How Long to Cook Pizza Rolls in Air Fryer

Learn how to make the best crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls in just 8 minutes! This easy method cooks frozen pizza rolls straight from the freezer into golden, cheesy perfection, way better than the microwave version you grew up with. Pizza Rolls take me back to getting home after school in the 90s and warming up frozen pizza rolls. Then, we’d bite into them and burn the roofs of our mouths, anyone else? These crispy, delicious pepperoni pizza rolls can now be made in minutes in the air fryer with this method for Air Fryer Pizza Rolls. Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are better than the microwave alternative, they come out of the air fryer golden, crispy, and cheesy inside plus packed with flavor without virtually any oil other than a spritz of oil spray. This is a much better alternative than the oven or microwave.

After analyzing top-ranking pages on Google for “How Long to Cook Pizza Rolls in Air Fryer,” it’s clear that users want concise, practical instructions with specific times, temperatures, and tips to avoid common pitfalls like soggy or exploded rolls. Popular sources like Picky Palate and The Recipe Critic emphasize quick cooking times (6-10 minutes), single-layer placement, and no need for preheating, but they often lack detailed troubleshooting or variations for different air fryer models. Others, like The Big Man’s World, include homemade recipes but skimp on addressing diverse user needs, such as vegan options or reheating tips. This article aims to fill those gaps with a comprehensive guide, covering everything from frozen to homemade pizza rolls, precise cooking techniques, and solutions to common issues, all while keeping things simple and approachable.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Pizza Rolls?

Air fryers are a game-changer for cooking frozen pizza rolls. Unlike microwaves, which can leave them rubbery, or ovens, which take 15-20 minutes with preheating, air fryers deliver crispy, golden results in under 10 minutes. The circulating hot air ensures even cooking, crisping the exterior while keeping the cheesy filling gooey but not molten. Plus, they use minimal oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep frying. Whether you’re whipping up a quick after-school snack or a game-day appetizer, air fryers make pizza rolls a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort.

How to Cook Frozen Pizza Rolls in an Air Fryer

Cooking frozen pizza rolls, like Totino’s or Annie’s, is straightforward, but small details make a big difference. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get that perfect crispy bite every time:

• Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheating isn’t always necessary, but if you prefer extra crispiness, set your air fryer to 380°F for 2-3 minutes. Some models, like Ninja or Cosori, may cook faster if preheated, so adjust accordingly.
• Arrange the Rolls: Place 10-20 frozen pizza rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer is small, work in batches to prevent stacking, which can lead to soggy spots.
• Add Oil (Optional): For a golden finish, lightly spray the rolls with olive oil or avocado oil using a non-aerosol spritzer. This step isn’t mandatory, as most pizza rolls cook well without oil, but it enhances crispiness.
• Cook Time and Temperature: Set the air fryer to 380°F and cook for 6-8 minutes. Shake the basket or flip the rolls halfway through to promote even browning. Check at 6 minutes to avoid overcooking, as some air fryers heat faster. If the rolls start to ooze filling, they’re done.
• Cool and Serve: Let the rolls cool for 1-2 minutes to avoid burning your mouth. Serve with marinara, ranch, or garlic butter dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Pro Tip: Cooking times vary by air fryer model. For example, a Cosori at 380°F takes about 8 minutes, while a Ninja Foodi might need only 6 minutes. Always check early to prevent bursting.

Making Homemade Pizza Rolls in the Air Fryer

Want to elevate your pizza roll game? Homemade versions let you customize fillings and control ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe for cheesy, crispy rolls using wonton wrappers or pizza dough:

• Ingredients: Wonton wrappers or store-bought pizza dough, ½ cup pizza sauce, ¾ cup shredded mozzarella, diced pepperoni or veggies (like mushrooms or bell peppers), and olive oil for brushing.
• Assembly: Lay out a wonton wrapper or a small square of rolled-out pizza dough (about 3×3 inches). Add 1 tsp pizza sauce, 1 tsp cheese, and a pinch of toppings in the center. Fold into a roll, sealing edges with water for wontons or pinching dough tightly.
• Cook: Brush lightly with olive oil and place seam-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 7-10 minutes, checking at 7 minutes. Flip halfway for even crispiness.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based toppings like vegan pepperoni or sautéed spinach.

Storage Tip: Freeze uncooked homemade rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Soggy Rolls: Overcrowding is the culprit. Stick to a single layer and ensure space between rolls for air circulation. If still soggy, increase cooking time by 1-2 minutes or raise the temperature to 390°F.
• Exploding Rolls: Cooking too long causes the filling to overheat and burst. Check at 5-6 minutes and remove rolls as soon as they’re golden. Lowering the temperature to 375°F can also help.
• Uneven Cooking: Shake the basket or flip the rolls halfway through. If your air fryer has hot spots, rotate the basket 180 degrees during cooking.

Variations and Serving Ideas

Get creative with your pizza rolls to suit different tastes:

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling, or toss cooked rolls in buffalo sauce.
• Garlic Parmesan Twist: After cooking, toss rolls in a mix of melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan for a TikTok-inspired upgrade.
• Dipping Sauces: Beyond marinara, try ranch, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo to keep things exciting.
• Party Platter: Pair with air fryer mozzarella sticks or sweet potato fries for a game-day spread.

Reheating and Storage

Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy. For frozen homemade rolls, cook directly from the freezer, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

Air fryer pizza rolls are such a fun dish that they put you in a good mood every time. It has all the best parts of a pizza but in a bite-size, that is less messy. What’s not to love? Let me know how the air fryer cooking times for pizza rolls go for you. Very curious if there is a difference between different air fryer brands.