beautifully. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly while you prepare the wrappers.
Assembling Your Pizza Rolls with Wonton Wrappers
- Lay out your wonton wrappers on a clean, dry surface. To create a more robust roll that is less likely to break during cooking, we recommend double-wrapping. Place one wonton wrapper on top of another. Using a cooking brush, lightly moisten all four edges of the top wrapper with water. This water acts as a “glue” to seal the rolls effectively.
- Place approximately ¾ of a tablespoon of your cooled pizza filling onto one edge of each double-wrapped wonton wrapper. Position the filling closer to one corner, leaving enough space on the edges for proper sealing.
- Carefully fold the corner with the filling over the filling, then fold in the side corners, and finally roll it up tightly to form a compact, rectangular parcel. Gently press down on the moistened edges to seal them completely. If any edges don’t seal properly, dab a little more water with your brush and press again.
Air Frying Your Homemade Pizza Rolls
- Once all your pizza rolls are assembled, lightly spray both sides of each roll with cooking oil spray. This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden-brown color and irresistible crispiness.
- Carefully arrange the sprayed pizza rolls in a single layer in your air fryer basket. It’s essential not to overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and soggy results. If necessary, cook in batches. For easier cleanup, consider lining your air fryer basket with air fryer parchment paper.
- Air fry the rolls at 370 degrees Fahrenheit (185°C) for 8 minutes. After the initial cooking time, open the air fryer basket, flip each roll over, and continue to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and perfectly crispy to your liking. The total cooking time may vary slightly based on your air fryer model and desired level of crispness.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as warm marinara or a creamy ranch dressing. Enjoy your deliciously crispy, homemade air fryer pizza rolls!
Optimal Air Fryer Settings for Pizza Rolls
Achieving the perfect air-fried pizza roll requires understanding and utilizing the right temperature and cook time. These settings are crucial for that desired crispy exterior and perfectly melted, gooey interior.
Ideal Air Fryer Temperature for Crispy Rolls
For these homemade air fryer pizza rolls, a temperature of 370 degrees Fahrenheit (185°C) is ideal. This temperature is hot enough to quickly crisp up the wonton wrappers without burning them, while also ensuring the filling heats through and the cheese melts beautifully. If your air fryer tends to run hotter, you might consider reducing the temperature slightly to 360°F (182°C) or adjusting the cook time. Conversely, if your rolls aren’t getting as golden as you’d like, a slight increase to 375°F (190°C) could be beneficial, but always keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
How Long to Cook Pizza Rolls in an Air Fryer?
The total cook time for homemade air fryer pizza rolls is typically around 11-13 minutes. We recommend an initial cook of 8 minutes, followed by a flip and an additional 3-5 minutes. This two-stage cooking process ensures both sides of the rolls get ample exposure to the circulating hot air, resulting in even browning and crispiness. The exact duration can depend on several factors:
- Air Fryer Model: Different air fryers have varying wattages and heating efficiencies. Newer or higher-powered models may cook faster.
- Desired Crispness: If you prefer your pizza rolls extra crunchy, you might add an extra minute or two to the second cooking stage. Always monitor closely.
- Batch Size: While we emphasize cooking in a single layer, a slightly fuller basket might require an extra minute or so, though overcrowding should be avoided.
Always trust your eyes! When the wrappers are golden brown and look perfectly crispy, they are ready to be removed from the air fryer.
Preheating Your Air Fryer: Is It Necessary?
Whether or not to preheat your air fryer often depends on the specific model and what you’re cooking. For pizza rolls, preheating is generally recommended as it helps achieve that immediate crispness upon contact with the hot air. A preheated air fryer ensures a more consistent cooking environment, leading to better texture and faster cooking times.
Most air fryers only require a 3-5 minute preheat at the desired cooking temperature. Always consult your air fryer’s manual for manufacturer-specific recommendations. If your model suggests preheating, then it’s best to follow that advice for optimal results. If you skip preheating, you might need to add an extra minute or two to the total cooking time, and the initial crisp might not be as pronounced.
Preventing Pizza Roll Explosions in the Air Fryer
One common frustration with making pizza rolls (or similar filled pastries like Air Fryer Crab Rangoon) is the risk of them exploding, causing a gooey mess in your air fryer basket. This usually happens when the internal steam from the hot filling builds up and bursts through a weak point in the wrapper. Here’s how to prevent this:
- Don’t Overfill: Be mindful of the amount of filling you put in each wrapper. ¾ of a tablespoon is usually sufficient. Too much filling increases internal pressure.
- Proper Sealing: Ensure all edges of your wonton wrappers are securely sealed. Use water as instructed and press firmly. Double-wrapping the rolls, as suggested in this recipe, also provides an extra layer of protection against bursting.
- Cool the Filling: Allow your pizza roll filling to cool down slightly before you start assembling the rolls. Hot filling can create more steam during cooking.
- Monitor Closely: Every air fryer cooks differently. Keep an eye on your pizza rolls, especially during the latter half of the cooking cycle. If you see any rolls puffing up excessively or showing signs of stress, you can briefly reduce the temperature or flip them again to distribute heat.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the chances of a pizza roll explosion and enjoy a perfectly contained, delicious snack.
Keeping Your Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Perfectly Crispy
There’s nothing worse than a soggy pizza roll. To ensure your air fryer pizza rolls stay delightfully crispy, both immediately after cooking and when reheating leftovers, here are some key strategies:
- Avoid Overcrowding: As mentioned, cooking rolls in a single layer allows hot air to circulate freely around each one, ensuring even crisping. Overlapping or stacking prevents this circulation and traps moisture.
- Use Oil Spray: A light coating of cooking oil spray before air frying helps achieve that golden-brown, crispy finish. It aids in heat transfer and prevents the wrappers from drying out too much.
- Proper Storage: Once cooked, if you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents condensation from building up and making them soggy.
- Reheat in the Air Fryer: The microwave is the enemy of crispiness! To revive leftover pizza rolls, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. You can spritz them with a tiny bit of oil before reheating if they seem a little dry.
Air Frying Frozen Pizza Rolls (Homemade & Store-Bought)
The air fryer is fantastic for cooking pizza rolls directly from frozen, making it incredibly convenient for meal prep or quick snacks. This applies to both your homemade batches that you’ve frozen for later and store-bought frozen pizza rolls.
For Homemade Frozen Pizza Rolls:
If you’re not planning to eat your freshly made pizza rolls right away, freezing them is an excellent option. Once assembled but before air frying, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for long-term storage (up to 2-3 months). To cook homemade frozen pizza rolls, place them in the air fryer basket (no need to thaw) and air fry at 370 degrees Fahrenheit (185°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden and crispy.
For Store-Bought Frozen Pizza Rolls:
Store-bought frozen pizza rolls also cook up wonderfully in the air fryer. For most brands, you’ll want to air fry them at 370 degrees Fahrenheit (185°C) for about 6-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The exact time may vary based on the size of the rolls and your air fryer model. Always check the package instructions as a guideline, and then adjust based on your desired crispiness.
Cooking from frozen is perfect for a quick, make-ahead snack or a last-minute appetizer, demonstrating the versatility of your air fryer.
Serving Suggestions and Dipping Delights
These crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with the right dipping sauce can elevate the experience even further. Warm marinara sauce is a classic choice, perfectly complementing the rich pizza flavors. For a creamy and tangy alternative, consider a homemade ranch dressing, like my Homemade Keto Ranch Dressing. Other popular dips include garlic aioli, a spicy sriracha mayo, or even a simple side of sour cream for a cooling contrast. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite sauces to find the perfect pairing!
Beyond dips, these pizza rolls make a versatile addition to any meal or snack lineup. Serve them alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter meal, or as part of a larger appetizer spread for parties and gatherings. They’re also a guaranteed hit with kids, making them a great option for after-school snacks or fun lunchbox additions.
More Air Fryer Favorites to Explore
If you loved making these pizza rolls in your air fryer, you’re in for a treat! The air fryer is incredibly versatile for creating a wide array of delicious appetizers and main dishes. Expand your air fryer repertoire with some of these other fantastic recipes:
Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes:
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Air Fryer Onion Rings
- Air Fryer Fried Pickles
- Air Fryer Egg Rolls
- Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
- Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
- Air Fryer Potato Skins
More Air Fryer Recipes:
- Air Fryer Sausage
- Air Fryer Hamburgers
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Tater Tots
The Ultimate Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Recipe Card
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Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are a quick and easy homemade recipe featuring savory sausage, zesty pepperoni, and irresistibly gooey melted mozzarella cheese, all encased in crispy wonton wrappers. Ditch the deep-fried Totino’s bites for these healthier, customizable snacks that are perfect for any occasion. This guide also covers essential cooking times and tips for cooking frozen rolls.
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Ingredients for Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onions (I like to use red onions.)
- ½ pound ground sausage
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup pepperoni, diced or small rounds
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- 64 wonton wrappers (The pizza rolls will be double wrapped)
- cooking oil spray
Detailed Instructions
- Place a skillet on medium-high heat and add the olive oil and onions.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Add the sausage, Italian Seasoning, salt and pepper, and break it down using a meat chopper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sausage is no longer pink.
- Add in the garlic, marinara sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella. Reduce heat to medium and allow the mixture to cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring until cheese is melted and combined.
- Line the wonton wrappers (double wrap the wrappers and use 2 wonton wrappers per roll to prevent breakage) on a dry cooking surface. Use water and a cooking brush to wet the 4 edges of each wonton wrapper.
- Load each wrapper with the filling. Focus on loading the filling toward one edge of the wrapper to make sealing easier. I used ¾ of a tablespoon of filling in each.
- Seal the wrapper. I like to seal them to make a rectangle. Use a wet cooking brush to seal the closed edge if needed, ensuring no gaps.
- Spray the rolls with cooking oil spray (both sides) and place them in the air fryer. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary. If you stack the pizza rolls, it may require a longer cook time and result in uneven cooking. I like to use Air Fryer Parchment Paper to make clean up easier.
- Air fry the rolls for 8 minutes on 370 degrees Fahrenheit (185°C). Open and flip the rolls. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- I love to dip these in warm marinara sauce or a creamy ranch dressing.
Video Tutorial
Recipe Notes
- You may opt to use egg roll wrappers instead of wonton wrappers, especially if you have trouble sealing the smaller wonton wrappers. Every brand of wonton wrappers can be different to deal with and handle. If you use egg roll wrappers, you will likely have to adjust your serving size and nutrition facts accordingly using the calculator of your choice, as they are larger.
- Total cook time will vary based on your specific air fryer model and how crisp you want the bites to be. I personally prefer them to be crunchy.
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Nutritional Information (displayed with net carbs)
Serving: 2 pizza rolls | Calories: 211 kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 12g
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Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Conclusion
Making homemade pizza rolls in your air fryer is a game-changer for anyone looking for a healthier, tastier, and more customizable snack alternative. With their crispy wrappers, savory filling, and quick cooking time, these air fryer pizza rolls are sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re whipping up a fresh batch for game night, prepping a freezer-friendly snack, or simply satisfying a pizza craving, the air fryer delivers perfectly golden and delicious results every time. Embrace the ease and flavor of air frying, and enjoy these delectable pizza rolls!