Can I Cook Pizza Rolls in an Air Fryer The Ultimate Guide

Yes, you can cook pizza rolls in an air fryer for a crispy, golden snack in minutes—no thawing required. Simply preheat, arrange in a single layer, and air fry at 380°F for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway for even browning. This method beats the microwave or oven, delivering restaurant-quality texture with less oil and hassle.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook pizza rolls in an air fryer—it’s quick and yields crispy results.
• Preheat the air fryer for even cooking and optimal texture.
• Arrange rolls in a single layer to prevent sticking and ensure crispiness.
• Cook at 360°F–380°F for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
• Check internal temperature—ensure it reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Use parchment liners to minimize mess and simplify cleanup.

Can I Cook Pizza Rolls in an Air Fryer? The Ultimate Guide

Let’s be honest—few snacks hit the spot like a crispy, gooey, cheesy pizza roll. Whether it’s a late-night craving, a game-day treat, or a quick bite between errands, pizza rolls are a staple in many freezers. But if you’re like me, you’ve probably stood in front of the oven, waiting impatiently for that 12-minute bake time, wondering: Is there a faster way? That’s when I discovered the magic of the air fryer. I remember pulling out a bag of frozen pizza rolls, glancing at the oven, and thinking, “Wait… can I just toss these in the air fryer instead?” Spoiler: yes, you can. And the results? Crispier, faster, and honestly, even better than the oven method.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cooking pizza rolls in an air fryer—no fluff, no hype, just real talk from someone who’s burned a few (okay, many) batches in the name of snack science. Whether you’re a first-time air fryer user or a seasoned pro looking to optimize your game, this post covers the best techniques, timing, troubleshooting, and even how to make them taste like they came from a pizzeria. So grab your favorite brand, fire up that air fryer, and let’s turn frozen convenience into crispy perfection.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Pizza Rolls?

Faster Cooking, Less Waiting

One of the biggest perks of using an air fryer is speed. Traditional oven baking takes 12–15 minutes, but in an air fryer, you can have golden, bubbling pizza rolls ready in 6 to 9 minutes. That’s half the time! The air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air heats food evenly and quickly, which is perfect for small, dense items like pizza rolls.

I remember a rainy Sunday when my kids were clamoring for snacks. I had frozen pizza rolls but didn’t want to wait 15 minutes for the oven to preheat and cook. I threw them in the air fryer, set it for 8 minutes, and had a happy, quiet house by the time the timer beeped. No preheating, no waiting—just instant gratification.

Crispier Results Than the Oven

Ovens can sometimes leave pizza rolls a little soft on the outside, especially if they’re overcrowded. But the air fryer? It’s like a mini convection oven with a turbo boost. The hot air circulates from all sides, creating a beautifully crisp crust without turning them into charcoal.

Think of it this way: oven baking is like sunbathing—it heats the top and bottom, but the sides get less attention. The air fryer is more like a fan blowing hot air all around, giving every angle of the pizza roll a chance to crisp up. The result? A satisfying crunch with every bite, without drying out the filling.

Energy Efficiency and Space-Saving

If you’re cooking for one or two, heating up a full oven feels like overkill. It uses more energy, takes longer to preheat, and heats up your kitchen. The air fryer, on the other hand, is compact and efficient. It uses less electricity and doesn’t make your kitchen feel like a sauna—especially nice in the summer.

I live in a small apartment, and my oven is more of a storage space than a cooking tool. The air fryer sits on my countertop, ready to go, and uses a fraction of the energy. Plus, I don’t have to wait for it to heat up. Just pop the rolls in, and boom—done.

How to Cook Pizza Rolls in an Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)

What You’ll Need

• Frozen pizza rolls (any brand—Totino’s, Farm Rich, or store brand)
• Air fryer (basket-style or oven-style)
• Tongs or silicone-tipped utensils (to avoid scratching the basket)
• Non-stick cooking spray or a light drizzle of olive oil (optional, but recommended)
• Plate or tray for serving

No fancy tools required. Just your air fryer and the frozen rolls. I’ve used everything from basic models to high-end digital ones, and the process is the same across the board.

Step 1: Preheat (Optional but Recommended)

Some air fryer models benefit from a quick 2–3 minute preheat at 360°F (182°C). This helps ensure even cooking right from the start. I usually do this, especially if my rolls are extra frozen or I’m cooking a larger batch.

But if you’re in a hurry? No problem. You can skip preheating—just add an extra minute or two to the cook time. I’ve done it both ways, and the difference is minimal. The rolls still come out great.

