If you love the irresistible combination of gooey cheese, zesty pepperoni, and crispy golden dough, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe. It’s a fun twist on a classic snack that delivers all the comforting flavors of a pizzeria favorite, yet comes together quickly and effortlessly thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Whether you’re serving them for lunch, a party appetizer, or a cozy snack, these rolls are crunchy on the outside, warm and melty inside, and loaded with pepperoni deliciousness that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet fantastic ingredients that each bring their own special touch — from soft, pillowy dough that bakes up perfectly crisp, to cheese that melts into irresistible gooeyness, and spicy pepperoni slices for a punch of flavor.
- Refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough): Provides the foundation with a tender, chewy texture that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to a creamy, stretchy consistency that holds all the pepperoni together deliciously.
- Pepperoni slices: Adds a bold, savory, and slightly spicy flavor that’s the heart of the roll.
- Olive oil (for brushing): Helps achieve a golden, crisp exterior while imparting a subtle richness.
- Garlic powder (optional): Infuses the dough with a mild garlicky aroma for a flavor boost.
- Dried oregano (optional): Enhances the rolls with classic Italian herbiness, perfectly complementing the pepperoni.
- Marinara sauce or pizza sauce (optional): A tangy dipping sauce to take your rolls to the next level of deliciousness.
How to Make Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by rolling out your refrigerated or homemade pizza dough on a clean, flat surface. Use a rolling pin to flatten it evenly until it’s about a quarter inch thick, creating a nice rectangular or square shape. This thin layer will ensure your rolls cook through perfectly and have a light, tender bite.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough, taking care to leave a small border along the edges to help the roll seal up nicely. Then, scatter your pepperoni slices uniformly over the cheese, making sure every bite will have that ample savory pepperoni kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle on garlic powder and dried oregano now to add an extra layer of flavor that sings with every bite.
Step 3: Roll It Up
With steady hands, begin rolling the dough from one edge tightly into a log or cylinder shape. Being careful here is key because a tight roll means perfect slices and a beautiful final shape. Seal the edge by pinching the dough together so the rolls hold their form during cooking.
Step 4: Slice into Rolls
Next, take a sharp knife and slice the rolled dough into one-inch thick pieces. These individual pepperoni rolls are the perfect size for popping in the air fryer and serving as a hand-held treat. Aim for even slices so they cook uniformly.
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for about 3 to 5 minutes ensures a hot environment right from the start, which is key to getting a crispy, golden crust while melting the cheese to ooey-gooey perfection.
Step 6: Cook the Rolls
Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or give it a quick spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the pepperoni rolls in a single layer, making sure they do not touch each other so the hot air can circulate evenly. You might need to cook them in batches depending on your air fryer size. Cook at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until the tops are golden and the dough is cooked through perfectly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, carefully remove the pepperoni rolls and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite marinara or pizza sauce for dipping to elevate this delicious snack even further. The combination of melty cheese, crisp dough, and the tangy dip will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes, or a scattering of chopped fresh basil can elevate your pepperoni rolls visually and taste-wise. These easy garnishes add extra layers of flavor and a gourmet touch perfect for impressing guests or spicing up family snack time.
Side Dishes
Pair these irresistible pepperoni rolls with a crisp garden salad to balance the richness, or serve alongside a cup of warm soup like tomato basil for a cozy meal. Their versatility means you can enjoy them with almost anything — from simple veggies to a fruit platter for a party spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get creative, try stacking the pepperoni rolls like little sliders with a dab of pesto or ranch sauce between layers. Another fun idea is to serve the rolls on a charcuterie board accompanied by olives, sliced cheeses, and fresh fruit, turning this straightforward Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe into a conversation-starting appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pepperoni rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For best texture, keep them away from moisture so their outer crust stays crispy and flavorful when reheated.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully! Simply place the sliced rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to two months. Freeze before cooking for easiest storage and best texture after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat and bring back their delightful crispiness, pop the rolls back in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes or until warmed through. This method avoids sogginess and keeps the cheese perfectly melted and the crust satisfyingly crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works just as well and will give you the same fabulous texture and flavor in this Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe. Just be sure your dough is rolled out to the same thickness for even cooking.
Do I need to brush the rolls with olive oil?
While not strictly necessary, brushing olive oil on the outside before cooking helps the rolls develop a golden, crispy crust and adds an extra layer of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Can I add other fillings besides pepperoni?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your rolls with your favorite fillings like cooked sausage, chopped vegetables, or different cheeses. Just keep in mind the moisture content to avoid sogginess.
How do I know when the rolls are finished cooking?
The pepperoni rolls should be golden brown on the outside, with the dough cooked through and the cheese melted and bubbly inside after 8 to 10 minutes in the air fryer at 375°F.
What can I use for dipping if I don’t have marinara sauce?
If marinara isn’t on hand, ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a spicy sriracha mayo all make fabulous dipping options that pair wonderfully with the flavors in this Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe is one of those deliciously simple treats that never fails to bring joy — whether you’re making a quick snack or feeding a crowd. With its crispy edges, melty cheese, and savory pepperoni, it’s pure comfort food magic that you can whip up in no time. So grab your dough, preheat that air fryer, and get ready to create something everyone will love and hunger for again and again!
Print
Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Pepperoni Rolls are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or appetizer featuring soft pizza dough rolled with melty mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices. Cooked to golden perfection in an air fryer, they deliver a crispy outside with a gooey, flavorful inside. Perfect for parties, game days, or a quick snack, these rolls come together quickly and pair wonderfully with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pepperoni slices
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ½ tsp dried oregano (optional)
- Marinara sauce or pizza sauce, for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a flat surface using a rolling pin. Flatten it into a rectangle or large square approximately ¼-inch thick to create an even base for rolling.
- Assemble the rolls: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the flattened dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent cheese from spilling out during cooking.
- Add pepperoni: Distribute the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese layer, ensuring every roll will have a good amount of pepperoni in each bite.
- Optional seasoning: For extra flavor, sprinkle garlic powder and dried oregano evenly over the pepperoni and cheese layers.
- Roll the dough: Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log or cylinder shape, making sure to keep the filling inside.
- Slice into pieces: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into 1-inch thick slices to create individual pepperoni rolls.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare basket: Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange rolls for cooking: Place the pepperoni rolls in the air fryer basket with some space between each piece. Cook in batches if needed depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry the rolls: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove the pepperoni rolls from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute refrigerated pizza dough with homemade dough for a fresher taste.
- Adjust cooking time slightly based on the model and size of your air fryer for best results.
- Feel free to add other toppings such as chopped bell peppers or sliced olives inside the rolls for variety.
- Brush with olive oil before air frying to help achieve a crispy golden crust.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the rolls to avoid squishing or deforming their shape.
- These rolls are best served fresh and warm for maximum flavor and texture.
