Looking for a quick, cheesy, totally craveable snack that tastes like pizza but eats like a roll? These Air Fryer Pepperoni Rolls are here to answer every party platter and after-school snack craving. With golden-brown dough, gooey mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and buttery garlic seasoning on top, they’re pure comfort in a compact package.
The best part? Thanks to your air fryer, they cook up in just 10 minutes with crispy edges and melty centers—no oven or deep frying required.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is the kind of recipe that feels almost too easy—just roll, season, and air fry—but the results are wildly satisfying. I love how versatile it is, too: swap in different meats, cheeses, or even make it vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms and spinach. They’re great for entertaining, meal-prepping, or just making your Netflix snack game 100% stronger.
Ingredients
- 1 (13.8 oz) tube refrigerated pizza dough
- 36 slices pepperoni
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Swaps and Notes
- Dough: Crescent roll dough also works, but pizza dough is sturdier and holds the filling better.
- Cheese: Try provolone, cheddar, or an Italian blend for a twist.
- Add a dip: Serve with warm marinara, ranch, or even Beer Cheese Dip on the side.
- Meat-Free Option: Swap pepperoni with sautéed veggies or plant-based pepperoni slices.
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔸 1️⃣ Prepare the Dough
- Unroll the pizza dough onto a clean, flat surface.
- Cut into 9 equal rectangles using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
🔸 2️⃣ Assemble the Rolls
- Place 4 slices of pepperoni in the center of each rectangle.
- Add 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella on top.
- Fold the dough over the filling, press the edges to seal, then fold up the ends.
- Place seam-side down on a plate or tray.
🔸 3️⃣ Season the Rolls
- In a small bowl, melt the butter.
- Mix garlic powder, salt, and Italian seasoning in a separate bowl.
- Brush each roll with melted butter, then sprinkle with seasoning mix.
🔸 4️⃣ Air Fry
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the rolls in the basket with a little space between each.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give them room to cook evenly. Cook in batches if needed.
- Seal the seams well: Press firmly to keep all that cheesy goodness from oozing out.
- Check at 8 minutes: Depending on your air fryer, they may be perfectly golden sooner.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These rolls are perfect party food, snack food, or even a quick dinner with a side salad. Serve them with:
- Warm marinara sauce or garlic dipping oil
- A side of Beer Cheese Dip for extra indulgence
- A tall glass of The Slippery Drank for a sweet, sippable pairing
- Pair with Dorito Casserole for a full snack-attack meal
- Add to a platter with Sheet Pan Quesadillas for the ultimate party tray
Storage and Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 325°F for 3–5 minutes to re-crisp.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then store in a zip-top bag. Air fry from frozen for an extra 3–5 minutes.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re all about crispy, cheesy, crowd-pleasing bites, check out:
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- Dorito Casserole
- Beer Cheese Dip
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs – perfect dessert pairing!
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Pepperoni Rolls prove that big flavor doesn’t need big effort. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes in the air fryer, you’ve got crispy, cheesy perfection that’s great for parties, family nights, or your next snack attack.
Made them? Tag @chefmaniac and show us your roll game—we love seeing your creations! 🧄🧀🍕
