If you’ve ever craved the comfort of pizza but didn’t want to wait for delivery, these Air Fryer Pepperoni Rolls are about to become your new favorite snack. Imagine fluffy golden dough hugging slices of savory pepperoni and gooey melted cheese—all crisped to perfection in the air fryer.
They’re fast, mess-free, and endlessly customizable. Whether you need a game day appetizer, after-school treat, or quick party snack, these rolls deliver flavor in every bite. Best of all, they’re made in the air fryer—no greasy mess, no heating up the whole kitchen, and no long wait times.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know: ingredients, step-by-step directions, pro tips, variations, FAQs, and even nutritional insights. By the end, you’ll be rolling (pun intended) these out on repeat!
Why Air Fryer Pepperoni Rolls Are a Must-Try
There are hundreds of air fryer recipes out there, but pepperoni rolls stand out for a few reasons:
- Quick & Easy ⏱️ – From prep to plate in under 20 minutes.
- Crowd-Pleasing 🎉 – Kids, teens, and adults all love them.
- Customizable 🧑🍳 – Change up the cheese, dough, or fillings to match your taste.
- Less Grease ✨ – Air frying gives you crispness without the heavy oil.
- Versatile 🍴 – Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even a light lunch.
In short: they taste like a pizza pocket, but fresher, crispier, and way easier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is that you only need a handful of simple ingredients. Most are probably already in your fridge.
For the Rolls
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (or pizza dough, if you prefer)
- 24 slices of pepperoni (regular, turkey, or spicy)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mozzarella-cheddar mix)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing the tops)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional)
- ½ cup marinara sauce, warmed
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional for a little heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for perfectly golden pepperoni rolls every time.
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Set to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and that signature golden crust.
2. Prepare the Dough
- Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
- If using pizza dough, cut into 8 equal rectangles.
- Gently stretch each piece so there’s enough room for the filling.
3. Add the Fillings
- Place 2–3 slices of pepperoni on the wide end of each piece.
- Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of cheese on top.
- Add a pinch of Italian seasoning for flavor.
👉 Don’t overstuff—too much filling makes rolls burst open.
4. Roll It Up
- Starting at the wide end, roll tightly toward the point.
- Pinch the seams and tuck in the sides to seal.
- This prevents cheese from leaking out.
5. Brush with Butter & Seasoning
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder.
- Brush over the tops for flavor and shine.
6. Air Fry the Rolls
- Place rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, until golden brown.
- Check around 7 minutes to prevent over-browning.
7. Serve with Dipping Sauce
- Warm marinara sauce in a small bowl.
- Garnish with Parmesan and red pepper flakes.
- Serve hot, crispy, and cheesy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t Overcrowd the basket—leave space for air circulation.
- Seal the edges tightly so cheese doesn’t ooze out.
- Spray or line the basket with parchment to prevent sticking.
- Check early—air fryer models vary, so peek at 7 minutes.
- Cool slightly before eating—the filling gets extremely hot.
Variations & Creative Twists
The classic combo is amazing, but why stop there? Try these ideas:
- Veggie Lovers 🥦 – Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peppers.
- Spicy Kick 🌶️ – Use jalapeños, spicy pepperoni, or drizzle hot honey.
- Cheese Explosion 🧀 – Mix in provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack.
- Mini Pizza Rolls 🍕 – Add a teaspoon of pizza sauce inside before rolling.
- Breakfast Version 🍳 – Swap pepperoni for scrambled eggs and bacon.
- Vegan Option 🌱 – Use plant-based pepperoni and dairy-free cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Pepperoni rolls are versatile. Pair them with:
- Classic dips – marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or cheese sauce.
- Side salads – a fresh Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
- Game night spreads – serve with nachos, wings, and sliders.
- Kid-friendly meals – pair with fruit slices and carrot sticks.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked rolls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen (add 2–3 minutes).
- Reheating: Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to bring back crispness.
Nutritional Insights (Approx. per roll)
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
👉 These numbers vary based on dough and cheese used.
FAQs
1. Can I use pizza dough instead of crescent dough?
Yes! Pizza dough makes rolls slightly chewier but works perfectly.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble, refrigerate, and air fry within 24 hours.
3. How do I prevent cheese from leaking out?
Pinch seams tightly and tuck edges under.
4. Can I make them vegetarian?
Yes—just swap pepperoni for mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
5. What sauces go best with pepperoni rolls?
Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, spicy mayo, or BBQ.
6. Can I bake them instead?
Yes—bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
7. How long do they last?
Up to 3 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 2 months.
8. Can I reheat in the microwave?
Yes, but they’ll get soft. The air fryer is best for crispiness.
9. How can I make them spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes inside, or serve with hot sauce.
10. Can I double the batch?
Yes—just cook in batches so the basket isn’t crowded.
Why This Recipe Works
Unlike many pizza-inspired snacks, these rolls are:
- Quick – No long rise time or complicated dough prep.
- Portable – Perfect for lunchboxes or on-the-go snacking.
- Flexible – Works for parties, casual meals, or family fun nights.
The air fryer technology ensures crisp edges and melty centers without deep-frying. You get all the indulgence with less grease.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Pepperoni Rolls are the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and endless variations, they’re the ultimate snack for any occasion.
Whether you’re planning a game night, a quick family dinner, or a fun weekend project with kids, these rolls are guaranteed to please. Once you try them, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
