Save on Pinterest I discovered these while scrolling through TikTok at midnight, and honestly, I was skeptical until I made them. My kitchen smelled incredible within minutes, and watching the golden rolls pop out of the air fryer felt like magic. The crispy outside gave way to molten cheese and pepperoni inside, and I knew I'd stumbled onto something special. What started as a random trend became my go-to move for impressing friends without much effort.
I made these for a movie night with friends who claimed they weren't hungry, and somehow three-quarters of the batch disappeared before the opening credits finished. Watching everyone grab roll after roll, dipping them in sauce, completely distracted from the film—that's when I knew this recipe was a keeper. There's something about a warm, gooey pizza roll that makes people actually talk to each other instead of staring at screens.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated pizza dough: This is your shortcut to success, and I'm not ashamed of it. One package gives you enough for 24 rolls, and the quality is genuinely good.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Fresh or pre-shredded both work, though I've learned that a tiny bit of cornstarch on pre-shredded prevents clumping inside your rolls.
- Mini pepperoni slices: They cook perfectly in 10 minutes and add that salty, crispy element that makes people come back for more.
- Pizza sauce: A simple jarred sauce is perfectly fine here; this isn't the place to spend 30 minutes making sauce from scratch.
- Parmesan cheese: Just a bit of this adds a savory punch that elevates the whole thing.
- Dried Italian herbs: The dry herbs bloom in the heat and distribute evenly throughout each roll.
- Egg wash: This seals the dough and gives you that gorgeous golden color that makes them look homemade in the best way.
Instructions
- Set up your air fryer:
- Preheat to 190°C for 5 minutes so it's ready the moment your rolls are. This matters more than you'd think.
- Roll out the dough:
- On a floured surface, stretch it into a rectangle about 30 x 25 cm. It doesn't have to be perfect; slightly irregular is more charming anyway.
- Spread and season:
- Leave a border of plain dough around the edges so the seam has something to grip when you roll. Distribute the sauce, cheese, pepperoni, and herbs evenly so no roll feels neglected.
- Roll and seal:
- Starting from the long edge, roll tightly like you mean it, then pinch the seam shut. A loose roll will unravel in the air fryer, and nobody wants that.
- Slice with confidence:
- A sharp knife makes clean cuts that help the rolls cook evenly. A dull knife will just squish things around.
- Prep for cooking:
- Brush each roll with egg wash on the cut sides to seal them, then spray your air fryer basket generously. Don't skip this step unless you enjoy scraping.
- Air fry to perfection:
- Arrange them in a single layer with a little breathing room, brush the tops with more egg, and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. You want them golden and crispy, and they'll actually look more impressive than you'd expect.
- Cool and serve:
- Let them rest for a couple of minutes so the cheese doesn't burn your mouth, then dive in with extra sauce for dipping.
Save on Pinterest I brought these to a neighborhood potluck thinking they'd be too casual for the occasion, and they were gone before the lasagna even cooled down. Watching people reach for thirds while standing around the kitchen, sauce on their fingers and smiles on their faces—that's when food stopped being about feeding people and became about creating a moment. These little rolls somehow do that every single time.
Fillings Worth Trying
The beauty of this recipe is that it adapts to whatever you have on hand or whatever you're craving. I've made batches with roasted red peppers and garlic, others with spinach and ricotta for a more sophisticated vibe, and even one with crispy bacon for friends who live and breathe meat. The filling ratio stays the same, so you can swap ingredients without guessing. Think of it as your canvas; pepperoni is just the traditional starting point.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers, if you actually have them, keep in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 160°C for about 3 minutes, and they'll taste nearly as good as fresh. I've also learned that you can freeze uncooked rolls on a tray, then cook them straight from frozen for about 12–14 minutes if a sudden craving hits. Planning ahead has never tasted better.
Why the Air Fryer Wins
Traditional deep frying gets the job done, but it's messy, it uses gallons of oil, and your kitchen smells like a fryer for days afterward. The air fryer gives you that exact crispiness with a light spray of oil and minimal cleanup afterward. Speed matters too; ten minutes from cold basket to golden rolls feels almost impossible until it happens in front of you. It's the kind of small kitchen upgrade that actually changes how often you make something.
- Air frying uses a fraction of the oil, so your rolls are lighter without sacrificing texture.
- No splattering oil means fewer burn risks and a cleaner stovetop.
- The consistent heat circulation means every single roll comes out evenly cooked, every single time.
Save on Pinterest These rolls have become my secret weapon for unexpected guests and lazy weeknights alike. There's something deeply satisfying about pulling a batch of crispy, gooey pizza rolls out of the air fryer and seeing people light up before they even take a bite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make these rolls vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit pepperoni and substitute with diced bell peppers or other vegetables while keeping the cheese for flavor.
- → What dough alternatives work best?
Whole wheat or gluten-free doughs can be used based on preference or dietary needs.
- → How do I prevent the rolls from opening while cooking?
Brushing the edges with beaten egg before sealing and again on top before air frying helps keep them closed and creates a golden crust.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate before cooking. Air fry fresh when ready for best texture.
- → What are good dipping options?
Extra pizza sauce is classic, but marinara or garlic butter also complement the rolls well.