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

Pizza puffs are a delicious snack or meal, and they can be easily made in an air fryer. They are a great option if you're looking for something quick, easy, and kid-friendly. Essentially, pizza puffs are deep-fried dough balls filled with cheese and classic pizza ingredients such as tomato sauce, pepperoni, or sausage. They are thought to have originated in Chicago and can be made with frozen pizza dough or homemade dough. The air fryer allows you to cook the pizza puffs with less oil than traditional frying methods, making them a healthier option. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to make delicious pizza puffs in your air fryer.

Choosing your ingredients

Pizza puffs are a great snack, and you can make them in an air fryer with just a few simple ingredients. The beauty of pizza puffs is that you can get creative with your fillings and experiment with different combinations.

The classic pizza puff is made with a dough base, filled with cheese, tomato sauce, and other classic pizza toppings such as pepperoni or sausage. You can use store-bought or homemade dough, with gluten-free options available. For the cheese, shredded mozzarella is a popular choice, but you can also use string cheese or other varieties such as cheddar or provolone.

If you want to add meat to your pizza puffs, pepperoni and cooked sausage are common choices. You can opt for regular or turkey pepperoni, depending on your preference. Additionally, you can include other meats such as Italian sausage, salami, or bacon for a meat lover's version.

For those who enjoy vegetarian options, you can fill your pizza puffs with vegetables like mushrooms, onions, green bell peppers, spinach, black olives, or fresh basil. This provides a delicious and healthy twist on the traditional pizza puff.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of cheeses, meats, and vegetables to find your favorite flavor profile. You can even try a spicy sriracha mayo as a dipping sauce for an extra kick.

With these ingredients and your air fryer, you're well on your way to making delicious pizza puffs that will be a hit with both kids and adults alike!

Preparing the dough

Pizza puffs are a great snack, a fun appetiser, or a quick lunch. They are also versatile and can be made with various ingredients, including pepperoni, sausage, or even vegetables. The dough can be made from scratch or using store-bought options such as crescent rolls, jumbo biscuits, or frozen pizza dough.

If you are making the dough from scratch, you will need to prepare a simple pizza dough recipe. The dough should be soft and easy to work with. You can use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to your desired thickness. If you are using store-bought dough, simply follow the package instructions to prepare and roll it out.

For crescent rolls or jumbo biscuits, open the can and separate the dough into individual pieces. Then, using your hands or a rolling pin, flatten each piece into a circle, about 4 inches in diameter and 1/8-inch thick. This will be the base for your pizza puffs.

If you are using frozen pizza dough, thaw it first according to the package instructions. Then, shape the dough into equal-sized balls, about 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Flatten these balls into thin circles, again about 4 inches in diameter and 1/8-inch thick.

Once you have prepared the dough, you can start assembling your pizza puffs. Place your desired fillings in the centre of each dough circle. You can use a variety of fillings, such as pepperoni, sausage, cheese, or pizza sauce. Just be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the puffs to leak during cooking.

Assembling the pizza puffs

To assemble the pizza puffs, first, prepare your desired pizza toppings. You can use classic pizza ingredients such as mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, or vegetables.

Next, open the can of biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Take one biscuit and flatten it into a small circle, about 4 inches in diameter. If you are using frozen pizza dough, make sure it is thawed before flattening.

Now it's time to add your toppings! Start by adding a small amount of pizza sauce to the center of the flattened biscuit. You can also add a piece of mozzarella cheese and your desired toppings. If you are using string cheese, cut it into cubes or shred it first.

Carefully fold the edges of the biscuit dough over the filling, pinching the edges together to seal. Roll the dough gently in your hands to form a ball, ensuring that the filling is completely enclosed. Repeat this process until you have assembled all your pizza puffs.

Remember not to overfill the pizza puffs with too much cheese or toppings, as this can cause the filling to leak during cooking. Just add enough to your liking, making sure to leave some space to seal the dough securely.

Cooking the pizza puffs

The cooking process for pizza puffs in an air fryer is relatively straightforward and can yield delicious results. Here is a detailed guide on how to cook pizza puffs:

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing the ingredients. For the dough, you can use crescent rolls, jumbo biscuits, or even homemade pizza dough. If using canned biscuit dough, open the can and separate the biscuits. Flatten each biscuit into a small circle, roughly 4 inches in diameter. For the fillings, you can use mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, or other desired toppings.

Assemble the Pizza Puffs

Place your chosen fillings onto the flattened dough. If using sauce, add a small amount of pizza sauce first, followed by your desired toppings. For a classic pizza flavour, use mozzarella cheese and pepperoni or sausage.

Seal the Pizza Puffs

Carefully fold the edges of the biscuit dough over the filling. Ensure you pinch the edges together tightly to create a good seal and prevent leakage during cooking. Gently roll the sealed dough in your hands to form a ball, making sure the filling is completely enclosed.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step. Set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F (175°C). The preheating time can vary depending on the model of your air fryer, but generally, it should take around 3 minutes.

Cook the Pizza Puffs

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the sealed pizza puffs into the basket, ensuring they are seam-side down and not touching each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the puffs in batches. Air fry the pizza puffs at the set temperature for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Cool and Serve

Once the pizza puffs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Pizza puffs are best enjoyed warm, and you can serve them with extra pizza sauce, marinara sauce, or other dipping sauces on the side.

Tips for Success

• Seal the edges of the dough well to prevent filling leakage.
• Avoid overfilling the pizza puffs with cheese or toppings.
• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Cook the pizza puffs in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Use a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
• Experiment with different fillings and toppings to customize your pizza puffs to your taste.
• Check for doneness by ensuring the pizza puffs are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
• Serve with dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for enhanced flavour.

Serving the pizza puffs

Once your pizza puffs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them warm with extra pizza or marinara sauce for dipping. If serving to small children, cut open the pizza puffs and let them cool slightly before serving.

Pizza puffs are great as a snack, appetizer, or quick lunch. They can also be served as a more filling meal, perhaps with a salad or some veggies on the side.

You can also reheat leftover pizza puffs in the air fryer. Simply place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.

Frequently asked questions