There is something incredibly comforting about warm bread wrapped around gooey melted cheese and savory pepperoni. Air Fryer Pepperoni Rolls bring together all the flavors of classic pizza in a handheld, perfectly crisp package. What makes this version special is the air fryer—it delivers a golden, crunchy exterior without deep frying, making the process quicker and lighter while still satisfying every craving.
The first time I tested these in the air fryer, I was surprised by how evenly they browned and how quickly they cooked. I even tried brushing the tops with garlic butter before air frying, and the aroma alone made the kitchen feel like a neighborhood pizzeria. These rolls are perfect for busy weeknights, game-day snacks, or lunchbox treats. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a delicious snack that feels indulgent yet effortless.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pepperoni rolls are quick to prepare, cook in under 10 minutes, and deliver a perfectly crisp exterior with a melty, flavorful center. The air fryer ensures consistent results, while the simple ingredients make this recipe approachable for any skill level.
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Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll – Crispy, Cheesy, and Irresistibly Easy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Air Fryer Pepperoni Rolls are golden, crispy pizza dough filled with melty mozzarella cheese and savory pepperoni, cooked quickly in the air fryer for a delicious snack, appetizer, or easy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 24 slices pepperoni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
- Cut the dough into 8 equal rectangles.
- Place 3 slices of pepperoni and about 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella onto each rectangle.
- Roll up each piece tightly, pinching the seams and ends to seal.
- Brush the tops with melted butter.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan evenly over each roll.
- Place rolls seam-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove carefully and allow to cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Ensure seams are tightly sealed to prevent cheese from leaking.
- You can add cooked sausage or vegetables for variation.
- Cooking time may vary depending on air fryer model.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pizza Dough
Use store-bought pizza dough for convenience or homemade dough if you prefer. The dough should be soft and elastic, allowing it to roll easily without tearing. Let it rest at room temperature before shaping to make handling easier.
Pepperoni Slices
Classic pepperoni provides a bold, slightly spicy flavor. Choose regular or turkey pepperoni depending on your preference. Layering them evenly ensures every bite has balanced flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese
Shredded mozzarella melts smoothly and creates that signature stretchy texture. You can also use mozzarella sticks cut into smaller pieces for a thicker cheese center.
Olive Oil
A light brush of olive oil on the outside of the dough helps create a crisp, golden crust in the air fryer.
Italian Seasoning
This blend adds herbal depth and enhances the pizza-inspired flavor. Sprinkle lightly over the rolls before cooking.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder brings subtle savory warmth to the crust without overpowering the filling.
Marinara Sauce (Optional for Serving)
While not inside the roll, warm marinara sauce makes the perfect dipping companion and enhances the pizza experience.
Directions
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle, approximately ¼-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, divide the dough into equal rectangles based on your desired roll size.
Place a layer of pepperoni slices over each rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Add a generous amount of shredded mozzarella on top of the pepperoni. Be careful not to overfill, as excess cheese may leak during cooking.
Carefully roll each piece of dough tightly from one end to the other, sealing the edges by pinching the seams closed. Place the rolls seam-side down to prevent them from opening. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
Arrange the rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each roll for proper air circulation. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Remove carefully and allow them to cool slightly before serving with warm marinara sauce.
Equipment needed : Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filli
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 8 pepperoni rolls, serving 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and air frying takes 8 to 10 minutes, making the total time roughly 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover pepperoni rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 4 minutes to restore crispness. You may also reheat them in a conventional oven for similar results. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough soft.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best aspects of Air Fryer Pepperoni Rolls is how easily they can be customized. For a spicier version, use spicy pepperoni or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes inside the roll. I once added thin slices of jalapeño along with the pepperoni, and the heat balanced beautifully with the melted cheese.
For a meatier option, combine pepperoni with cooked Italian sausage or diced ham. If you prefer a vegetarian alternative, replace the pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. The air fryer handles vegetable fillings well as long as excess moisture is reduced beforehand.
You can also experiment with different cheeses. Provolone adds a slightly sharper flavor, while a blend of mozzarella and cheddar provides extra richness. Brushing the tops with garlic butter instead of olive oil creates a more indulgent finish.
For a lighter approach, use whole wheat pizza dough and part-skim mozzarella. These small changes allow you to adapt the recipe to your dietary preferences while maintaining the classic pizza-inspired taste.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (2 rolls per serving, based on 4 servings total):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
These rolls are not low in sodium due to the pepperoni and cheese but can be adjusted with lower-sodium alternatives if needed.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Seal the Edges Tightly
Pinch the seams firmly to prevent cheese from leaking during air frying.
Do Not Overcrowd
Leave space between rolls in the air fryer basket to allow proper airflow and even browning.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating ensures consistent cooking and helps achieve a crisp crust quickly.
Monitor Closely
Air fryer models vary, so check the rolls at the 8-minute mark to avoid over-browning.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying.
Can I freeze pepperoni rolls?
Yes, freeze them after baking. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F until heated through.
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?
Yes, crescent roll dough works well and creates a softer, flakier texture.
Why is my cheese leaking out?
This usually happens if the rolls are overfilled or not sealed tightly enough.
Can I cook these in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
What dipping sauces work well besides marinara?
Ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even spicy pizza sauce are excellent alternatives.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Pepperoni Rolls combine convenience and comfort in one simple recipe. With a crisp exterior, melty cheese center, and bold pepperoni flavor, they are sure to become a favorite for snacks, gatherings, or quick meals. Easy to customize and fast to prepare, this recipe proves that delicious results do not require complicated techniques.
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