Step 2: Arrange the Pizza Rolls

Here’s a pro tip: don’t overcrowd the basket. Lay the rolls in a single layer with a little space between each one—about a finger-width apart. This lets the hot air circulate and prevents steaming instead of crisping.

I learned this the hard way. The first time I tried air frying, I dumped in a whole bag, thinking, “More is better.” The result? Some rolls were perfect, others were still frozen in the center. Now, I cook in batches if needed. It takes a little longer, but the quality is worth it.

Step 3: Lightly Spray or Oil (Optional)

Most frozen pizza rolls have a thin coating of oil, but a quick spritz of cooking spray or a light brush of olive oil helps them crisp up even better. It also prevents sticking, especially if your air fryer basket isn’t non-stick.

I use a refillable oil spray bottle with avocado or olive oil. It’s cheaper than buying aerosol sprays and gives me better control. Just a light mist is all you need—too much oil can make them greasy.

Step 4: Set Time and Temperature

For most brands, set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 6–8 minutes. Here’s a general guide:

• 6 minutes: Lightly crisp, soft center (good if you like gooey cheese)
• 7 minutes: Balanced crisp and gooey
• 8 minutes: Extra crispy, slightly firmer center (ideal for those who like crunch)

Flip the rolls halfway through (around the 3–4 minute mark) for even browning. Use tongs—they’ll be hot!

Step 5: Check and Serve

After the timer goes off, open the basket and check one roll. Cut it open to make sure the cheese is melted and the inside is hot. If it’s still cold in the center, cook in 1-minute increments until done.

Caution: The cheese gets extremely hot. I’ve burned my tongue more times than I’d like to admit. Let them cool for 1–2 minutes before eating. Serve with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dip.

Best Air Fryer Settings for Different Brands

Not all pizza rolls are created equal. Some are thicker, some have more cheese, and some have a crispier shell. Here’s a breakdown of how to adjust your air fryer settings for popular brands.

Totino’s Pizza Rolls

Totino’s is the classic—crispy shell, gooey cheese, and savory pepperoni. They’re on the thinner side, so they cook quickly.

• Temperature: 360°F (182°C)
• Time: 6–7 minutes
• Tip: Flip at 3.5 minutes. A light spray of oil helps prevent dryness.

I’ve found that Totino’s rolls benefit from a little extra oil. They can dry out slightly in the air fryer, so that quick spritz makes a big difference.

Farm Rich Pizza Bites

Farm Rich rolls are slightly larger and have a thicker, breadier shell. They hold up well to air frying but need a bit more time.

• Temperature: 360°F (182°C)
• Time: 7–8 minutes
• Tip: Flip at 4 minutes. These hold heat longer, so let them cool 2 minutes before eating.

These are my go-to for parties. They look more “homemade” and have a satisfying chew. Just don’t rush the cooling step—the cheese is molten lava inside!

Store Brand or Generic Pizza Rolls

Store brands vary, but most fall between Totino’s and Farm Rich in size and texture. Start with the Totino’s settings and adjust as needed.

• Temperature: 360°F (182°C)
• Time: 6–8 minutes
• Tip: Check after 6 minutes. If the shell is golden but the inside is still cold, add 1–2 minutes.

Some generic brands have thinner cheese, so they cook faster. I’ve had batches done in 5.5 minutes—always check early!

Homemade or DIY Pizza Rolls

If you’re making your own (maybe with fresh dough and homemade sauce), you’ll need a slightly different approach.

• Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
• Time: 8–10 minutes
• Tip: Brush with egg wash for a golden crust. Flip at 4 minutes.

Homemade rolls often have more moisture, so they need a hotter setting and a bit more time. But the flavor payoff is huge—worth the extra effort!

Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Pizza Roll Problems

Problem: Rolls Are Burnt on the Outside, Cold Inside

This usually happens when you cook too many at once or don’t flip them. The outside gets too hot before the center heats up.

Solution: Cook in smaller batches (no more than 12–15 rolls at a time, depending on basket size). Flip at the halfway point. And if you see dark spots, reduce time by 1 minute next time.

I once cooked 20 rolls in my 5.8-quart air fryer. The outer ones were charred, the inner ones were still frozen. Lesson learned: less is more.

Problem: Rolls Are Too Dry or Chewy

Overcooking or not using enough oil can dry out the shell.

Solution: Stick to 6–8 minutes max. Use a light oil spray before cooking. And don’t skip the flip—it helps the rolls cook evenly.

