Air Fryer Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
These Air Fryer Pepperoni Rolls are a perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness. Whether you’re making them as a snack, appetizer, or even a quick meal, these rolls are easy to prepare and cook in a matter of minutes using your air fryer. The crispy pizza dough is filled with pepperoni, mozzarella, parmesan, and marinara sauce, creating a delicious bite-sized treat that everyone will love. Customize the fillings with your favorite toppings for even more flavor!
Ingredients:
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 package pepperoni slices
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional: additional toppings such as olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into rectangles (about 3×4 inches in size).
- Assemble the rolls: Place a few slices of pepperoni on each rectangle. Then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and a small spoonful of marinara sauce. Optionally, add any extra toppings like olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Roll and seal: Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges together tightly to seal the roll.
- Cook: Place the rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded.
- Air fry: Cook the rolls for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve the rolls hot with extra marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
Description:
Air Fryer Pepperoni Rolls are a quick and delicious way to enjoy pizza-inspired flavors without heating up your oven. The combination of melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and crispy dough, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer, makes for a tasty and satisfying snack. Whether you’re craving a casual appetizer or an easy weeknight meal, these rolls are sure to hit the spot. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – feel free to get creative with the fillings to suit your tastes!
Reheating & Storage Tips:
- Storing: Leftover pepperoni rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the rolls in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the rolls before cooking. Simply prepare the rolls, freeze them on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to cook, air fry the frozen rolls at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use homemade pizza dough? Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough if you prefer, though refrigerated dough is quicker and more convenient.
- Can I add vegetables to these rolls? Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or any of your favorite pizza toppings.
- Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can prep them in advance and refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to cook.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, feel free to substitute the mozzarella or parmesan with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a different flavor.
- Do I need to spray the rolls with oil? It’s not necessary, but spraying them lightly with cooking spray can help achieve a crispier texture.
- What temperature should I set the air fryer to? Set your air fryer to 350°F for the best results.
- How long should I cook the rolls? Cook for 8-10 minutes, checking for a golden-brown color and crispy texture.
- Can I use turkey or chicken pepperoni? Yes, turkey or chicken pepperoni can be used as a lighter alternative to regular pepperoni.
- What other sauces can I use for dipping? Try ranch, garlic butter, or a creamy spinach dip for variety.
- How can I make these rolls spicy? Add crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or spicy sausage to the filling.
- Can I use a different type of dough? Yes, crescent roll dough or biscuit dough can also be used for a different texture.
- Can I bake these in the oven instead of using an air fryer? Yes, bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Are these rolls suitable for kids? Yes, kids will love the cheesy and savory filling. Just be mindful of any food allergies.
- Can I use a different protein besides pepperoni? Yes, try using cooked sausage, bacon, or even shredded chicken for a variation.
- How do I prevent the dough from unrolling during cooking? Make sure to pinch the edges well when sealing the rolls. You can also lightly press the ends with a fork to secure them.
- Can I make these rolls without cheese? Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by omitting the cheese and using a non-dairy substitute.
- Can I use marinara sauce inside the rolls? Yes, marinara sauce is a great addition inside the rolls for extra flavor.
- How can I make these rolls crispy? Use a light coat of cooking spray before air frying, and ensure they’re spaced out in the basket.
- How many rolls can I make at once? It depends on the size of your air fryer. Typically, you can fit 4-6 rolls at a time in a standard-sized air fryer basket.
- Can I add seasoning to the dough? Yes, you can sprinkle the dough with extra garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or even some crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor.
20 Best Tips to Make the Perfect Air Fryer Pepperoni Rolls:
- Use cold dough for easier handling and better texture.
- Pinch the dough well around the edges to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
- Space the rolls out in the air fryer basket to ensure they cook evenly.
- Don’t overstuff the rolls, as it can make them harder to seal and cook properly.
- Brush the dough lightly with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish.
- Add extra seasoning to the dough or the cheese for more flavor.
- Experiment with fillings: sausage, veggies, or even a drizzle of pesto.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamy texture, but shredded mozzarella works fine too.
- Preheat the air fryer for even cooking from the start.
- Rotate the rolls halfway through cooking for an even golden-brown crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow air circulation for the best crisping.
- Make mini rolls for bite-sized snacks or appetizers.
- Let the rolls rest briefly after cooking before serving to avoid burns from the hot filling.
- Serve with a dipping sauce for added flavor, like ranch or marinara.
- Make sure the rolls are sealed tightly to keep the filling inside.
- Try different types of dough, like crescent roll dough, for a flaky texture.
- Add a sprinkle of parmesan on top for extra flavor and crunch.
- For a healthier version, try using whole wheat pizza dough.
- Double the recipe if you’re serving a crowd—they’re sure to disappear quickly!
- Freeze extra rolls for a quick snack on another day.
