Can You Put Pizza Rolls in the Air Fryer for Crispy Results

Yes, you can put pizza rolls in the air fryer for perfectly crispy results without the mess of oil. Cooking them at 380°F (193°C) for 6–8 minutes delivers a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside hot and gooey. No preheating or flipping required—just a quick, easy snack with minimal cleanup.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, air fry pizza rolls for crispier results than microwaving.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crunch.
• Use minimal oil—just a light spray for golden perfection.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket to maintain airflow and crispiness.
• Cook in 2 batches if needed, keeping first batch warm.
• Check internal temp—165°F ensures melted cheese, not explosions.

Can You Put Pizza Rolls in the Air Fryer for Crispy Results

Let’s face it—few snacks hit the spot like a piping-hot, gooey pizza roll. That perfect bite with the melty cheese, savory sauce, and crispy exterior? It’s a flavor combo that’s hard to beat. But if you’ve ever stood over a baking sheet, waiting for your oven to preheat or dealing with soggy results from the microwave, you’ve probably wondered: Can you put pizza rolls in the air fryer?

The short answer? Absolutely. And the results? Often even better than traditional methods. I discovered this a few years ago during a lazy Sunday afternoon. I had a box of frozen pizza rolls and zero patience for waiting. The oven felt too slow, the microwave too mushy. Then I remembered my air fryer sitting in the corner, usually reserved for chicken wings and sweet potato fries. On a whim, I gave it a shot. What came out was a revelation—golden, crispy, evenly cooked, and ready in half the time. Since then, the air fryer has become my go-to for pizza rolls. But like any kitchen hack, there’s a right way (and a few wrong ones) to do it. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to turn frozen pizza rolls into air-fried perfection—every single time.

Why the Air Fryer Works So Well for Pizza Rolls

The Science of Crispy Snacks

Air fryers don’t actually “fry” anything. Instead, they use rapid hot air circulation to crisp food from the outside while cooking the inside evenly. This mimics deep frying but with little to no oil. For pizza rolls, this is a game-changer. The high-speed airflow wraps around each roll, creating a crunchy outer shell while keeping the cheese and sauce inside hot and gooey—no soggy centers or burnt edges.

Unlike microwaves, which heat food from the inside out using water molecules (leading to rubbery or uneven textures), air fryers deliver consistent, dry heat. This is especially important for frozen snacks with a breaded or crispy coating. The air fryer essentially “re-crisps” the roll’s outer layer, giving you that satisfying crunch you’d get from a deep fryer—without the mess or extra calories.

Speed and Convenience

One of the biggest wins? Speed. A full batch of pizza rolls in the oven typically takes 18–22 minutes, including preheating. In an air fryer, you’re looking at 10–12 minutes—no preheating required. That’s a massive time saver, especially when you’re craving a late-night snack or feeding hungry kids after soccer practice.

Plus, air fryers are compact and easy to clean. Most baskets are nonstick and dishwasher-safe, so cleanup is a breeze. No more scrubbing baking sheets or dealing with greasy pans. Just a quick wipe or rinse, and you’re done.

Energy Efficiency

Air fryers use significantly less energy than full-size ovens. Since they’re smaller and heat up faster, they’re more efficient for small-batch cooking. If you’re only heating up a few pizza rolls, using an oven can feel like overkill. The air fryer gives you the same (or better) results with less electricity—win-win.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Air Fry Pizza Rolls Perfectly

What You’ll Need

• Frozen pizza rolls (any brand or flavor)
• Air fryer
• Optional: Cooking spray or oil mister (for extra crispiness)
• Tongs or a spatula (for flipping)

Step 1: Preheat (Optional but Recommended)

Most air fryers don’t require preheating, but doing so for 2–3 minutes at 400°F (200°C) can help ensure even cooking from the start. If your air fryer has a preheat setting, use it. If not, just run it empty for a few minutes before adding the rolls.

Tip: If you’re in a rush, you can skip preheating. Just add an extra minute or two to your cook time.

Step 2: Arrange the Rolls in a Single Layer

This is crucial. Don’t overcrowd the basket. Pizza rolls need space for hot air to circulate. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving at least a 1/2-inch gap between each roll. If you’re cooking more than one batch, do them in shifts.

Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping—exactly what we’re trying to avoid. I learned this the hard way when I tried to cook 20 rolls at once. The ones in the center came out soft and pale, while the outer ones were overcooked. Lesson learned: less is more.

Step 3: Lightly Spray (Optional)

If your pizza rolls have a dry or flaky coating, a quick spritz of cooking spray or a light brush of oil can help them crisp up even better. This isn’t necessary—most frozen rolls already have a light oil coating—but it can enhance browning, especially if you’re using a brand with a thinner crust.

Note: Don’t drench them. Too much oil can cause splattering or smoke, especially in smaller air fryers.

Step 4: Air Fry at 400°F (200°C)

Cook for 6–8 minutes, then open the basket and flip the rolls using tongs or a spatula. This ensures even browning on both sides. Then cook for another 4–6 minutes, depending on your air fryer and how crispy you like them.

Total time: 10–14 minutes.

Pro tip: Shake the basket gently during cooking if you can’t flip them (some models make flipping tricky). Just don’t open the basket too often—each time you do, heat escapes and slows cooking.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

The rolls are done when the outer coating is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is fully melted. You can test one by carefully cutting it open (use a knife—don’t burn your fingers!). If the cheese is still solid, give it another minute.

Remember: they’ll continue to cook slightly after you remove them from the air fryer, so don’t overdo it.

Step 6: Let Them Rest (Yes, Really!)

This is the hardest part—waiting. Let the rolls sit for 1–2 minutes before eating. The cheese inside is extremely hot and can cause serious burns. I’ve learned this the hard way (multiple times). A quick rest lets the heat distribute and reduces the risk of a molten cheese surprise.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Overcrowding the Basket

As mentioned earlier, this is the #1 mistake. When rolls are packed too tightly, steam builds up, and you get soft, pale results instead of crispy ones. Always cook in batches if needed. Your patience will pay off.

Skipping the Flip

Flipping halfway ensures even browning. If you skip this step, one side may be golden while the other is still pale. Use tongs or a fork—don’t use a metal spoon, as it can scratch the nonstick coating.

Using Too Much Oil

While a light spray can help, too much oil can cause smoke, especially in smaller air fryers. If you notice smoke, turn off the air fryer immediately, open a window, and let it cool. Then, wipe out any excess oil before continuing.

Not Letting Them Rest

We’ve all been there—eager to dig in, only to scorch our mouth. The cheese inside can stay hot for up to 5 minutes. Use this time to set the table, grab a drink, or prep your dipping sauce. It’s worth the wait.

Using the Wrong Temperature

400°F (200°C) is ideal for most pizza rolls. Going lower (e.g., 350°F) will take longer and may not crisp the coating. Going higher (e.g., 425°F) risks burning the outside before the inside is fully heated. Stick to 400°F unless your brand recommends otherwise.

Ignoring Your Air Fryer’s Quirks

Not all air fryers are created equal. Some have stronger fans, larger baskets, or different heat distributions. If your rolls are browning too fast, try reducing the temperature by 25°F or flipping them more frequently. If they’re not crisping, increase the time by 1–2 minutes per side.

Customizing Your Air-Fried Pizza Rolls

Flavor Boosts

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative. Here are a few ways to level up your pizza rolls:

• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce after cooking.
• Herb Infusion: Add dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning to the rolls before air frying.
• Garlic Butter: Brush lightly with garlic butter after cooking for a restaurant-style finish.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella cheese during the last minute of cooking.

