Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe

If you’re searching for a snack that’s both comfort food and a quick crowd-pleaser, look no further than this Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe. These golden, crispy rolls ooze gooey mozzarella cheese and spicy pepperoni in every bite, all made effortlessly in the air fryer for a perfect balance of crispy exterior and melty inside. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, surprising guests, or just craving a flavorful treat, this recipe delivers an irresistible combination that’s easy to whip up anytime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the short list of ingredients fool you — every component in this Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor and texture. From the soft, pillowy pizza dough to the spicy zip of pepperoni and the creamy stretch of mozzarella, these ingredients come together to make snack time unforgettable.

• Refrigerated pizza dough: Acts as a tender, chewy base that’s easy to roll and cooks beautifully in the air fryer.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts superbly, providing that classic gooey texture essential to pepperoni rolls.
• Pepperoni slices: Bring a bold, slightly spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with cheesy goodness.
• Olive oil: Used for brushing to achieve a golden, crispy crust packed with flavor.
• Garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle savory note that lifts the overall taste.
• Dried oregano (optional): Offers a fragrant, herbal touch reminiscent of Italian pizzerias.
• Marinara or pizza sauce (optional): A classic dipping companion to amp up the flavor experience.

How to Make Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the dough

Start by rolling out your pizza dough on a clean, flat surface. Using a rolling pin, flatten it into a rectangle or square roughly ¼-inch thick. This creates the perfect canvas for stuffing your pepperoni rolls without making them too doughy or heavy.

Step 2: Assemble the rolls

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This ensures that every roll has that irresistible cheesy center without the filling spilling out while rolling.

Step 3: Add the pepperoni slices

Lay pepperoni slices over the cheese in an even layer. Pepperoni slices bring that signature spicy, savory bite that makes these rolls an absolute winner.

Step 4: Spice it up

If you love herbs and a little extra punch, sprinkle garlic powder and dried oregano over the cheese and pepperoni. These add layers of flavor that give your pepperoni rolls a deliciously aromatic lift.

Step 5: Roll it up

Begin rolling the dough tightly from one edge, forming a compact log or cylinder. A snug roll keeps everything inside and makes slicing easier and cleaner.

Step 6: Slice into rolls

Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into 1-inch thick pieces. These will be your individual pepperoni rolls, ready to crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

Step 7: Preheat your air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures a crisp outer crust while the insides get perfectly cooked and melty.

Step 8: Prepare the basket

Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or spray it to prevent sticking. This small step helps your pepperoni rolls turn golden and crispy without leaving a mess behind.

Step 9: Arrange rolls for cooking

Place the pepperoni rolls into the basket, leaving a little space between each to allow hot air to circulate evenly. If your air fryer is small, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 10: Air fry to perfection

Cook the rolls at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. Look for a gorgeous golden brown color with crispy edges—that’s your cue that they’re ready to enjoy.

Step 11: Serve your creation

Remove the rolls and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping, if you like. The contrast of crispy exterior and molten cheese inside makes every bite pure joy.

How to Serve Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your pepperoni rolls with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top. A light dusting of grated Parmesan can add a salty, savory finish that elevates the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

This Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp side salads, roasted veggies, or a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness. For dipping, keep it classic with marinara or mix things up by offering ranch or garlic aioli for variety.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these rolls in a rustic wooden platter with an assortment of dipping sauces for a fun appetizer board. You can also thread smaller rolls onto skewers for a playful finger-food display at parties or family gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover pepperoni rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their freshness while allowing you to enjoy them later without losing that crispy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked pepperoni rolls by wrapping the rolled log tightly in plastic wrap and storing it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, slice, then air fry as usual for fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftover rolls back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This revives the crispy exterior and warms the cheesy filling without drying them out, making them taste almost as good as freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and gives you control over the ingredients. Just make sure to roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness to get the perfect texture.

Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating the air fryer helps the pepperoni rolls cook evenly and develop a crispy crust faster, but if you’re short on time, you can start with a cold basket and add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I add other fillings to the pepperoni rolls?

Definitely. Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even cooked sausage to customize your rolls. Just be mindful not to overfill, as that can make rolling and cooking tricky.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake these rolls in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until golden and bubbly. The air fryer simply speeds up the process and crisps the outside beautifully.

How do I prevent the rolls from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly brushing the basket with olive oil or spraying it with non-stick spray before placing the rolls will keep them from sticking and help achieve that perfect golden crust.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe — it’s deliciously simple, quick, and hits all the right notes of cheesy, savory comfort. Whether you’re making them as a snack, appetizer, or even a casual meal, these pepperoni rolls bring so much joy to the table. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll become one of your go-to favorites for anytime cravings!

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