Pin The first time I made these, I was skeptical about the air fryer hype. My teenage daughter had been begging me to try the viral recipe she saw everywhere, and I finally caved on a rainy Sunday afternoon. When that first batch came out all golden and bubbling, the smell filled the whole kitchen and even my husband wandered in from the garage.
Last month we had a bunch of teenagers over for movie night, and I made a triple batch. They disappeared in minutes, and honestly watching them reach for that third and fourth roll reminded me why I keep this recipe in my back pocket. Something about bite size food just makes people happy.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated pizza dough This shortcut is absolute genius and bakes up beautifully in the air fryer
- Shredded mozzarella cheese I have learned that freshly shredded melts so much better than pre shredded bags
- Mini pepperoni slices These little guys distribute perfectly throughout each roll without overwhelming any single bite
- Pizza sauce Spread it thin because too much makes the dough soggy and nobody wants that
- Grated Parmesan cheese This adds a salty depth that makes the filling taste much more interesting
- Dried Italian herbs Dried herbs work better here than fresh since they will not add moisture
- Beaten egg This seals everything together and gives the rolls that gorgeous golden color
- Cooking spray A light spray prevents sticking and helps the exterior get extra crispy
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer
- Get it to 375 and let it fully heat for about five minutes while you prep everything else
- Roll out the dough
- Flour your surface well and roll the dough into a big rectangle keeping the thickness even
- Layer the sauce and fillings
- Spread sauce thinly then sprinkle all your cheeses and toppings right up to the edges
- Roll it tight
- Starting from a long side roll the dough into a log and pinch that seam closed really well
- Slice into pieces
- Use a sharp knife to cut 24 even pieces and try to make them the same size so they cook evenly
- Seal and prep
- Brush the cut sides with egg wash to help them stay closed during cooking
- Arrange in the basket
- Lay them in a single layer with space between each one and cook in batches if you need to
- Brush and cook
- Give the tops another egg wash then air fry for 8 to 10 minutes flipping halfway through
Pin My friend Sarah made these for her Super Bowl party and told me later that her brother who never cooks asked for the recipe. That is when I knew these were not just another internet trend but actually something special worth keeping around.
Make Them Your Own
I have experimented with so many fillings and the combinations are endless. Sometimes I do black olives and mushrooms for a more Mediterranean vibe or add jalapeños when I want something with a little kick.
Dough Options
The refrigerated dough is perfect for busy weeknights but whole wheat or gluten free work great too. I have found that the texture changes slightly but they still satisfy that craving.
Serving Suggestions
Set up a little dipping station with warm pizza sauce and maybe some ranch or garlic butter on the side. People love having choices and it makes the whole experience feel more interactive.
- Double the recipe because these go faster than you expect
- Keep the air fryer basket not too crowded for the crispiest results
- Make extras because they reheat surprisingly well the next day
Pin These rolls have become our go to for everything from Friday night snacks to unexpected guests. Hope they bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to ours.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I ensure the rolls get crispy?
Brush the rolls with beaten egg before cooking and arrange them with space around in the air fryer basket for even crispiness.
- → Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, substitute pepperoni with diced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms and use only cheese for a vegetarian option.
- → What temperature is best for cooking in the air fryer?
Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) and cook the rolls for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway for golden results.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
You can assemble and slice the rolls ahead, then refrigerate or freeze before air frying when ready to serve.
- → Are there alternatives to the egg wash?
Yes, for vegan options brush rolls with olive oil instead of beaten egg to help seal and brown.