If you’ve ever burned your mouth on a molten pizza roll straight out of the microwave, you know the struggle. But here’s the good news—pizza rolls in the air fryer are a total game-changer. Crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside, and ready in minutes, this method is hands down the best way to enjoy this classic snack.
Whether you’re hosting a game night, feeding hungry kids after school, or just craving a quick bite, air fryer pizza rolls will become your new go-to. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: cook times, temperatures, tips for extra crunch, dipping sauce ideas, and even how to make homemade pizza rolls.
Why Make Pizza Rolls in the Air Fryer?
The air fryer has transformed the way we cook frozen snacks, and pizza rolls are no exception. Here’s why it beats microwaving or baking:
- Crispier texture: Unlike the microwave (which makes them soggy), the air fryer gives you a golden, crunchy shell.
- Faster than the oven: Baking pizza rolls can take 12–15 minutes. The air fryer does it in less than 8.
- Even cooking: Hot air circulates around the rolls, cooking them perfectly without cold spots or burst fillings.
- Healthier than deep-frying: You get that satisfying crunch with little to no added oil.
In short, once you try pizza rolls in the air fryer, you won’t go back.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pizza Rolls in Air Fryer
For a quick snack, you don’t need much. Here’s the basic setup:
- 1 bag frozen pizza rolls (Totino’s is the most popular, but any brand works)
- Optional: olive oil spray (for extra crispiness)
- Dipping sauces (marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or spicy sriracha mayo)
If you’re feeling adventurous, I’ll also show you how to make homemade pizza rolls later in this article.
How to Cook Pizza Rolls in the Air Fryer
Here’s the simple step-by-step method for perfectly crispy air fryer pizza rolls.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Preheating ensures even cooking and crispiness.
Step 2: Arrange the Pizza Rolls
- Place frozen pizza rolls in a single layer inside the basket.
- Don’t overcrowd—air circulation is the secret to crunch.
Step 3: Air Fry Until Golden
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- At 6 minutes, check for doneness. If you like extra crispy, go to 8 minutes.
Step 4: Cool Before Eating
- Pizza rolls come out lava hot inside. Let them rest for 2 minutes to avoid burnt tongues.
That’s it—crispy, gooey perfection in under 10 minutes!
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Cooking Chart
Here’s a quick cheat sheet depending on how you like them:
| Texture | Temperature | Cook Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slightly crispy | 380°F | 6 min | Perfect for kids |
| Extra crunchy | 380°F | 8 min | Great for adults |
| Super crispy | 400°F | 7–8 min | Watch closely to prevent bursting |
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
- Shake halfway: Toss the basket at the 3–4 minute mark to ensure even crisping.
- Avoid oil overload: A light spray of olive oil makes them crispier, but too much can make them greasy.
- Watch for bursting: Cooking too long or at too high a temp can cause the filling to ooze out.
- Batch cooking: For larger servings, cook in batches instead of overcrowding.
- Add seasoning: Sprinkle with garlic powder, parmesan, or Italian herbs for a flavor upgrade.
What to Serve with Pizza Rolls
Pizza rolls in the air fryer are fantastic on their own, but dipping sauces take them to another level. Here are some ideas:
- Classic marinara – Brings out the pizza flavors.
- Ranch dressing – Cool and creamy contrast.
- Garlic butter sauce – Buttery and rich.
- Buffalo sauce – For a spicy kick.
- Pesto – A herby twist on the usual.
Pair with a side salad or veggie sticks for balance, or just keep it snack-style with soda or beer.
Can You Reheat Pizza Rolls in the Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Leftovers (if you ever have any) taste just as good reheated.
- Set air fryer to 350°F.
- Reheat for 3–4 minutes.
They’ll come out warm and crispy—way better than microwaving.
Can You Make Homemade Pizza Rolls in the Air Fryer?
Yes! While frozen is convenient, homemade pizza rolls taste amazing and let you control the fillings.
Homemade Pizza Roll Ingredients
- Egg roll wrappers or wonton wrappers
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni, sausage, or veggies (your choice)
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Cut wrappers into smaller squares or rectangles.
- Add a spoonful of sauce, cheese, and toppings.
- Fold and seal tightly (use a dab of water to close edges).
- Lightly spray with olive oil.
- Air fry at 380°F for 6–7 minutes until golden brown.
Homemade rolls are fresher, customizable, and can even be made vegetarian or gluten-free.
FAQs About Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
1. Do I need to thaw pizza rolls before air frying?
No, cook them straight from frozen.
2. Do I have to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, for the crispiest results, preheating makes a difference.
3. Can I stack pizza rolls in the basket?
Try to keep them in a single layer for even cooking.
4. How do I keep pizza rolls from exploding?
Cook at 380°F instead of higher temps, and don’t overcook.
5. Are pizza rolls healthier in the air fryer?
Yes—no extra oil needed, and you avoid the sogginess of microwaving.
Final Thoughts
Cooking pizza rolls in the air fryer is the ultimate snack hack. Quick, crispy, and effortless, they beat microwaving by a mile and save time compared to baking. With endless dipping options and even the possibility of making your own from scratch, pizza rolls can be customized to fit any craving.
So, the next time hunger strikes, skip the oven and fire up your air fryer—you’ll have hot, cheesy bites of perfection in less than 10 minutes.