The Ultimate Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe for Snack Lovers

My weekend culinary adventures with pepperoni rolls sparked an unexpected air fryer revelation that changed everything.

Crispy edges and melted cheese became my new obsession after discovering this technique.

West Virginia’s classic snack gets a modern twist through quick, effortless preparation.

Small appliances can dramatically improve traditional recipes when you approach cooking creatively.

Soft dough wrapped around spicy pepperoni creates a perfect handheld meal in minutes.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of comfort and convenience.

Mastering this recipe will impress anyone who appreciates straightforward, delicious cooking.

FAQs

• What makes pepperoni rolls unique to West Virginia?

Pepperoni rolls originated in West Virginia as a convenient lunch for coal miners, created by Italian immigrants who needed a portable, hearty meal that could be easily carried underground.

• Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works perfectly. Just ensure it’s rolled out thin and evenly to create the best texture and consistency for the rolls.

• How do I prevent the rolls from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or use parchment paper with small holes to prevent sticking while allowing air circulation.

Why Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Is a Snack Favorite

• Crush Flavor Combinations: Pepperoni rolls deliver an irresistible blend of melted cheese, spicy meat, and crispy dough that tantalizes taste buds with classic pizza-inspired goodness.
• Speed Up Meal Preparation: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and cooking steps, making it perfect for quick lunches, game day snacks, or spontaneous hunger moments.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Children and adults alike will love these handheld rolls packed with familiar flavors, ensuring everyone at the table gets excited about dinner.
• Minimal Kitchen Cleanup: Using an air fryer means less grease, fewer dishes, and a quick cooking process that saves time and energy during meal preparation.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll

• Pizza Dough: A versatile base that creates a soft and chewy exterior for the pepperoni rolls.
• Pepperoni Slices: Classic pizza meat that provides a spicy and savory flavor to the rolls.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, stretchy texture to the filling.

• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the rolls.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and salty finish to the top of the rolls.

• All-Purpose Flour: Used for dusting the surface to prevent the dough from sticking.
• Butter: Provides a golden, rich coating and helps the seasonings adhere to the rolls.
• Pizza Sauce: A classic dipping sauce that complements the pepperoni and cheese flavors.

How to Make Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll

Step 1: Prepare Workspace

Grab a clean surface and dust it lightly with flour. Smooth out your pizza dough into a neat rectangular shape using your hands or a rolling pin.

Step 2: Layer Delicious Toppings

Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese across the dough. Carefully arrange pepperoni slices over the cheese, creating an even coverage from edge to edge.

Step 3: Create Tasty Roll

Start from one long side and begin rolling the dough tightly into a compact log. Press gently as you roll to ensure all ingredients stay securely inside.

Step 4: Slice and Arrange

Cut the rolled log into bite-sized rounds approximately one inch thick. Carefully place each piece into the air fryer basket, ensuring they have breathing room between them.

Step 5: Add Flavor Boost

• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Set air fryer temperature to 350°F.

Cook for 8-10 minutes until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the hot rolls to a serving plate.

Accompany with warm pizza sauce for dipping and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of rolls and effortless cleanup.
• Use cold mozzarella and avoid overloading to prevent cheese from oozing out during cooking, maintaining a neat presentation.
• Keep an eye on rolls during the last few minutes of cooking to achieve perfect golden-brown color without burning.
• Experiment with different cheese types like provolone or add herbs like basil for a personalized twist on the classic recipe.
• Rotate the basket halfway through air frying to guarantee uniform browning and consistent texture across all rolls.

Variations for Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll

• Gluten-Free Pepperoni Roll: Replace pizza dough with gluten-free cauliflower crust or almond flour dough for a celiac-friendly option.
• Vegetarian Pepperoni Alternative: Swap pepperoni with plant-based pepperoni or roasted bell pepper strips for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped olives, and sprinkle with dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Use cheese wrap or thin cheese slice as dough replacement, filled with pepperoni and extra cheese for a carb-conscious approach.

Pairings for Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll

Classic pizza sauce brings tangy brightness that enhances the pepperoni roll’s rich flavors.

Light beer cuts through the cheese’s richness and matches the savory pepperoni, creating a perfect flavor balance.

Fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a crisp, peppery contrast to the warm, cheesy rolls.

Medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti adds depth and complements the pepperoni’s spicy notes.

Storing Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll

• Store leftover pepperoni rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat air fryer to 350F. Place rolls in the basket and heat for 3-4 minutes until crispy and warmed through. Avoid overcrowding for best results.
• Warm rolls on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Add a damp paper towel on top to prevent dryness and maintain softness.

Air Fryer Pepperoni Roll Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Crispy West Virginia pepperoni rolls emerge from your air fryer with golden, melted perfection. Cheesy, spicy fillings nestled in soft dough create a quick comfort meal that celebrates mountain state culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• 20–24 slices pepperoni
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce (optional for dipping)

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Instructions

1. Flatten pizza dough into a rectangular shape on a dusted work surface, ensuring an even thickness.
2. Distribute mozzarella cheese uniformly across the dough’s surface, then layer pepperoni slices in a consistent pattern.
3. Carefully roll the dough from one lengthwise edge, creating a compact cylindrical log with minimal air pockets.
4. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into uniform 1-inch sections, maintaining clean and precise edges.
5. Arrange rolls in the air fryer basket, allowing sufficient space between each piece for even heat circulation.
6. Apply a generous coating of melted butter across the roll surfaces, then generously sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Position air fryer basket and cook at 350F (175C) for 8-10 minutes, monitoring until exterior develops a golden, crisp texture.
8. Remove from air fryer and let cool briefly before serving alongside warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Customize the pepperoni to suit dietary needs by using turkey pepperoni for a leaner option or plant-based pepperoni for vegetarian guests.
• Prevent sticking in the air fryer by lightly spraying the basket with cooking spray before placing the rolls.
• Ensure even cooking by rotating the basket halfway through the air frying process, guaranteeing a perfectly golden-brown exterior on all sides.
• Enhance flavor by experimenting with different cheese combinations like provolone or adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the filling for a gourmet twist.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg