Pizza rolls are the quintessential snack, loved by all for their gooey cheese filling and crispy exterior. However, if you’re still cooking pizza rolls in the oven or microwave, you’re missing out on the air fryer revolution. Cooking pizza rolls in an air fryer not only speeds up the process but also delivers a crispier, healthier version of your favorite snack. Whether you’re using frozen pizza rolls or making them from scratch, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Let’s explore recipes, tips, common mistakes to avoid, and creative variations that will take your pizza roll game to the next level.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Pizza Rolls?
Air fryers have become a staple in kitchens for good reason. They make cooking faster, healthier, and more efficient, especially for snacks like pizza rolls. If you haven’t made pizza rolls in an air fryer yet, here are a few key reasons why you should:
1. Healthier Cooking with Less Oil
Compared to traditional frying methods, an air fryer uses little to no oil while still delivering the same crispy results. You can achieve that golden, crunchy exterior without the added fats and calories, making air frying a healthier alternative for cooking pizza rolls.
2. Faster Cooking Times
Using an air fryer cuts down on preheating and cooking times significantly. While baking pizza rolls in the oven might take 12-15 minutes, an air fryer can cut that time to around 6-8 minutes, depending on the model. Plus, there’s no need to wait for the air fryer to preheat like you would with an oven.
3. Perfect Texture Every Time
One of the biggest challenges of cooking pizza rolls is balancing a crispy outer shell with a fully cooked interior. With an air fryer, the circulating hot air ensures an evenly cooked snack, with a crispy shell and gooey interior every time.
The versatility of air fryers also allows you to explore other air-fried snacks, such as hot honey pizza, which pairs spicy and sweet flavors for a unique culinary experience.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Frozen Pizza Rolls in an Air Fryer
Now that we’ve established the benefits of using an air fryer, let’s dive into how to cook frozen pizza rolls. Follow these easy steps for perfectly crispy, evenly cooked pizza rolls every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer isn’t always necessary, but it can help ensure even cooking. Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for 2-3 minutes. - Arrange Pizza Rolls in the Basket
Place the frozen pizza rolls in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Be sure to avoid overcrowding, as this can prevent the hot air from circulating properly, leading to uneven cooking. - Set the Timer
Cook the pizza rolls at 380°F for 6-8 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or turn the pizza rolls to ensure all sides crisp up evenly. - Check for Doneness
After 6-8 minutes, the pizza rolls should be golden brown and crispy. If they aren’t done to your liking, you can add an additional minute or two, but be careful not to overcook them, as the filling can burst. - Cool Before Serving
Let the pizza rolls cool for a minute or two before serving. The filling will be extremely hot straight out of the air fryer, and letting them cool will prevent burns.
Pro Tip: Add Flavor with Garlic Butter
For an extra burst of flavor, toss the pizza rolls in garlic butter after cooking. Simply melt a tablespoon of butter, mix in minced garlic and parsley, and toss the pizza rolls in the mixture while they’re still hot. This enhances their flavor and adds a gourmet twist.
Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe for Air Fryer
Frozen pizza rolls are convenient, but nothing beats the taste and customization of homemade pizza rolls. With homemade pizza rolls, you control the ingredients, fillings, and flavors. Plus, they’re super easy to make in your air fryer.
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices or any other desired filling (vegetables, sausage, etc.)
- Pizza sauce
- Olive oil (optional, for brushing)
Instructions:
- Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. If you’re using wonton wrappers, you can skip this step. - Cut Dough into Squares
Cut the dough into small squares, roughly 3 inches by 3 inches. These will be your pizza roll wrappers. - Add the Fillings
Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, and a slice of pepperoni in the center of each dough square. You can get creative here, adding vegetables or different meats if you prefer. - Fold and Seal
Fold the dough squares in half to form triangles, pinching the edges to seal in the filling. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra seal. - Brush with Olive Oil (Optional)
For an extra crispy finish, lightly brush the outside of each pizza roll with olive oil before placing them in the air fryer. - Cook in the Air Fryer
Arrange the pizza rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through to ensure even cooking. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve the pizza rolls with marinara sauce, ranch, or any dipping sauce of your choice. Enjoy!
