A crispy, golden roll filled with melty cheese and spicy pepperoni, this air fryer pepperoni roll is one of my favorite go-to snacks or quick meals. It’s fast, satisfying, and brings all the flavors of a classic pizza into a hand-held treat that’s perfect for game day, lunchboxes, or even a late-night craving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how quick and easy this pepperoni roll is to make, especially in the air fryer. It gives the dough a beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside warm and cheesy. The pepperoni adds a savory, spicy kick that pairs so well with melted mozzarella. Plus, it's easy to customize and makes a great on-the-go snack or party food.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade, if I have time)
- Sliced pepperoni
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- Optional: marinara sauce for dipping
directions
- I start by preheating my air fryer to 375°F.
- Then I roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into rectangles, about 3x5 inches each.
- I layer a few slices of pepperoni and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on one half of each rectangle.
- I fold the dough over and pinch the edges to seal it tightly.
- After brushing the tops with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkling a little Italian seasoning, I place the rolls in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching.
- I air fry them for about 8–10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
- I let them cool slightly before serving with warm marinara sauce on the side.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 rolls, depending on how large I cut the dough. Each batch cooks in 8–10 minutes in the air fryer at 375°F. Prep time takes around 10–15 minutes.
Variations
Sometimes I like to mix things up by adding different fillings. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked sausage all work really well. I’ve also tried using cheddar or provolone instead of mozzarella for a different cheese pull. For a spicy version, I throw in a few jalapeño slices or a dash of red pepper flakes.
storage/reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes so they stay crispy. The microwave works too, but the crust won’t be as crisp.
FAQs
How do I keep the rolls from bursting open in the air fryer?
I make sure to seal the edges really well and avoid overstuffing them. Pressing the edges with a fork helps create a tighter seal.
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?
Yes, I’ve used crescent roll dough for a flakier texture. It cooks a little faster, so I keep an eye on it after 6–7 minutes.
Are these freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. I freeze uncooked rolls on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. I cook them straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the air fryer time.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
Besides marinara, I like ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I assemble the rolls and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before air frying. They come out just as fresh.
Conclusion
This air fryer pepperoni roll recipe is a fun, easy twist on classic pizza that I never get tired of. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a hit with friends and family. Whether I serve it as a snack, appetizer, or lunch, it always disappears fast.
Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 6 rolls
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Description
This easy Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll recipe is a crispy, cheesy, and savory snack that brings all the flavors of pizza into a handheld roll. Perfect for game day, party appetizers, lunchboxes, or quick weeknight meals, these air fryer rolls are made with pizza dough, pepperoni, and mozzarella, then cooked to golden perfection in just minutes.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade)
- Sliced pepperoni
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- Optional: marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut into 3x5 inch rectangles.
- Add sliced pepperoni and mozzarella on one half of each rectangle.
- Fold over and pinch edges to seal tightly.
- Brush tops with olive oil or butter and sprinkle Italian seasoning.
- Place rolls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce.
Notes
- Avoid overfilling the rolls to prevent bursting.
- Press edges with a fork to help seal better.
- Customize with other fillings like mushrooms, sausage, or jalapeños.
- Use cheddar or provolone for a cheese variation.
- To reheat, use the air fryer for a crispier result.