Dipping Sauces That Shine

Pizza rolls are even better with the right dip. Try these crowd-pleasers:

• Classic Marinara: Heated and served warm.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese: For a cool, creamy contrast.
• Spicy Honey: Mix hot sauce and honey for sweet heat.
• Buffalo Sauce: For a tangy, spicy twist.
• Garlic Aioli: Mix mayo, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

Making Them Healthier (Slightly)

Let’s be honest—pizza rolls aren’t a health food. But you can make small tweaks:

• Use air fryer instead of microwave or oven to reduce oil absorption.
• Choose brands with cleaner ingredients or lower sodium.
• Pair with a side salad or steamed veggies to balance the meal.
• Make your own! Homemade pizza rolls with whole wheat dough, lean turkey, and fresh veggies can be a fun weekend project.

Air Fryer vs. Other Cooking Methods: A Quick Comparison

How does air frying stack up against the competition? Let’s break it down.

Air Fryer

• Time: 10–14 minutes (no preheat)
• Texture: Crispy outside, gooey inside
• Cleanup: Easy (nonstick basket)
• Energy Use: Low
• Best For: Speed, convenience, crispiness

Oven (Baking Sheet)

• Time: 18–22 minutes (with preheat)
• Texture: Moderately crispy, can be dry or uneven
• Cleanup: Moderate (baking sheet + oil drips)
• Energy Use: High
• Best For: Large batches, when you’re already using the oven

Microwave

• Time: 2–3 minutes
• Texture: Soggy, rubbery, uneven
• Cleanup: Easy
• Energy Use: Medium
• Best For: Desperation only

Deep Fryer

• Time: 5–7 minutes (with preheat)
• Texture: Ultra-crispy, greasy
• Cleanup: Difficult (oil disposal, splatter)
• Energy Use: High
• Best For: Occasional indulgence

Method	Time	Texture	Cleanup	Energy Use	Best For
Air Fryer	10–14 min	Crispy outside, gooey inside	Easy	Low	Speed, convenience
Oven	18–22 min	Moderately crispy	Moderate	High	Large batches
Microwave	2–3 min	Soggy, rubbery	Easy	Medium	Desperation only
Deep Fryer	5–7 min	Ultra-crispy, greasy	Difficult	High	Occasional indulgence

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Should Air Fry Your Pizza Rolls

So, can you put pizza rolls in the air fryer? Not only can you—you should. The results are consistently better: crispier, faster, and more convenient than any other method. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, satisfying a midnight craving, or just want the best texture possible, the air fryer delivers.

I’ve used this method for years with every brand I can find—Tombstone, Totino’s, even store brands—and it works every time. The key is patience: don’t overcrowd, flip halfway, and let them rest before biting in. Once you’ve tried air-fried pizza rolls, you might never go back to the oven or microwave again.

And the best part? It’s not just about the taste. The air fryer makes snack time fun, easy, and even a little bit impressive. Next time someone says, “Wait, you can put pizza rolls in the air fryer?”—you’ll be ready with a tray of golden, crispy, cheesy perfection. Just don’t forget the dipping sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put pizza rolls in the air fryer for a crispier texture?

Yes, cooking pizza rolls in the air fryer delivers a crispier, evenly browned exterior compared to microwaving. The circulating hot air ensures they cook quickly without becoming soggy.

How long do you cook pizza rolls in the air fryer?

Air fry pizza rolls at 380°F (193°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Adjust time slightly based on your air fryer model and desired crispiness.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for pizza rolls?

Preheating the air fryer for 3–5 minutes ensures even cooking and optimal crispiness. Skipping this step may result in slightly longer cook times or uneven browning.

Can you air fry frozen pizza rolls without thawing?

Yes, air fry frozen pizza rolls directly from the freezer—no thawing needed. Add 1–2 minutes to the cook time to ensure the centers heat through completely.

What’s the best way to avoid soggy pizza rolls in the air fryer?

Arrange pizza rolls in a single layer with space between them to allow hot air to circulate. Overcrowding traps steam, which can lead to a softer texture.

Can you put pizza rolls in the air fryer with other snacks?

Yes, but avoid mixing items with vastly different cook times. For best results, pair pizza rolls with similarly sized, oil-free snacks like mozzarella sticks or chicken nuggets.