Looking for a sweet dessert to complement your savory pizza rolls? Try serving them alongside a strawberry earthquake cake.
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Pizza Rolls in the Air Fryer
To achieve the best results when making pizza rolls in the air fryer, follow these simple tips:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating helps ensure that your pizza rolls start cooking immediately, resulting in even crisping and browning.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Always cook pizza rolls in a single layer to allow the hot air to circulate properly. If you’re cooking a large batch, it’s best to do it in multiple rounds.
3. Shake Halfway Through
Shaking the basket or flipping the pizza rolls halfway through cooking helps prevent them from sticking and ensures that all sides cook evenly.
4. Add Extra Flavor
Enhance the flavor of your pizza rolls by brushing them with melted garlic butter, adding Parmesan cheese, or sprinkling them with herbs like oregano or basil after cooking.
By following these tips, you’ll enjoy pizza rolls that are perfectly crispy on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside.
Creative Variations of Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Tired of the same old pizza rolls? Here are a few creative variations you can try to spice up your snack game:
1. Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls
Swap out the pizza sauce for buffalo sauce and fill your pizza rolls with shredded chicken and mozzarella cheese. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
2. Vegetarian Pizza Rolls
Go meatless by filling your pizza rolls with spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and cheese. You can even use vegan cheese for a fully plant-based snack.
3. BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza Rolls
For a smoky twist, fill your pizza rolls with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and cheddar cheese. Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
4. Cheesy Garlic Pizza Rolls
Fill your pizza rolls with mozzarella and cream cheese, then brush the outside with garlic butter before air frying. This adds a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with a side of marinara.
5. Spicy Jalapeño Pepperoni Rolls
Add heat to your pizza rolls by including jalapeños or red pepper flakes in the filling along with pepperoni and cheese. This is a great option for those who like a little spice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Pizza Rolls in an Air Fryer
Cooking pizza rolls in an air fryer is simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the results. Here’s what to avoid:
1. Overcrowding the Basket
If you overcrowd the air fryer basket, the pizza rolls won’t cook evenly. The hot air needs to circulate around each pizza roll to achieve that crispy texture. Cook in batches if necessary.
2. Skipping the Shake
Not shaking the basket halfway through can result in uneven cooking. Shaking ensures all sides of the pizza rolls get crisped up and prevents them from sticking to each other.
3. Cooking at Too High a Temperature
While it may be tempting to cook at a higher temperature for faster results, doing so can cause the pizza rolls to burst open and the filling to leak out. Stick to a moderate temperature (around 380°F) for the best results.
4. Not Preheating the Air Fryer
While preheating isn’t always required, it helps to ensure that the pizza rolls cook evenly from the moment they hit the basket.
How to Store and Reheat Pizza Rolls
If you have leftover pizza rolls (though that’s unlikely!), here’s how to store and reheat them while maintaining their crispy texture:
Storage:
- Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- To reheat, place the pizza rolls back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. This will restore their crispiness without drying them out, unlike microwaving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Cook Pizza Rolls in an Air Fryer?
Yes! Frozen pizza rolls cook perfectly in an air fryer. They typically take around 6-8 minutes at 380°F, depending on your air fryer model.
Do Pizza Rolls Need to Be Flipped in the Air Fryer?
No need to flip them, but shaking the basket halfway through cooking ensures they crisp evenly on all sides.
Why Do Pizza Rolls Burst in the Air Fryer?
Pizza rolls can burst if cooked at too high a temperature or for too long. Stick to 380°F for around 6-8 minutes to avoid this.
Can You Cook Pizza Rolls Without Oil?
Yes, no additional oil is needed when cooking pizza rolls in the air fryer. The circulating air crisps them up without any added fat.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Cooking pizza rolls in the air fryer is a fast, easy, and healthier way to enjoy this classic snack. Whether you’re making frozen pizza rolls or crafting your own homemade versions, the air fryer delivers consistently crispy results every time. Plus, with endless possibilities for creative fillings and dipping sauces, you can customize your pizza rolls to suit your taste.
Pair your pizza rolls with tasty sides like loaded fries or sweeten things up with a dessert like strawberry earthquake cake. With these tips, variations, and recipes, you’ll soon be an expert at making pizza rolls in your air fryer.