How Long Do Pizza Rolls Go in the Air Fryer

These frozen pizza rolls are cooked to perfection in the air fryer. My kids love them! They take less than 10 minutes and make the perfect lunch or after-school snack. The Recipe Critic

If you’ve ever popped pizza rolls in the microwave and ended up with a soggy mess, or waited forever for the oven to preheat just to get unevenly cooked bites, you’re in for a treat. Air fryer pizza rolls are a game-changer—crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside, and ready in under 10 minutes. Let’s dive into how long to cook pizza rolls in the air fryer, along with tips to make them perfect every time, based on what’s working across top recipes and real user feedback.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Pizza Rolls?

Air fryers are a dream for cooking frozen snacks like pizza rolls because they circulate hot air evenly, giving you that golden, crispy crust without the need for extra oil. Unlike microwaves, which can leave pizza rolls rubbery, or ovens, which take longer, air fryers deliver consistent results fast. Plus, they’re super easy to use, making them ideal for quick snacks, party appetizers, or kid-friendly meals.

How Long to Cook Pizza Rolls in the Air Fryer

The cooking time for pizza rolls in an air fryer depends on your air fryer model, the brand of pizza rolls, and whether you’re using regular or mini-sized rolls. Based on a thorough look at popular recipes and user experiences, here’s the breakdown:

• Standard Frozen Pizza Rolls (e.g., Totino’s, Annie’s): Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 6-8 minutes. Shake or flip the rolls halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check at the 6-minute mark to avoid overcooking, as some air fryers heat faster.
• Mini Pizza Rolls: Cook at 380°F for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. These smaller bites cook faster, so keep an eye on them.
• Homemade Pizza Rolls: If you’re making your own with pizza dough, cook at 390°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes, depending on thickness. Ensure they’re golden brown and the filling is hot.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Here’s how to nail it every time, whether you’re using store-bought frozen rolls or whipping up a homemade batch:

1. Prep the Air Fryer: Preheating isn’t always necessary, but it can help with even cooking. Set your air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes if you choose to preheat. Some folks skip this step to save time, and it still works fine for frozen rolls.
2. Arrange the Rolls: Place the pizza rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd or stack them—this blocks airflow and leads to uneven cooking. If you’re cooking a lot, do multiple batches.
3. Add a Touch of Oil (Optional): While not required, a light spritz of olive or avocado oil can make the rolls extra crispy. Use a non-aerosol spray bottle to avoid damaging your air fryer’s nonstick coating. The Big Man’s World suggests this for homemade rolls to enhance texture.
4. Cook and Shake: Set the air fryer to 380°F and cook for 6-8 minutes for standard rolls, or 5-7 minutes for minis. At the halfway point (around 3-4 minutes), shake the basket or flip the rolls with tongs to ensure they crisp up evenly.
5. Check for Doneness: The rolls should be golden brown and crispy. If the filling starts to ooze out, they’re likely done or slightly overcooked. If they’re not crispy enough, add 1-2 minutes, but watch closely to avoid bursting.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the rolls cool for 2-3 minutes before eating—the filling is piping hot! Serve with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for extra flavor.

Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

Pizza rolls can burst if overcooked, leaving you with a cheesy mess. Here’s how to keep them intact and delicious:

• Don’t Overcook: Cooking too long or at too high a temperature (above 400°F) can cause the filling to expand and burst. Stick to 380°F and check early.
• Shake or Flip: This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking. If your air fryer has racks instead of a basket, rotate them halfway through.
• Use Parchment for Easy Cleanup: Line the basket with perforated parchment paper to catch any oozing filling, making cleanup a breeze.
• Know Your Air Fryer: Models like Ninja or Cosori may cook slightly faster or slower, so adjust the time by 1-2 minutes as needed.

Customizing Your Pizza Rolls

Want to take your pizza rolls to the next level? Try these ideas:

• Dipping Sauces: Marinara is classic, but ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy hot honey add a fun twist.
• Toppings: After cooking, toss with garlic butter and sprinkle with parmesan cheese for a gourmet touch, as suggested by Chenée Today.
• Homemade Fillings: If making your own, experiment with toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or pineapple. Just don’t overstuff to prevent leaks.

Storing and Reheating

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving leftovers—they’ll lose that perfect crunch.

Why Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Are a Crowd-Pleaser

Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, hosting a game-day party, or just craving a nostalgic snack, air fryer pizza rolls deliver. They’re quick, customizable, and way better than their microwaved or oven-baked counterparts. With the right timing and a few simple tricks, you’ll get that perfect balance of crispy crust and melty filling every time.

Making pizza rolls in the air fryer is the fastest and easiest way to get deliciously crispy pizza rolls with cheesy melty insides! Once we started cooking our pizza rolls in the air fryer, we never made them another way for my family. Super quick and easy. 40 Aprons