AIR FRYER PIZZA ROLLS! are my go to fix when everyone is hungry and I do not feel like making a whole pizza from scratch. You know that moment when you want something hot, cheesy, and snacky, but also fast? Yep, this is it. I started making them in the air fryer because the oven felt slow, and the microwave always made them kind of sad and soggy. After a few batches (and a couple of lava hot filling incidents), I finally landed on a method that gets them crispy and reliable every time. Let me walk you through exactly how I do it at home. 
The Story Behind This Recipe
I’ve spent years testing recipes for Midd Leeast Sector, and this AIR FRYER PIZZA ROLLS! is a keeper: fast to prep with no weird tricks. AIR FRYER PIZZA ROLLS! are my go to fix when everyone is hungry and I do not feel like making a whole pizza from scratch. You…
Tips for Making Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
If your biggest fear is biting into a pizza roll and getting a soft, steamy shell, I get it. Crispiness is the whole point. The air fryer is perfect for this, but a few tiny habits make a big difference.
Here are my best real life tips:
- Do not overcrowd the basket. If they are piled up, they steam instead of crisp. I keep them in a single layer when I can.
- Shake or flip halfway. This helps both sides brown and keeps the hot spots from winning.
- Use a light spritz of oil if you want extra crunch. It is optional, but if your air fryer runs a little gentle, it helps.
- Let them rest for 2 minutes before eating. The filling is basically molten cheese and sauce. Resting helps avoid the tongue burn.
- Watch the first batch closely. Every air fryer cooks a bit differently, so treat the first round like a test run.
Also, if you are dipping (and you should be dipping), I love something garlicky on the side. If you want a homemade option that tastes like a pizza shop upgrade, try this creamy garlic sauce for pizza. It makes even basic rolls feel fancy without being fussy.
One more practical thing: a clean basket helps crisping too. Grease buildup can make food cook unevenly and sometimes stick. If your basket has seen better days, I bookmarked this guide on how to clean a greasy air fryer basket and I actually use a couple of the tricks when my basket gets messy.

How to cook frozen pizza rolls in the air fryer
This is the method I use most often because frozen pizza rolls are basically a pantry comfort food at this point. I keep a bag in the freezer for last minute snacks, after school cravings, or movie nights when nobody wants to wait.
My basic timing is simple and flexible:
Temperature: 380 F
Time: 6 to 9 minutes depending on your air fryer and how crispy you like them
Here is how I do it step by step:
- Preheat the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes if yours preheats well. If not, no stress, just add a minute to the cook time.
- Add frozen pizza rolls in a single layer. I usually do 12 to 18 at a time, depending on basket size.
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, then shake the basket.
- Cook another 3 to 5 minutes until they look browned and feel crisp.
- Let them sit for 2 minutes before serving so the filling settles down.
If you are wondering what “done” looks like, I look for a toasty golden color and a firm shell. If they are pale, they will taste a little doughy. If they are very dark, the filling may start leaking out. That said, a little leak happens sometimes and it is not the end of the world.
And yes, I am officially the person who stands there listening for the sizzle. When they stop sizzling as loudly, they are usually close.
“I tried your timing exactly and they came out crunchy on the outside with the perfect cheesy center. No blowouts, and my kids actually cheered.”
If you like fun air fryer snacks in general, you might also love these air fryer cherry cheesecake egg rolls for dessert. They are messy in the best way.

Can I Make Pizza Rolls in the Oven?
Yes, you can. The oven is totally fine, especially if you are making a lot for a party or a group of teens who are suddenly starving. The tradeoff is that you lose the speed and that super crisp shell you get from AIR FRYER PIZZA ROLLS!, but the oven still gets the job done.
This is my easy oven approach:
Temperature: 425 F
Time: about 10 to 15 minutes
What I do:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Spread the pizza rolls out so they are not touching.
- Bake 5 to 7 minutes, flip them, then bake again until crisp.
If you want them a little crunchier in the oven, put the sheet on the upper rack for the last couple of minutes. Just watch closely so they do not split open and leak.
For days when I want something that feels like pizza but more filling than a snack, I also make these easy air fryer hot ham and cheese wraps. Same cozy vibe, just more dinner-like.
How to Store Leftover Pizza Rolls
On the rare occasion we have leftovers, storing them properly makes a huge difference. If you just toss them in a container while they are still hot, they steam and go soft. Still edible, just not as fun.
Here is what I do:
- Let them cool completely on a plate first, about 20 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For best texture, reheat in the air fryer at 360 F for 3 to 5 minutes.
I do not love reheating pizza rolls in the microwave because they get chewy, but if you are desperate, do 20 to 30 seconds and call it a day. If you are reheating a bigger batch, the oven works too, but the air fryer brings back the crunch faster.
Also, this is random but true: if your air fryer basket gets greasy after a few rounds of snacks, it is worth cleaning right away. It cooks better when it is not coated in old oil. I have used tips from this version too: clean greasy air fryer basket methods tested.
What to Serve with Pizza Rolls
AIR FRYER PIZZA ROLLS! are already a whole vibe on their own, but the right dips and sides make them feel like a real snack spread instead of “I ate standing at the counter again.” Here are a few of my favorites.
- Warm marinara or pizza sauce for classic dunking.
- Ranch if you love that cool creamy contrast.
- Garlic sauce for a bolder, pizza shop feel.
- Simple salad with lemon and olive oil if you want something fresh next to the cheesy bites.
- Fruit like grapes or apple slices for a snack board vibe.
If you are making a party table, I honestly love mixing snacky pizza themed foods together. These pizza lunchables are super fun if you have kids or if adults want something nostalgic and DIY.
Common Questions
1) Why do my pizza rolls burst open?
Usually they are overcooked or packed too tightly. Try lowering the time a bit and make sure you shake halfway so they cook evenly.
2) Should I preheat the air fryer?
If your air fryer preheats quickly, yes, it helps with crisping. If not, you can skip it and just add about 1 minute to the cook time.
3) Can I cook a big batch at once?
You can, but do it in batches for the best crunch. Overcrowding is the fastest way to lose that crispy shell.
4) What is the best temperature for AIR FRYER PIZZA ROLLS!?
I like 380 F because it crisps the outside before the filling starts exploding. Some air fryers run hot though, so adjust as needed.
5) How do I make them extra crispy?
Single layer, shake halfway, and add a tiny spritz of oil. Also let them rest for 2 minutes so the shell sets up a bit.
A snack you will want on repeat
If you have been disappointed by soggy microwave pizza rolls before, AIR FRYER PIZZA ROLLS! are the easy upgrade you deserve. Keep them in one layer, shake halfway, and let them rest so you do not burn your mouth on molten cheese. If you want a second opinion on timing and tweaks, I have also checked out Frozen Pizza Rolls in Air Fryer – Paint The Kitchen Red and Air Fryer Pizza Rolls – I Am Homesteader, and it is nice to see similar methods backed up there too. Now go grab that bag from the freezer, pick a dip, and make yourself a crunchy little plate of happiness.

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 2-3 minutes if it preheats well.
- Add frozen pizza rolls in a single layer in the fryer basket.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, then shake the basket.
- Cook another 3-5 minutes until browned and crispy.
- Let the pizza rolls sit for 2 minutes before serving.

