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These crispy air fryer pizza rolls offer a fun and satisfying bite filled with melty cheese, savory meats, and fresh veggies. Perfect for game day snacks or an easy appetizer when friends drop by, they come together quickly using simple ingredients and just a bit of air fryer magic.
My family requests these pizza rolls whenever we want a quick treat to share. I first made them on a lazy weekend and was hooked by how perfectly crispy and tasty they turned out without deep frying.
Ingredients
- Egg roll wrappers: Great for crisping up in the air fryer without heavy oil
- Marinara or pizza sauce: Adds freshness and tangy flavor choose one with rich tomato taste for best results
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey binding agent that gives every bite that comforting cheesiness
- Pepperoni slices: Chopped for savory, slightly spicy flavor that is classic pizza topping
- Cooked sausage: Crumbled for a hearty, meaty bite that enhances richness
- Green bell pepper: Diced for a crisp, mildly sweet crunch and color
- Black olives: Sliced for a briny pop of flavor that complements the meats
- Red onion: Finely chopped for a mild pungency that balances the richness
- Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that boosts the overall Italian flavor profile
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior without soaking the rolls in oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Heat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness from the start
- Prepare each egg roll wrapper:
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with one corner pointing towards you to form a diamond shape
- Add the fillings:
- Spoon about one tablespoon of marinara sauce in the center of the wrapper then layer with a generous pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Layer the toppings:
- Add chopped pepperoni, cooked sausage, diced green bell pepper, sliced olives, and finely chopped red onion on top of the cheese for a balanced mix of flavors
- Season the fillings:
- Sprinkle about a teaspoon of Italian seasoning evenly over the toppings for an herby boost
- Fold and seal the rolls:
- Fold the bottom corner up over the fillings, fold in the sides towards the center, then roll tightly upwards to encase everything into an envelope shape. Dab the top corner with water to seal securely
- Repeat the process:
- Complete the same rolling method for the remaining wrappers and filling ingredients to prepare all the rolls
- Prepare for air frying:
- Lightly spray the outside of each roll with olive oil spray or cooking spray. This helps the rolls become beautifully crisp in the air fryer
- Arrange in the basket:
- Place the pizza rolls in a single layer inside the air fryer basket making sure they are not touching to allow hot air circulation for even cooking
- Cook the rolls:
- Air fry for about 8 to 10 minutes flipping once halfway through the cooking time to brown evenly on all sides until golden and crispy
- Let cool before serving:
- Carefully remove the pizza rolls from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes so the cheese thickens slightly and they are easier to handle and eat
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My favorite ingredient in this recipe is the mozzarella cheese. It melts into irresistible gooeyness that holds all the fillings together perfectly. I remember making these for a casual family movie night and everyone kept sneaking rolls before dinner was even served.
Storage Tips
Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes to restore crispiness. For longer storage, freeze the cooked rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out mozzarella cheese for provolone or cheddar if you prefer a sharper flavor. Use turkey pepperoni or omit it for a vegetarian version and add mushrooms or spinach instead. Fresh herbs like basil can replace Italian seasoning for a brighter note. For gluten-free, look for rice-based egg roll wrappers or make your own from suitable dough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your pizza rolls with extra marinara sauce or ranch dip for added flavor. They go great alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of tomato soup on cooler days. These work well as finger foods for parties or as a fun appetizer before a main course.
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Cultural Context
Pizza rolls are inspired by Italian-American flavors but served in a convenient finger food form popularized across the United States. Using egg roll wrappers instead of traditional pizza dough speeds up cooking and adds extra crunch thanks to their thin, crisp layers. This recipe blends the essence of pizza with modern air fryer convenience for fast, tasty results.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What temperature is best for air frying the rolls?
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for an even, crispy finish.
- → Can I customize the fillings?
Yes, add mushrooms, jalapeños, or any preferred toppings for a personalized touch.
- → How long does it take to cook pizza rolls in an air fryer?
Cook the rolls for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even crispiness.
- → What makes the rolls crispy?
Lightly spraying with olive oil before air frying helps achieve a golden, crunchy texture.
- → How should I serve these pizza rolls?
Serve warm with marinara or ranch dipping sauce for enhanced flavor.
- → Can the rolls be made ahead and stored?
Yes, you can make a large batch and freeze them for up to 3 months for easy reheating.