Air Fryer Pizza Rolls: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Pizza rolls are a quick and easy snack to make, especially when using an air fryer. They are a great snack for kids, and perfect for game day. Pizza rolls can be made from scratch or store-bought, and can be cooked from frozen. They are best served with a dip, such as pizza sauce, marinara sauce, tomato sauce, or ranch dressing.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the pizza roll-making process. It ensures your snack reaches the desired level of crispiness and doesn't end up soggy. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to preheat it manually. Set the temperature to 380°F for 7-9 minutes. Some air fryers, like the Cuisinart Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer, include preheating in their warming process.

When preheating, you can line the bottom of your air fryer with foil to make cleanup easier, especially if you're cooking something that drips. However, be careful not to block the air circulation under the grates of the air fryer basket. Perforated parchment paper can also be used to line the basket while still allowing air to circulate. For pizza rolls, lining the basket is not necessary as they are less likely to stick and don't drip much.

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to add the pizza rolls. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding, which can affect the crispiness of your pizza rolls. If you're making a large batch, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Arrange pizza rolls in a single layer

When arranging pizza rolls in an air fryer, it is best to place them in a single layer. This ensures that the hot air can circulate evenly and that all the pizza rolls cook thoroughly and consistently. If the pizza rolls are stacked or crowded together, they may not cook evenly, and you may end up with some undercooked or soggy spots.

To arrange pizza rolls in a single layer, start by preheating your air fryer for a couple of minutes. This helps ensure that the air fryer is nice and hot when the pizza rolls are added, promoting even cooking and a crispy texture. Open a bag of frozen pizza rolls and place them one by one in the air fryer basket or tray, leaving a little space around each roll. You can use any brand of frozen pizza rolls, such as Totino's or Amy's, or even make your own homemade pizza rolls.

It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer. If you are making a large batch, cook the pizza rolls in multiple batches to ensure even cooking. You can reheat any prior batches for 1-2 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit if they cool down while waiting. Remember that the goal is to have enough space for hot air to circulate and cook each pizza roll evenly.

Additionally, there is no need to use cooking spray or line the air fryer basket with parchment paper when cooking pizza rolls. They typically will not stick to the basket, and they don't create much mess unless they explode. However, if your air fryer tends to have sticking issues, you can always use a light spritz of cooking spray or line the basket with perforated parchment paper.

Cook for 6-8 minutes

Cooking pizza rolls in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious snack. It takes less than 10 minutes to cook pizza rolls in an air fryer, and they come out crispy on the outside and warm on the inside.

When cooking pizza rolls in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the air fryer before adding the pizza rolls. This can be done by running the air fryer empty for a couple of minutes or, if your air fryer has a built-in preheat functionality, using that. It is also important to flip and rotate the pizza rolls halfway through the cooking process to ensure even airflow and uniform heat.

The cooking time for pizza rolls in an air fryer may vary depending on the brand, style, and age of the air fryer, as well as the wattage and capacity. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on the pizza rolls during the cooking process, especially after the 6-minute mark, to ensure that they do not burn. The pizza rolls are done when they are crispy and golden brown.

If the pizza rolls don't seem to be fully cooked after 6-8 minutes, they can be cooked for an additional minute, and then the cooking time can be increased in 1-minute intervals until they are cooked to the desired level of doneness. It is also important to note that frozen pizza rolls should not be thawed before air frying, as this can affect the cooking time and results.

Flip halfway through

Flipping your pizza rolls halfway through the cooking process is an important step when cooking them in an air fryer. This ensures that they cook evenly on all sides and helps to achieve a consistent texture and colour.

When you place the pizza rolls in the air fryer, they are likely to be sitting in a single layer, perhaps with a little space between them to allow the hot air to circulate. As the air fryer works its magic, the top of the pizza rolls will begin to brown and crisp up. However, if you don't flip them, the underside may not cook as effectively and you could be left with soggy spots or uneven cooking.

By flipping the pizza rolls, you expose the other side to the direct heat, allowing it to also crisp up and brown. This ensures that the final cooked product is evenly cooked on all sides and has a consistent texture throughout. No soggy bottoms here!

To flip the pizza rolls, simply use a pair of tongs or a spatula to carefully turn them over. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the cooking area. Aim to flip them over at the midpoint of the cooking time. For example, if your total cooking time is 8 minutes, flip them over after 4 minutes.

Remember, the exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, the number of pizza rolls you're cooking, and your desired level of crispiness. So, keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or burning. With this simple step of flipping halfway through, you'll be enjoying perfectly cooked, crispy, and delicious pizza rolls in no time!

Serve with sauce and cheese

Pizza rolls are a great snack to make in an air fryer, and they can be served with a variety of sauces and cheeses. Here are some tips and suggestions for serving pizza rolls with sauce and cheese:

Sauce Options:

Pizza sauce is the classic choice for dipping your pizza rolls, but if you don't have any on hand, marinara or tomato sauce will work just as well. For a creamier option, try ranch dressing. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with other dipping sauces like barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or even a spicy salsa.

Cheese Options:

Sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over your pizza rolls is a simple way to add a burst of flavor. You can also try other shredded cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or a Mexican blend. For a more indulgent treat, stuff your pizza rolls with extra cheese before cooking. This will create a melted, cheesy surprise when you bite into them.

Serving Suggestions:

When serving pizza rolls with sauce and cheese, it's best to provide separate bowls for the sauce and cheese. This allows your guests to dip and sprinkle according to their preferences. You can also offer a variety of sauces and cheeses to cater to different tastes. Don't forget to include some napkins, as this snack can get a little messy!

Customization:

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of sauces and cheeses. You can even set up a "build-your-own" pizza roll bar, where guests can choose their own toppings and dips. This is a great way to accommodate different dietary restrictions and preferences.

Cooking pizza rolls in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this snack, and by serving them with a variety of sauces and cheeses, you can elevate this simple dish and make it even more enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions