Let me introduce you to one of my all-time favorite quick and delicious snacks, the Easy Air Fryer Pizza Roll Ups Recipe. These golden, crispy, and cheesy roll ups bring together the comforting flavors of classic pizza in a playful, bite-sized form that you can whip up in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a fun after-school treat, a party appetizer, or a cozy snack, this recipe hits all the right notes with melty cheese, zesty marinara, and savory pepperoni wrapped in buttery seasoned bread. I promise, once you try this, it will become a staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is so straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the soft sandwich bread that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer to the rich mozzarella cheese that melts to gooey perfection, every component makes these pizza roll ups simply irresistible.
- 6 slices sandwich bread (crusts removed): Flattened to give a perfect thin base that crisps up just right in the air fryer.
- 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce: Adds a tangy, savory layer and keeps the roll ups moist and flavorful.
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, gooey cheese that makes every bite pure heaven.
- 18 slices pepperoni: Classic pizza topping for a burst of savory spice and texture.
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted): Brushed outside to create that irresistible golden crispiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle aromatic warmth into the crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A flavorful blend of herbs that captures the essence of Italian cooking.
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish: For an added hit of salty richness and fresh vibrance.
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Pizza Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by removing the crusts from your sandwich bread, then use a rolling pin to flatten each slice until it’s thin and easy to roll. This ensures the bread crisps up well without being doughy inside.
Step 2: Add the Sauce
Spread about one tablespoon of marinara or pizza sauce evenly on each flattened slice. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent the sauce from spilling out once you roll them up.
Step 3: Layer the Cheese and Pepperoni
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, then top with three slices of pepperoni per slice. This balance of gooey cheese and savory meat makes these roll ups irresistibly delicious.
Step 4: Roll Them Up
Carefully roll each slice tightly like a pinwheel. This helps keep everything neatly inside while cooking and creates that lovely spiral effect when sliced.
Step 5: Add the Seasoned Butter
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush this flavorful mixture all over the outside of each roll up to encourage a golden crust full of flavor.
Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes. Place the roll ups seam-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re in a single layer. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until each is golden and crispy on all sides.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
After air frying, let the roll ups cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Pizza Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a little grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a delightful salty kick, while freshly chopped parsley brings a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish. These simple touches can elevate your pizza roll ups from tasty snack to something truly special.
Side Dishes
Serve these with crisp veggie sticks like carrots or celery, or a light side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness. For a heartier meal, pair them with a bowl of warm tomato soup for that classic pizza-and-soup combo that hugs your soul.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the roll ups into pinwheels before plating. Arrange them in a spiral or circle on a vibrant platter with several dipping sauces like garlic aioli, ranch, or spicy marinara. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at parties or family gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt there will be many), place the cooled roll ups in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They stay good for up to 2 days, making them perfect for quick snacks the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze these roll ups before cooking for convenience. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before air frying as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the roll ups back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes. This revives their crispiness wonderfully, unlike microwaving which can turn them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other fillings besides pepperoni?
Absolutely! This Easy Air Fryer Pizza Roll Ups Recipe is very versatile. You can swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or keep it vegetarian by simply using cheese and sauce. Feel free to get creative with your favorite pizza toppings.
What kind of bread works best?
Regular sandwich bread with the crust removed works best for quick flattening and crisping. Avoid thicker artisanal breads that may not roll up easily or crisp inside the short air fryer cooking time.
Do I have to use an air fryer? Can I bake these instead?
While the air fryer gives the crispiest results in less time, you can bake these roll ups on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love these Easy Air Fryer Pizza Roll Ups Recipe bites because of their familiar pizza flavors and fun shape. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some homemade goodness compared to store-bought snacks.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free sandwich bread to make this recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities. Just be sure to check your marinara and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
Making these Easy Air Fryer Pizza Roll Ups Recipe is truly a joy — they are quick, customizable, and incredibly delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights, snack time, or entertaining guests, they’re guaranteed to become one of your favorite go-to recipes. So grab your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to dig into these crispy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying pizza roll ups that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Easy Air Fryer Pizza Roll Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 6 roll ups
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy these Easy Air Fryer Pizza Roll Ups, a quick and delicious snack perfect for any time of day. Soft bread slices are flattened, filled with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni, then rolled up and air fried to a golden, crispy perfection. Ideal as an appetizer or kid-friendly after-school treat, this recipe combines classic pizza flavors with the convenience of the air fryer.
Ingredients
Roll Ups
- 6 slices sandwich bread (crusts removed)
- 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 18 slices pepperoni
Seasoned Butter
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice of bread until thin, creating a flat base for the fillings.
- Add sauce and toppings: Spread about 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce onto each flattened bread slice, leaving a small border. Sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese and top with 3 slices of pepperoni.
- Roll up: Tightly roll each bread slice like a pinwheel, then set aside.
- Prepare seasoned butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush this seasoned butter over the outside of each roll up for extra flavor and crispiness.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for 2–3 minutes.
- Air fry the roll ups: Place the roll ups seam-side down in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the roll ups are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Let the roll ups cool slightly before serving warm. Optionally, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage or mushrooms.
- For a vegetarian option, use just cheese and sauce.
- Perfect as a kid-friendly appetizer or a quick after-school snack.
- Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded for even cooking.
