Air Fryer Pinwheels: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make pinwheels, whether you're looking for a savoury snack or a sweet treat. You can make pinwheels with a variety of fillings, from steak to pizza, and they can be served hot or cold. They're a great option for parties, gatherings, or just a tasty snack at home. Making pinwheels in an air fryer is also a simple process that only takes a few minutes, so it's a convenient option if you're short on time.

Choosing your ingredients

When it comes to choosing your ingredients for pinwheels, there are a variety of options to consider, depending on your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Meat and Cheese Pinwheels:

If you're a meat lover, you can choose from options like flank steak, ham, salami, or pepperoni. For the cheese, go for creamy options such as garlic herb cream cheese, feta, or Monterey Jack. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your favourite. For instance, try a classic ham and cheese pinwheel, or get adventurous with a steak and feta pinwheel.

Pizza Pinwheels:

For a more family-friendly option, pizza pinwheels are a great choice. Start with a base of pizza dough and add your favourite toppings. You can go traditional with pepperoni and mozzarella, or mix it up with ham, bacon, or pineapple. Don't forget to add a generous sprinkle of oregano or Italian seasoning for that authentic pizza flavour.

Puff Pastry Pinwheels:

If you're looking for a more elegant appetiser, puff pastry pinwheels are the way to go. Spread some pesto over the pastry, layer on some ham, and add a kick with finely chopped jalapeños. Roll it up, cut into slices, and cook until the pastry is puffed and golden. You can also experiment with different types of pesto, such as classic green or red, or even make your own from scratch.

Spinach and Herb Pinwheels:

For a healthier option, spinach and herb pinwheels are a tasty choice. Combine spinach with garlic herb butter and your choice of steak or cream cheese. This option is perfect for those on a keto diet, as it's packed with protein and vitamins.

No matter which ingredients you choose, the key is to have fun and be creative. You can also add extra flavour with seasonings, mustard, or caramelised onions. So, roll up your sleeves, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to enjoy some delicious, homemade pinwheels!

Preparing the filling

The first step in making pinwheels is preparing the filling. This can vary depending on your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are some ideas for savoury and sweet fillings:

Savoury fillings:

• Spinach, feta cheese, salt and pepper
• Garlic herb butter, spinach and cream cheese
• Deli ham, Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard and ranch seasoning
• Salami, pepperoni, Capicola ham, provolone cheese, spicy brown mustard, hot peppers and black olives
• Pesto, ham and jalapenos

Sweet fillings:

Greek yoghurt, self-raising flour, tomato paste, red capsicum, ham, pineapple pieces, mozzarella cheese and oregano

Once you have chosen your filling ingredients, it's time to start assembling. For a savoury pinwheel, spread your chosen spread (e.g. cream cheese, pesto or mustard) on the base layer (e.g. flank steak or puff pastry). Then, add your chosen toppings, such as spinach, ham, cheese or jalapenos.

If you are making a sweet pinwheel, roll out your dough and spread a layer of tomato paste on top. Then, sprinkle over your chosen sweet ingredients, such as ham, pineapple pieces and mozzarella cheese.

Now you're ready to roll up your pinwheels and cook them in your air fryer!

Rolling the dough

Now that you have your dough ready, it's time to roll it out! Start by dusting your work surface with a light coating of flour. This will prevent the dough from sticking as you roll it out.

For puff pastry, you don't need to roll it out too much, just enough to flatten it slightly and ensure it's at an even thickness. Aim for a rectangle that's about 1/8-inch thick. If you're using pizza dough, roll it into a larger rectangle, about 10 inches by 14 inches.

Once your dough is rolled out, it's time to add the fillings! For a classic pinwheel, spread a layer of mustard on the dough, followed by your choice of meat (ham, salami, or pepperoni) and cheese (Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or cheddar). You can also add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or jalapenos for extra flavour and colour.

When adding the fillings, be sure to leave a border of about 1 inch on one of the long edges of the dough. This will make it easier to roll up later. Start with a thin layer of mustard, then add your chosen meat in a single layer. If you're using multiple types of meat, you can layer them on top of each other.

Next, add your cheese. You can use shredded or sliced cheese, whichever you prefer. Again, leave a border of about 1 inch at the top of the dough.

At this point, if you're making stromboli pinwheels, you can spread a layer of spicy mustard on top of the cheese, followed by chopped hot peppers and black olives. This adds a nice kick to your pinwheels!

Now it's time to start rolling! Beginning with the long edge closest to you, carefully roll the dough away from you, forming a tight log. Make sure to roll it up snugly, but be gentle to avoid tearing the dough. Once you reach the end, pinch the seam together to seal it.

If you're making stromboli pinwheels, cut the log in half lengthwise to create two shorter logs. Then, using a sharp knife, slice each log into 6 pieces, creating 12 pinwheels total. For other types of pinwheels, simply slice the log into 1-inch thick pieces.

Place the pinwheels seam-side down on a baking sheet or tray, and they're ready to be cooked!

Cooking the pinwheels

The cooking time for pinwheels varies depending on the ingredients used and the type of air fryer. On average, they take between 10 to 15 minutes to cook in the air fryer. For example, pizza pinwheels take 12-15 minutes to cook, while puff pastry pinwheels take 6-8 minutes.

For the best results, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the pinwheels. This can be done by turning on the air fryer for 2 to 5 minutes before adding the food. The ideal temperature for cooking pinwheels is between 350°F to 400°F.

When cooking pinwheels, it is important to leave some space between each one to allow room for rising and even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pinwheels in batches to avoid overcrowding.

For pinwheels made with meat, such as steak or ham, it is important to let the meat rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more tender bite.

Additionally, when cooking with pastry, it is recommended to chill the pinwheels in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and cooking. This helps the pastry firm up, making it easier to cut into neat rounds and preventing it from unravelling during cooking.

Lastly, for pinwheels with cheese, it is best to cook until the cheese is melted and the pastry or dough is golden and cooked through.

Serving suggestions

There are a variety of pinwheel recipes that can be made in an air fryer, and they can be served hot or cold. Here are some serving suggestions:

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

These pinwheels are a perfect combination of savoury ham, gooey cheese, and flaky pastry. They are a crowd-pleaser and can be served as an appetiser, snack, or part of a brunch spread. You can also customise them by experimenting with different types of ham, cheese, and seasonings. For an attractive presentation, brush the pinwheels with an egg wash before baking to achieve a golden-brown and glossy finish.

Pizza Pinwheels

Pizza pinwheels are a fun, quick, and easy snack that can be served hot or cold. They are made with a simple two-ingredient dough (Greek yoghurt and self-raising flour) and can be customised with your favourite pizza toppings. They are great for kids' lunchboxes and can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Ham and Jalapeno Pinwheels

These pinwheels are made with puff pastry, ham, cheese, pesto, and jalapenos. They can be served warm or cold and are perfect for impressing your guests or as an appetiser. You can use either fresh or frozen pastry, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Garlic Herb Butter and Spinach Beef Pinwheel Steaks

These pinwheels are a perfect weeknight dinner, served alongside a green salad. They are also keto-friendly, providing a good source of protein and vitamins. You can pair them with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or potato wedges for a delicious and healthy meal.

Flank Steak Pinwheels

Flank steak pinwheels are stuffed with a mixture of feta and spinach, and can be served with a simple garden salad or air fryer side dishes such as sweet potato French fries or a baked potato. This is a simple and healthy meal that can be easily prepared in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions