Air Fryer Pizza Rolls: The Perfect Timing Guide

Pizza rolls are a popular snack that can be made in an air fryer in a matter of minutes. They are crispy and delicious, with a gooey centre, and can be made from scratch or store-bought. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make pizza rolls in an air fryer, including the cooking time and temperature, and tips for achieving the perfect result.

Preheat settings

It is important to note that not all air fryers are created equal, and cooking times may vary depending on the brand, style, and age of your appliance. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your pizza rolls as they cook, especially if you are making them for the first time. Check on them periodically, especially after the 6-minute mark, to ensure they don't burn or explode.

Additionally, if you are cooking a large batch of pizza rolls, you may need to cook them in multiple batches to ensure they get nice and crispy. Each batch will take around 7-9 minutes to cook, and you can reheat any prior batches for 1-2 minutes at 350°F if they cool down too much.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for pizza rolls in an air fryer depend on the quantity of pizza rolls, the brand of the air fryer, and your personal preferences for texture and crispiness.

Pizza rolls are typically cooked in the air fryer at a temperature of 380 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures that the pizza rolls cook quickly and evenly, achieving a balance between a crispy exterior and a gooey, melted cheese interior.

The cooking time for pizza rolls in an air fryer can range from 6 to 10 minutes. For a single layer of around 20 pizza rolls, 6 to 8 minutes is usually sufficient. However, if you are cooking a larger batch and need to stack the pizza rolls, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the pizza rolls during the cooking process, as overcooking can cause them to burst and the filling to escape.

When cooking pizza rolls in an air fryer, it is recommended to flip or shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. Additionally, preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the pizza rolls can help improve the cooking results.

For those who prefer their pizza rolls extra crispy, a light coating of cooking spray or olive oil on the air fryer basket can be applied before placing the pizza rolls. However, this step is not necessary, as most air fryer baskets are non-stick and the pizza rolls themselves often contain oil.

It is worth noting that different brands and models of air fryers may vary in terms of cooking time and temperature, so it is always a good idea to monitor the pizza rolls during the cooking process and adjust the settings as needed.

How to stop them from exploding

Pizza rolls are a delicious snack, but they can be frustrating to prepare because they sometimes explode in the oven or air fryer, creating a mess. However, there are several ways to prevent this from happening. Here are some tips to stop pizza rolls from exploding:

Use Aluminium Foil or Parchment Paper

Always place pizza rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet. You can cover them with aluminium foil so that if they do explode, the insides are contained. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper or a silicone mat to line the baking sheet, which will protect the rolls from direct heat.

Control the Temperature and Cooking Time

Explosions occur when the filling gets too hot and needs to escape. To prevent this, cook pizza rolls at a slightly lower temperature than advised. This will help to avoid overheating and give the rolls time to cook evenly. For an air fryer, the ideal temperature is around 380°F for 6-8 minutes. In an oven, bake at 400-425°F for about 15 minutes.

Flip and Shake the Pizza Rolls

Halfway through the cooking time, flip the pizza rolls over. This will help them cook evenly and prevent overheating on one side. If using an air fryer, you can also gently shake the basket to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Avoid Stacking and Overcrowding

Whether using an oven or air fryer, avoid stacking or overcrowding the pizza rolls. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent explosions. Cook in batches if necessary.

Poke Holes in the Pizza Rolls

Poking a few holes in each pizza roll with a fork or toothpick will release steam and prevent pressure buildup, reducing the risk of explosion.

Allow Pizza Rolls to Thaw Before Cooking

If your pizza rolls are frozen, let them thaw slightly before cooking. This will help reduce the risk of explosions and result in more even cooking. However, they should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours before cooking.

Cook in a Microwave

If you're short on time or want to avoid the risk of explosions, cook the pizza rolls in a microwave. Cover them with a paper towel and cook for 30-60 seconds at a time, checking regularly to prevent overheating.

By following these simple tips, you can greatly reduce the chances of your pizza rolls exploding and enjoy your snack without the mess!

Dipping sauces

Pizza rolls cooked in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and delicious snack. They can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, including:

Pizza/Marinara Sauce

Pizza or marinara sauce is a classic choice for dipping pizza rolls. It complements the flavours of the pizza rolls without overwhelming them.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a popular choice for dipping pizza rolls, especially when paired with a few drops of Frank's hot sauce for an added kick.

Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue sauce is a favourite among kids and can be enhanced by adding 2 teaspoons of chopped chipotle chiles in adobo sauce and 4 teaspoons of chopped fresh cilantro.

Buffalo Sauce

For those who like it spicy, buffalo sauce is a great option. It pairs well with blue cheese or honey sriracha sauce for dipping.

Cheese Sauce

A cheese sauce can be made by melting butter in a pan, adding flour, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and diced pickled jalapenos, then stirring in American cheese until smooth.

Garlic Butter Sauce

A simple garlic butter sauce can be made by melting salted butter and adding garlic powder and a pinch of salt. For a fancier version, fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder.

Honey Garlic Sauce

Honey garlic sauce is another option for those with a sweet tooth, made by combining melted butter, garlic, parsley, and red pepper flakes.

Salsa

Salsa is a fresh and flavourful choice for dipping pizza rolls, especially when made with mango, Old El Paso Thick 'n Chunky salsa, cilantro, and lime juice.

Blue Cheese Dressing

Blue cheese dressing is a classic dipping sauce that pairs well with the flavours of pizza rolls.

Ketchup

While not everyone's first choice, ketchup is a classic condiment that some enjoy pairing with their pizza rolls.

Chicken Wings Sauce

For those who like it spicy, chicken wings sauce can be a great option for dipping pizza rolls.

Honey Sriracha Sauce

Honey sriracha sauce is a sweet and spicy option that can be paired with buffalo sauce or enjoyed on its own.

Reheating

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Set the air fryer to a lower temperature than you used for cooking. A temperature of around 320-350 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. You do not need to preheat the air fryer for reheating.

Step 2: Place the Pizza Rolls in the Air Fryer

Place the leftover pizza rolls in the air fryer basket or tray. You can stack them, but make sure the basket is not overcrowded, as this will prevent the hot air from circulating. It is best to reheat in batches if you have a lot of pizza rolls.

Step 3: Reheat the Pizza Rolls

Heat the pizza rolls for about 2-3 minutes at 320-350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are reheating a large batch, you may need to increase the time to 4-5 minutes. Keep an eye on the pizza rolls to ensure they do not burn.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the pizza rolls from the air fryer and serve them while they are still hot. You can serve them with your favourite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or pizza sauce.

Tips for Reheating Pizza Rolls in an Air Fryer:

• It is best to reheat pizza rolls in the air fryer rather than an oven or microwave, as this will help them retain their crispy texture.
• If your pizza rolls are stored in the refrigerator, bring them to room temperature before reheating. This will help ensure they heat through evenly.
• If your pizza rolls are frozen, you can reheat them directly in the air fryer. You may need to increase the reheating time by a minute or two.
• If your pizza rolls are not crispy enough after reheating, try increasing the temperature of the air fryer by 25-50 degrees and heating for an additional minute.

Frequently asked questions