Air-Fryer Pizza Logs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

how to cook pizza logs in air fryer

Pizza logs are a classic Buffalo, New York snack food. They are crispy, crunchy egg rolls filled with melted mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. You can make them in an air fryer, oven, or frying pan. They are easy to make, fun to get creative with, and healthier than fried pizza rolls. You can also make them ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them.

Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Pizza Logs in an Air Fryer:

Characteristics Values
Temperature 360-400°F (182-204°C)
Cook Time 7-15 minutes
Flip Yes, after 6 minutes, then cook for an additional 2-4 minutes
Oil Olive oil or cooking spray
Basket Preparation Brush olive oil on the basket
Filling Pizza sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella, black olives, bell pepper, garlic
Wrapper Egg roll wrappers
Storage Refrigerate or freeze before/after cooking
Reheating Microwave for 20-30 seconds or air fry at 340°F for 2-3 minutes

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Pizza log ingredients

Pizza logs are a quick and easy snack that can be made in an air fryer. They are made with simple ingredients, most of which you may already have on hand.

The ingredients you will need to make pizza logs are:

  • Egg roll wrappers: These are used to wrap up the filling and create the log shape. You can find egg roll wrappers in the produce section of most grocery stores, or you can use wonton wrappers for mini pizza logs.
  • Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is the most commonly used cheese for pizza logs, and reduced-fat mozzarella string cheese sticks are recommended as they are drier and less rubbery, making them perfect for frying. However, you can also use other types of cheese such as cheddar, crumbled feta, or Pepper Jack.
  • Pepperoni: You can use regular pre-sliced pepperoni, turkey pepperoni, or thinly sliced salami. It is recommended to use thinly sliced pepperoni so that it rolls up nicely in the wrapper.
  • Sauce: Pizza sauce, tomato paste, marinara sauce, barbecue sauce, or sweet chili sauce can be used as a dipping sauce or added directly to the filling.
  • Egg: A lightly beaten egg is used to make an egg wash, which helps to secure the wrapper and create a crispy texture when fried.

Optional ingredients include:

  • Meat: If you want to add meat to your pizza logs, make sure it is cooked before putting it in the air fryer. Options include sausage, ham, chicken, or shredded beef.
  • Vegetables: Mushrooms, basil, or green chilis can be added to the filling for extra flavor.

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Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking pizza logs in an air fryer may vary slightly depending on the specific air fryer model and the desired level of browning. However, here is a comprehensive guide to help you get started:

First, preheat your air fryer. This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking and the perfect crispness for your pizza logs. Preheat your air fryer to around 370–390 °F (187–198 °C) for about 3 minutes.

Next, carefully arrange the pizza logs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other. This arrangement allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. If you're cooking a large batch, you may need to work in batches of 4–5 logs to avoid overcrowding the basket.

Now, let's talk about cooking time and temperature. For a standard-sized batch of pizza logs, set your air fryer to 360–400 °F (182–204 °C). The cooking time will depend on the temperature you choose. For example, at 360 °F, cook the pizza logs for 6 minutes, then flip them and cook for an additional 2 minutes. At 400 °F, cook for 8 minutes, flip, and then cook for another 4 minutes or until they reach your desired level of golden brown deliciousness.

If you prefer your pizza logs with a bit more colour and crispness, you can increase the cooking time by a minute or two. Just keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking. Additionally, some recipes suggest shaking or turning the pizza logs halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on all sides.

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Folding and filling techniques

The folding technique is important to ensure your pizza logs don't unravel or burst open during cooking. Here is a step-by-step guide:

  • Place the egg roll wrap on a plate or cutting board. Position it like a diamond, with the bottom point of the diamond facing towards you.
  • Using your thumb and index finger, grab the bottom point of the diamond and fold it upwards to the centre of the wrap, covering the filling.
  • Take one side point and fold it over the centre, and then repeat with the other side point, creating a long rectangular shape.
  • Brush olive oil over the top of the uncooked pizza logs. You can also brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or use cooking spray.
  • Place the pizza logs in the basket with the folds facing down, ensuring they don't touch.

When it comes to filling, you have a lot of freedom to get creative and use your favourite pizza toppings. Here are some tips:

  • Don't overstuff the wrappers, or you'll end up with cheese and sauce leaking out.
  • Any meat you add must be cooked before going into the air fryer.
  • Try different sauces like pizza sauce, tomato paste, marinara sauce, barbecue sauce, or sweet chilli sauce.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, feta, or Pepper Jack.

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Storing and reheating pizza logs

Pizza logs can be stored in the fridge or freezer before or after cooking. To store uncooked pizza logs, cover them and keep them in the fridge for up to a day, or freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and then transfer to freezer storage. Cooked pizza logs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

To reheat pizza logs, you can use a microwave, an air fryer, an oven, or a skillet. For the microwave, 20 seconds is enough for one log, and a minute for four. In the air fryer, reheat at 340˚F for 2-3 minutes. For the oven, place the pizza logs on a baking sheet and cook at 400 °F (205°C) for 6-10 minutes, depending on the thickness. To use a skillet, heat it over medium heat, add olive oil or refined coconut oil, and cook the pizza logs folded-side down until crispy and brown, then flip.

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Serving suggestions

Pizza logs are a great snack, and even better, they are versatile! You can serve them as a snack or a meal, and they are perfect for game day or any large public event. They are also a lot less messy to eat than chicken wings.

You can serve pizza logs with a side of pizza sauce for dipping. If you want to get creative, you can also serve them with a variety of sauces for dipping, such as barbecue sauce, sweet chili sauce, or even ranch dressing. If you want to add a bit of greenery to your dish, garnish with fresh parsley.

If you are serving pizza logs as a meal, you can pair them with a side salad, some roasted vegetables, or even some garlic bread. You can also offer a variety of sauces on the side for your guests to choose from.

For a fun twist, you can also serve dessert pizza logs! Fill your egg rolls with sweet fillings such as apple pie, Nutella, or even cheesecake filling. Serve these with a side of ice cream, whipped cream, or a fruit compote for a unique and delicious dessert option.

Lastly, don't forget that pizza logs can be made ahead of time and frozen. So, if you have any leftovers, simply reheat them in the air fryer for a quick and easy snack or meal.

Frequently asked questions

It takes 7-8 minutes to cook pizza logs in an air fryer.

The temperature range for cooking pizza logs in an air fryer is between 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Before cooking, brush olive oil over the pizza logs and the air fryer basket. Place the pizza logs in the basket with the folds down, ensuring they don't touch.

Yes, you can use different ingredients for pizza logs. You can add meat, but make sure it is cooked before putting it in the air fryer. You can also add other ingredients such as pineapple, ham, or sausage.

Yes, you can make pizza logs ahead of time and freeze them. Place the uncooked pizza logs on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze. Then, transfer them to a freezer-friendly container and store for up to six months.

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