One trick: if you’re cooking a second batch right after the first, the basket will already be hot. You can reduce cook time by 1 minute since the rolls start in a warm basket.

Problem: Cheese Leaks Out

Cheese leakage is normal—it’s not a failure! But if it’s excessive, it might mean the rolls were overcooked or punctured during handling.

Solution: Handle rolls gently when placing them in the basket. Don’t press them down. And if you see a roll with a crack, set it aside to eat first—it’ll leak more.

Pro tip: place a small piece of parchment paper under the rolls if you’re worried about cleanup. Just make sure it’s air fryer-safe (no plastic).

Problem: Uneven Cooking

Some rolls are golden, others are pale. This happens when they’re touching or not flipped.

Solution: Space them out. Use the flip step religiously. And if your air fryer has a “rotate” or “shake” reminder, use it!

I have a model with a built-in shake reminder. It beeps halfway through, which is a great nudge to flip or rotate the basket.

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls vs. Oven: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Let’s settle the debate: which method is better? I’ve tested both side by side—same brand, same batch, same oven and air fryer settings. Here’s what I found.

Factor	Air Fryer	Oven (Bake)
Cook Time	6–8 minutes (no preheat)	12–15 minutes (with preheat)
Crispiness	Very crispy, golden crust	Moderate crisp, slightly softer
Energy Use	Low (small appliance)	High (large oven)
Batch Size	10–15 rolls (varies by model)	20–30 rolls (on a tray)
Cleanup	Easy (non-stick basket)	Moderate (baking sheet + foil)
Best For	Quick snacks, small groups	Large gatherings, meal prep

The air fryer wins on speed, crispiness, and energy efficiency. But if you’re feeding a crowd, the oven is still better for volume. For me, the air fryer is the clear winner for everyday use.

I also noticed that air-fried rolls had a more consistent texture. No soggy spots, no undercooked centers. The oven batch had a few that needed extra time—another reason I reach for the air fryer now.

Creative Ways to Upgrade Your Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Add Toppings After Cooking

Why stop at the basics? Once your rolls are done, get creative.

• Sprinkle with parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for a kick
• Drizzle with garlic butter or truffle oil for gourmet flair
• Add a pinch of dried oregano or basil for an Italian twist

I once topped a batch with everything bagel seasoning—game changer! It added crunch and flavor without extra cooking.

Make a Pizza Roll “Charcuterie” Board

For parties, serve air fryer pizza rolls on a board with:

• Marinara, ranch, and garlic aioli dips
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
• Mini pepperoni slices or olives
• Crackers or crostini for pairing

It looks fancy, but it’s just frozen rolls and a few extras. My friends always think I spent hours prepping.

Use as a Base for Other Dishes

Pizza rolls don’t have to be a standalone snack. Try:

• Pizza Roll Sliders: Slice in half, add mini buns, and serve as mini sandwiches
• Pizza Roll Nachos: Crush them, top with cheese, jalapeños, and bake for 2 minutes
• Pizza Roll Pasta: Toss with cooked pasta, marinara, and fresh basil

I made pizza roll nachos for a movie night, and they disappeared in minutes. The crunchy shell with melted cheese on top? Perfection.

So, can you cook pizza rolls in an air fryer? Absolutely. And you should. It’s faster, crispier, and more energy-efficient than the oven. With the right technique, you’ll get restaurant-quality results in minutes. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves a good snack, the air fryer is your new best friend. Just remember: don’t overcrowd, flip halfway, and let them cool before biting in. Your taste buds (and your tongue) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook pizza rolls in an air fryer without oil?

Yes, you can cook pizza rolls in an air fryer without oil since most brands are pre-cooked and only need reheating. The air fryer’s circulating hot air crisps them up perfectly without added oil.

How long do pizza rolls take to cook in an air fryer?

Cook pizza rolls in an air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Timing may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the number of rolls.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking pizza rolls?

Preheating isn’t mandatory, but it helps achieve a crispier texture. If preheating, run the air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes before adding the pizza rolls.

Can I cook frozen pizza rolls in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen pizza rolls directly in the air fryer—no thawing needed. Just add 1–2 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re heated through.

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

For crispy pizza rolls, arrange them in a single layer with space between each roll to allow air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the basket, and shake or flip them halfway through cooking.

Can I cook pizza rolls in an air fryer with other foods?

It’s best to cook pizza rolls separately to ensure even heating and crispiness. If combining, choose similar-sized items with comparable cook times to avoid uneven results.