Air Fryer Pizza Rolls: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Pizza rolls are a popular snack, but can you cook them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer pizza rolls are an easy and fast snack that can be cooked in just a few minutes. The best part is that you don't need to thaw them beforehand – simply place them in the air fryer straight from the freezer. The cooking time will depend on the brand of pizza rolls and your air fryer model, but generally, they will need to cook for around 5-10 minutes at 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. So, if you're looking for a quick and crispy snack, air fryer pizza rolls are a great option!

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the pizza roll-making process. It ensures that your air fryer is hot enough to cook the pizza rolls evenly and make them crispy. Set your air fryer to 380°F and let it warm up for at least 3 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't have a built-in preheat functionality, make sure to manually preheat it for 5 minutes.

Preheating your air fryer also helps to prevent your pizza rolls from bursting. Pizza rolls typically burst when steam builds up inside, causing the filling to escape. By preheating your air fryer, you can reduce the chances of this happening.

Additionally, preheating your air fryer will give you a head start on cooking the pizza rolls. This is especially important if you're making a large batch and need to cook the pizza rolls in multiple batches. By preheating your air fryer, you can ensure that each batch cooks evenly and efficiently.

Keep in mind that every air fryer is different, and the preheating time may vary slightly depending on the model and wattage. Always refer to your air fryer's instructions for the best results.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can move on to the next step of placing the pizza rolls in the air fryer basket and cooking them to crispy, golden perfection!

Don't thaw before cooking

When cooking pizza rolls in an air fryer, it is not recommended to thaw them before placing them in the air fryer. This is because pizza rolls are designed to be cooked from frozen, and thawing them beforehand can affect the cooking time and the final texture of the snack.

Cooking from frozen helps to ensure that the pizza rolls are cooked evenly throughout. If you thaw them first, you run the risk of the outer dough becoming overly browned or even burnt while the filling remains cold or undercooked. By cooking them straight from the freezer, you allow the cooking process to work effectively, with the hot air of the air fryer crisping up the dough and heating the filling thoroughly at the same time.

Another benefit of cooking frozen pizza rolls in an air fryer is that it helps to maintain the texture and integrity of the snack. The direct heat of the air fryer can help to create a crispy, golden exterior without the need for excess oil or grease. If the pizza rolls are thawed before cooking, they may end up with a soggy or unevenly cooked exterior.

Additionally, cooking frozen pizza rolls helps to streamline the cooking process. There's no need to remember to take them out of the freezer ahead of time or worry about them becoming a mushy mess if they're left out too long. Simply pop them into the air fryer straight from the freezer, and you're good to go.

So, when it comes to cooking pizza rolls in an air fryer, resist the urge to thaw them first. By following the recommended cooking instructions for frozen pizza rolls, you'll be rewarded with a crispy, delicious snack that's quick and easy to prepare.

Oil the fryer basket

Oil is not always necessary when cooking pizza rolls in an air fryer. However, if you usually have trouble with food sticking to your air fryer basket, you can spray the basket with an air-fryer-safe spray oil before adding the pizza rolls. Aerosol cooking sprays should be avoided as they can damage the coating on the basket. Instead, use a light coating of oil spray or brush the basket with olive oil. This will also help to make your pizza rolls extra crispy.

If you are using a non-stick basket, you can cook the pizza rolls directly in the basket without oil. However, if your basket is not non-stick, you can use a pastry brush to apply a light layer of olive oil.

Cook time and temperature

When cooking pizza rolls in an air fryer, the temperature and cooking time may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, as well as the brand of pizza rolls you are using. It is recommended to cook pizza rolls at a temperature between 350°F and 400°F for 5 to 8 minutes. For example, one source recommends cooking Totino's pizza rolls at 380°F for 8 minutes, while another suggests cooking them at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

It is important to note that the cooking time may also depend on whether you are cooking frozen or homemade pizza rolls. Frozen pizza rolls may require a slightly longer cooking time, ranging from 6 to 10 minutes. On the other hand, homemade pizza rolls may cook faster, so it is important to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the pizza rolls. For instance, mini pizza rolls may only need 4 to 6 minutes in the air fryer.

It is always a good idea to monitor your pizza rolls while they are cooking in the air fryer, especially if you are using this cooking method for the first time. Check on them a few minutes before the suggested cooking time is up to ensure they are not burning or overcooking. You may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time slightly based on your specific air fryer and preferences.

Furthermore, it is recommended to arrange the pizza rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray to ensure even cooking. If you are cooking a large quantity, you may need to do it in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the basket, which can affect the cooking time and crispiness of the pizza rolls.

Lastly, some recipes suggest preheating your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the pizza rolls, while others advise against preheating. It may be helpful to refer to the instructions manual of your specific air fryer model to determine the best approach.

Dipping sauces

Pizza rolls are a great snack on their own, but when served with a dipping sauce, they become a delicious treat. Here are some ideas for sauces to serve with your air-fried pizza rolls:

Garlic Dipping Sauce

A simple yet tasty option is to melt some salted butter and mix in garlic powder and a pinch of salt. If you want to take it up a notch, substitute the garlic powder with fresh garlic cloves. This sauce pairs perfectly with the cheesy goodness of pizza rolls.

Spicy Cheese Sauce

For those who like it hot, this sauce is a great choice. Melt some butter, add flour, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and diced pickled jalapenos. Then stir in some American cheese until you have a smooth and spicy sauce.

Marinara Sauce

A classic choice, marinara sauce is easy to prepare and goes well with pizza rolls. Simply heat up your favourite brand of marinara sauce in the microwave, and you're good to go.

Ranch Dressing

A cool and creamy option, ranch dressing is a popular choice for dipping pizza rolls. You can use a store-bought ranch dressing or make your own by mixing sour cream, buttermilk, and herbs.

Sriracha Sauce

For an extra kick, try dipping your pizza rolls in sriracha sauce. This spicy sauce will add a nice contrast to the cheesy flavour of the rolls.

Pizza Sauce

If you want to double down on the pizza flavour, dip your pizza rolls in some pizza sauce. It's like having a mini pizza in each bite!

Other Ideas

Other sauces that can complement pizza rolls include blue cheese dressing, garlic mayo, spicy mayo, or even a healthy homemade ranch dip. Get creative and experiment with different sauces to find your favourite combination.

Frequently asked questions