Pin It I discovered these pizza rolls scrolling through TikTok at midnight, half-paying attention, when suddenly my nephew appeared in my kitchen asking if we could make them right then. Three hours later, our fingers were sticky, the air fryer was humming, and we had golden-brown bites that somehow tasted like the best party snack I'd ever made. Now I can't stop making them, tweaking the fillings, bringing them to gatherings where people ask for the recipe before they've even swallowed the first bite.
My friend Sarah brought store-bought frozen rolls to a game night last year, and I realized right then I could do better. The next time she came over, I had a batch warm and waiting. She took one bite and immediately texted her sister the photos, which is when I knew these weren't just a snack anymore—they were the thing people would remember about the night.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated pizza dough (1 package, about 400 g): The shortcut that doesn't feel like cheating—it saves you time without sacrificing that pizza roll magic.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (120 g): This is your main event, so don't skimp on quality; it melts into those pockets of pure comfort.
- Mini pepperoni slices (60 g) or diced bell peppers: The flavor anchor that makes people ask what you did differently.
- Pizza sauce (4 tbsp): A thin layer is all you need; too much and your rolls get soggy.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tbsp): The salty background singer that makes everything taste more intentional.
- Dried Italian herbs (1/2 tsp): Toast it in your head while you sprinkle it—you're building layers of flavor here.
- Beaten egg (1): Your invisible glue and golden-brown paintbrush all in one.
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray: The preventative measure that keeps everything from sticking and lets the heat do its job.
Instructions
- Heat your air fryer and prep your space:
- Set the air fryer to 190°C and let it warm while you dust your surface with flour. This moment of preparation matters—you want everything ready before the dough gets warm and sticky in your hands.
- Roll and spread:
- Unfold the dough into a rectangle about 30 x 25 cm, then spread pizza sauce thinly and evenly, stopping just shy of the edges. The border is your seal, so respect it.
- Layer your fillings:
- Scatter mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni or vegetables, and herbs across the sauce like you're making something precious. The distribution matters because each bite should feel like it has a little of everything.
- Roll tightly:
- Starting from the long side, roll the dough firmly toward you, pinching the seam as you go to create a tight log. Loose rolls fall apart in the air fryer; tight rolls become little treasures.
- Slice with confidence:
- Use a sharp knife and cut the log into 24 even pieces—cleaner slices mean better sealing and more even cooking.
- Seal with egg wash:
- Brush the cut sides and tops with beaten egg; this helps them stay sealed and turns golden and glossy in the heat.
- Arrange and fry:
- Spray the basket, arrange rolls in a single layer with a bit of space between each one, and air fry at 190°C for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Watch for that golden-brown moment when you know they're done.
- Cool and serve:
- Let them rest for 2–3 minutes before serving; they'll be soft right now, but they'll firm up as they cool slightly.
Pin It There was a moment during that midnight cooking session with my nephew when he pulled a roll out of the air fryer, blew on it, took a bite, and his whole face lit up. That's when I stopped thinking of these as a recipe and started thinking of them as a reason to bring people into the kitchen together.
Filling Ideas Beyond the Basics
The beauty of pizza rolls is that they're a canvas for whatever you're craving that day. I've made them with caramelized onions and ricotta for a fancier crowd, crispy bacon and cheddar for my dad's card nights, and roasted mushrooms with fresh basil when I'm feeling vegetarian. The formula stays the same, but the personality changes with every batch. Experiment with sun-dried tomatoes, jalapeños, olives, or even swap in marinara for pizza sauce if you want something slightly different.
Dipping Sauces That Elevate Everything
Plain pizza sauce works perfectly fine, but here's where you can have fun: mix sour cream with garlic and fresh herbs for a creamy dip, warm up some marinara with a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even make a quick ranch by mixing mayo, sour cream, and Italian seasoning. I've served these with three different dips on a single platter, and people gravitated toward different ones depending on their mood. Sometimes the sauce is just as memorable as the roll itself.
Make-Ahead Wisdom and Storage Tips
You can assemble these completely, freeze them on a baking sheet uncovered, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three weeks. When you're ready to serve, no thawing needed—just add two extra minutes to the cooking time and watch for that golden color. I've pulled frozen rolls straight from the freezer at parties and had them ready in less time than it takes to set out snack bowls. They also keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for about three days, though they're honestly best eaten fresh.
- Freeze unbaked rolls in a single layer before bagging to prevent them from sticking together.
- Refresh day-old rolls in the air fryer for two minutes at 165°C to restore their crispness.
- Double the batch because they disappear faster than you'd expect.
Pin It These pizza rolls have become my go-to when I want to feel like I'm doing something special in the kitchen without it turning into a whole production. There's something about serving something warm and homemade that makes people feel genuinely cared for.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these pizza rolls vegetarian?
Yes, substitute pepperoni with diced bell peppers or other vegetables and use only cheese for the filling.
- → What dough works best for these rolls?
Refrigerated pizza dough works well, but you can also use whole wheat or gluten-free dough as preferred.
- → How do I get a crispy crust without the egg wash?
Brush the rolls lightly with olive oil before air frying for a golden, crispy finish without using egg.
- → Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and slice the rolls in advance, then air fry just before serving to maintain crispness.
- → What are good dipping options for these rolls?
Extra pizza sauce is classic, but ranch or garlic aioli also pair nicely for dipping.
- → How long should I air fry the rolls?
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.