Air Fryer Pepperoni Rolls Recipe 🍕✨
These Air Fryer Pepperoni Rolls are the perfect balance of cheesy goodness, savory pepperoni, and crispy dough. They make a fantastic appetizer, snack, or even a quick meal!
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 package pepperoni slices
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional toppings: sliced olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 350°F and let it preheat for a few minutes.
- Prepare the Dough
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into rectangles, about 3×4 inches.
- Assemble the Rolls
- Place 3–4 slices of pepperoni on each rectangle.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and a small amount of Parmesan cheese.
- Add a dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of marinara sauce on top of the filling.
- Seal the Rolls
- Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges tightly to seal. For extra security, press the edges with a fork.
- Cook in the Air Fryer
- Arrange the rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve
- Serve the pepperoni rolls hot, with additional marinara sauce for dipping.
30 Tips to Make Air Fryer Pepperoni Rolls More Decadent
Upgrade the Dough
- Use Homemade Dough: Swap store-bought dough for homemade for a fresher taste.
- Add Herbs to the Dough: Knead Italian seasoning or garlic powder into the dough for extra flavor.
- Use Crescent Roll Dough: Crescent rolls provide a buttery and flaky texture.
Enhance the Filling
- Add More Cheese: Mix mozzarella with provolone or sharp cheddar for a cheesy burst.
- Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Include Fresh Basil: Layer fresh basil leaves for an authentic Italian touch.
- Use Turkey Pepperoni: Opt for turkey pepperoni for a leaner option.
- Stuff with Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Add Bacon: Sprinkle crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Add a drizzle of olive oil inside the roll for moisture.
Boost the Flavor
- Garlic Butter Glaze: Brush the rolls with melted garlic butter before air frying.
- Sprinkle Parmesan on Top: Add Parmesan cheese on top for a crispy crust.
- Stuff with Ricotta: Mix ricotta with Italian seasoning for a creamy filling.
- Season the Edges: Sprinkle edges with garlic salt or Italian seasoning.
- Use Alfredo Sauce: Swap marinara with Alfredo for a creamy twist.
Perfect the Cooking Process
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing to prevent the rolls from bursting.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Flip Halfway Through: Flip the rolls halfway to ensure even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Ensure the edges are sealed tightly to avoid leaks during cooking.
- Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the basket for crispier results.
Serve Like a Pro
- Provide Dipping Options: Serve with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
- Garnish with Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Pair with a Salad: Serve alongside a fresh Caesar or green salad.
- Top with Red Pepper Flakes: Add a sprinkle of spice for heat lovers.
- Serve with Soup: Pair with tomato basil soup for a comforting combo.
Creative Twists
- Make Mini Rolls: Cut smaller rectangles for bite-sized appetizers.
- Stuff with Sausage: Use cooked Italian sausage instead of pepperoni.
- Make Dessert Rolls: Fill with Nutella or cream cheese and dust with powdered sugar for a sweet variation.
- Add Pesto: Spread pesto instead of marinara for a zesty flavor.
- Use Whole-Wheat Dough: For a healthier option, use whole-wheat pizza dough.
30 Popular Questions & Their Answers About Air Fryer Pepperoni Rolls
General Questions
- Q: Can I use frozen pizza dough?
A: Yes, thaw the dough first before rolling it out. - Q: Can I bake these instead of air frying?
A: Yes, bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes until golden brown. - Q: Can I use gluten-free dough?
A: Absolutely! Ensure it’s a sturdy, pliable gluten-free dough. - Q: Are these kid-friendly?
A: Yes, kids love the cheesy, pepperoni-filled rolls! - Q: Can I make them vegetarian?
A: Yes, swap the pepperoni for mushrooms, spinach, or olives.
Ingredient Questions
- Q: What cheese works best?
A: Mozzarella is classic, but provolone or cheddar also work well. - Q: Can I use a different sauce?
A: Yes, Alfredo or garlic butter are great alternatives. - Q: What can I use instead of pepperoni?
A: Use ham, turkey, or cooked sausage. - Q: Can I add fresh veggies?
A: Yes, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms are great options. - Q: Can I add more toppings inside?
A: Absolutely! Just don’t overstuff to avoid leaks.
Preparation Questions
- Q: How thin should I roll the dough?
A: Roll to about 1/4 inch thick for the best texture. - Q: Should I pre-cook the pepperoni?
A: Not necessary, but you can if you prefer a crispier texture. - Q: How do I seal the edges?
A: Pinch tightly or use a fork to crimp the edges. - Q: Should I grease the air fryer basket?
A: Lightly spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking. - Q: Can I freeze the rolls?
A: Yes, freeze uncooked rolls and cook from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the cooking time.
Cooking Questions
- Q: Can I cook them at a higher temperature?
A: Higher temperatures may cause uneven cooking; stick to 350°F. - Q: Should I brush them with oil before air frying?
A: Optional, but brushing with oil or butter gives a golden crust. - Q: How do I prevent the dough from sticking?
A: Use parchment paper or lightly flour the surface. - Q: How do I know they’re done?
A: They’re golden brown and crispy when done. - Q: Can I cook multiple layers in the air fryer?
A: No, cook in a single layer for even results.
Serving and Storage Questions
- Q: How long do leftovers last?
A: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. - Q: Can I serve these cold?
A: They’re best served warm, but they’re still tasty cold. - Q: Can I serve these for breakfast?
A: Yes, fill with scrambled eggs and bacon for a breakfast twist. - Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Customization Questions
- Q: Can I add herbs to the dough?
A: Yes, mix Italian seasoning or garlic powder into the dough. - Q: Can I make a dessert version?
A: Yes, fill with Nutella or cream cheese and top with powdered sugar. - Q: Can I make these bite-sized?
A: Yes, cut the dough into smaller pieces for mini rolls. - Q: Can I use store-bought marinara for dipping?
A: Yes, or make your own for a personalized touch. - Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes, use vegan cheese and plant-based pepperoni.
This guide ensures your Air Fryer Pepperoni Rolls are a hit every time! 🍕✨