Crispy Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe

Crispy-Edge Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe Worth Sharing

Warm, golden rolls stuffed with pepperoni and melted cheese spark joy for anyone seeking a quick snack.

These crispy air fryer pepperoni rolls deliver comfort in every delectable bite.

The air fryer creates a perfectly crunchy exterior that elevates this classic treat.

Soft dough wraps around spicy pepperoni slices, promising a mouthwatering experience.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to produce a crowd-pleasing appetizer or lunch option.

Each roll emerges golden brown and irresistibly crisp, with cheese oozing from the edges.

Serve these delightful pepperoni rolls and watch everyone’s faces light up with excitement.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients for Air Fryer Pepperoni Rolls

For Dough Base:
  • Pizza Dough: Provides the soft, stretchy foundation that cradles all the delicious fillings, choose fresh dough from bakery or refrigerated section for best texture.
For Filling Essentials:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Pepperoni Slices: Create a gooey, savory center that melts perfectly, select high-quality mozzarella with good melting properties and thinly sliced pepperoni for even distribution.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Adds golden crispiness and helps seasonings stick, use extra virgin for rich flavor.
  • Garlic Powder: Delivers a punch of aromatic warmth, look for finely ground powder without clumps.
  • Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal complexity with dried herbs, choose a blend with oregano, basil, and thyme for authentic taste.

Tools to Make Pepperoni Rolls

  • Air Fryer: Essential for cooking the rolls quickly and evenly.
  • Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife: Perfect for cutting dough into equal rectangles.
  • Rolling Pin: Helps stretch and flatten the pizza dough smoothly.
  • Pastry Brush: Great for applying olive oil evenly on the rolls.
  • Small Bowl: Useful for mixing olive oil and seasonings.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.

Steps to Air Fry Pepperoni Rolls

  • Create Dough Canvas

Spread out fresh pizza dough on a clean counter, transforming it into a delicious rectangular playground.

  • Layer Flavor Treasures

Scatter creamy mozzarella and spicy pepperoni slices across the dough’s surface, creating a mouthwatering landscape.

  • Shape Savory Rolls

Carefully roll each rectangle into a compact bundle, gently tucking and sealing the edges to lock in all the delicious goodness.

  • Season and Prep

Massage olive oil over each roll and dust with zesty garlic powder and vibrant Italian herbs, awakening their flavor potential.

  • Air Fry to Perfection

Nestle the rolls into your air fryer basket, giving each one breathing room, and cook until they turn a gorgeous golden brown with irresistible crispy edges.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your sizzling pepperoni rolls and let them cool briefly before diving into these crispy, cheesy delights that are guaranteed to make taste buds dance.

Tips to Improve Pepperoni Rolls

  • Crispy Crust Hack: Brush the rolls with olive oil just before air frying to get an extra golden, crunchy exterior that will make your pepperoni rolls irresistibly delicious.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the rolls in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying, which helps the flavors meld and makes meal prep a breeze.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pizza dough for a gluten-free alternative to make this recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities without compromising on taste.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Replace pepperoni with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a meat-free version that's equally satisfying and packed with flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce inside the rolls for those who love a little extra kick and want to elevate the heat level of this classic snack.

Serving Ideas for Pepperoni Rolls

  • Pizza Party Platter: Arrange rolls on a large wooden board with colorful dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli for a fun, interactive serving style.
  • Game Night Appetizer: Cut rolls into bite-sized pieces perfect for sharing during sports events or movie marathons, making them irresistible finger food.
  • Side Dish Companion: Pair with a crisp garden salad or fresh vegetable sticks to balance the rich, savory flavors of the pepperoni rolls and add nutritional value.
  • Picnic Perfect Meal: Wrap individually in parchment paper for an easy grab-and-go lunch option during outdoor adventures or weekend picnics.

Storing Air Fryer Pepperoni Rolls

  • Quick Meal Prep: Assemble pepperoni rolls ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before air frying, making weeknight dinners super simple.
  • Smart Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual uncooked rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before air frying.
  • Portion Control Magic: These rolls work perfectly as grab-and-go lunches, party appetizers, or kid-friendly snacks. Pack in lunchboxes with a small marinara dipping sauce.
  • Leftover Love: Refrigerate cooked rolls in airtight containers for 34 days. Reheat in air fryer at 350F for 23 minutes to restore crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
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Crispy Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe


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4.9 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

West Virginia’s classic air fryer pepperoni roll brings nostalgic comfort straight from Appalachian kitchens. Crispy dough wraps around spicy pepperoni, creating a simple yet satisfying snack you can quickly prepare at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
  • 20 slices pepperoni
  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • Marinara sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Stretch pizza dough into uniform rectangular shapes on a clean surface, focusing on maintaining consistent thickness throughout.
  2. Layering: Create a luscious foundation by generously spreading mozzarella cheese across the center of each dough section, then meticulously arrange pepperoni slices in an overlapping pattern to cover the cheese completely.
  3. Sealing: Carefully fold dough edges inward, completely encasing the cheese and pepperoni, pressing firmly to create a tight, secure seal that prevents filling from escaping during cooking.
  4. Seasoning: Lavishly drizzle olive oil over the exterior of each roll, ensuring total coverage, then liberally dust with a harmonious blend of garlic powder and Italian seasoning to enhance flavor profile and aroma.
  5. Air Frying: Strategically position rolls in the air fryer basket, maintaining slight spacing to facilitate optimal heat circulation, then cook at the prescribed temperature, rotating midway to guarantee uniform golden-brown coloration and achieve an irresistibly crispy exterior.
  6. Finishing: Extract rolls once they transform into a rich, golden-brown delicacy with a satisfyingly crunchy texture, representing the perfect fusion of melted cheese, savory pepperoni, and crisp dough.

Notes

  • Manage Dough Thickness: Roll the dough evenly to prevent uneven cooking and ensure consistent texture throughout the pepperoni roll.
  • Seal Edges Securely: Press dough edges firmly and fold carefully to prevent cheese and pepperoni from leaking during air frying.
  • Control Oil Distribution: Lightly drizzle olive oil to achieve a crispy golden exterior without making the roll overly greasy.
  • Optimize Air Circulation: Space rolls slightly apart in the air fryer basket to guarantee uniform heat distribution and crisp browning.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Lunch
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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