Air Fryer Pizza Rolls: A Quick, Easy Treat

Pizza rolls are a convenient snack, especially for kids coming home from school. They are typically cooked in an oven or microwave, but cooking them in an air fryer is a faster and easier alternative. Air fryers can cook frozen pizza rolls in less than 10 minutes, resulting in a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey, and melty interior.

Pizza rolls can be cooked straight from frozen

To cook pizza rolls in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer. Then, place the frozen pizza rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It is important not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the hot air from circulating and the pizza rolls will not cook evenly. If you are cooking a large quantity of pizza rolls, it is best to do multiple batches.

Cooking time for pizza rolls in an air fryer is typically between 6 and 10 minutes. The pizza rolls are done when they are crispy and golden brown. It is important to keep an eye on them, as they can explode if they are cooked for too long. To prevent sticking, you can spray the basket with an air fryer-safe cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

Pizza rolls cooked in an air fryer will be crispy on the outside and melted and warm on the inside. They can be served on their own or with a dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch, or garlic butter.

Preheat the air fryer for best results

Preheating your air fryer is a great way to speed up the cooking process and get that perfect crunch on your pizza rolls. It's not a necessary step, but it can help you achieve the best results. Here's how you can preheat your air fryer for optimal cooking:

Check the Manual:

First, refer to your air fryer's manual to ensure that it can handle preheating. Different models may have specific instructions or recommendations for preheating. Some air fryers come with a preheat button, making the process more convenient.

Set the Temperature:

If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat button, you'll need to set the temperature manually. Choose the temperature at which you plan to cook your pizza rolls. For pizza rolls, a temperature of 380-390 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended for that perfect crispiness.

Heat the Air Fryer:

With the temperature set, turn on your empty air fryer. Smaller air fryers typically take around 2-3 minutes to preheat, while larger models may need up to 5 minutes. The goal is to get the air fryer basket nice and hot so that it can toast or sear your pizza rolls.

Timing is Key:

Once your air fryer reaches the desired temperature, it will alert you if it has a preheat button. If not, use a timer and heat the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes. This timing ensures that the hot air starts circulating before you add your pizza rolls.

Add the Pizza Rolls:

After preheating, it's time to add your frozen pizza rolls. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid stacking them to ensure even cooking. Close the air fryer, set the timer for 6 to 8 minutes, and let the air fryer work its magic.

Flip or Shake:

For even cooking, consider flipping the pizza rolls or shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process. This helps prevent any sticking and ensures that your pizza rolls cook evenly on all sides.

By preheating your air fryer, you create a consistent cooking environment that can lead to faster cooking times and crispier results. It's an optional step, but it can elevate the quality of your pizza rolls, making them even more delicious and enjoyable.

No need to defrost pizza rolls

To cook frozen pizza rolls in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer for a couple of minutes. You can line the air fryer with parchment paper or spray the tray/basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. However, this is not necessary, as some people find that pizza rolls do not stick to the air fryer basket. Then, place the frozen pizza rolls in the air fryer. You can stack them, but do not overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent hot air from circulating. It is recommended to cook them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Cook the pizza rolls for around 6 to 8 minutes at 380-390 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep an eye on them, as cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, and they may be done sooner. Flip the pizza rolls or shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. Your pizza rolls are ready when they are golden brown and crispy.

Pizza rolls are known to explode in the air fryer when the water inside turns to steam and needs to escape. Cooking them at 380 degrees Fahrenheit is a low enough temperature to minimize this, but if they do explode, simply use a fork to stuff the filling back in. You can also prevent a mess by lining the bottom of your air fryer. Enjoy your pizza rolls as is or with your favorite dipping sauce!

Cook for 6-10 minutes at 380-400°F

Pizza rolls can be cooked in an air fryer at 380°F for 7-9 minutes or at 400°F for 6-8 minutes. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the brand, style, and age of your air fryer, so it is recommended to check on your pizza rolls after about 6 minutes to ensure they do not burn. If they are not fully cooked after 8 minutes, continue cooking in 1-minute increments until they are done to your liking.

When cooking pizza rolls in an air fryer, it is best to place them in a single layer to ensure even cooking and to prevent overcrowding, which can cause uneven heating and sogginess. Additionally, shaking the basket or flipping the pizza rolls halfway through the cooking process can help ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Some recipes recommend preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the pizza rolls, while others suggest cooking them from frozen without preheating. It is also worth noting that some pizza rolls may explode in the air fryer due to the steam building up inside. This can be mitigated by cooking at a lower temperature or reducing the cooking time.

Overall, cooking pizza rolls in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve crispy and delicious results, making them a perfect snack or quick meal.

Serve with a dip

Pizza rolls cooked in an air fryer can be served with a dip. The cooking process is simple and quick, making it a convenient snack, appetiser, or meal. Pizza rolls are best served hot and crispy, and can be paired with a variety of dips, including:

• Marinara sauce or pizza sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Pesto
• Alfredo sauce
• Buffalo sauce
• Bean dip
• Enchilada dip
• Queso dip
• Jalapeno popper dip

For those who prefer their pizza rolls with extra cheese, dips like cheese sauce or copycat Cane’s sauce are also options.

For those who enjoy making their own dips, a simple red sauce can be made by combining sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and letting it simmer until the rolls are ready to be served.

The versatility of pizza rolls, along with their ease of preparation, makes them a popular choice for satisfying both kid and adult appetites.

Frequently asked questions