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Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Recipe with Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce

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These crispy air fryer pizza rolls are easy to make, perfectly crunchy on the outside, and packed with melty, savory goodness inside, paired with a fresh homemade marinara sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded if possible
  • About 20 pepperoni slices (or substitute with cooked sausage or veggies for a vegetarian option)
  • 2 tbsp (15 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil for brushing
  • 1 tsp (1 g) Italian seasoning (or dried oregano and basil)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil for marinara sauce
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed canned tomatoes (San Marzano if available)
  • 1 tsp (1 g) dried oregano
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pinch of sugar (optional, balances acidity)
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Homemade Marinara Sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to brown it.
  2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add oregano, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if using. Stir well and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add fresh basil in the last 3 minutes of simmering for maximum flavor. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Prep the Pizza Dough: Lightly flour your surface and roll out the pizza dough into about a 12×10 inch (30×25 cm) rectangle, roughly 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. If the dough springs back, let it rest for 5 minutes and try again.
  5. Assemble the Pizza Rolls: Brush the dough lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough, then layer pepperoni slices on top.
  6. Add the remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  7. Roll and Cut: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the log into 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick rolls. You should get about 10-12 rolls.
  8. Air Fry the Rolls: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Place the rolls in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for air circulation.
  9. Brush or spray the tops lightly with olive oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. For extra crunch, add 1-2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
  10. Serve: Let the rolls cool for 2 minutes before serving with the warm homemade marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping. Brush rolls with olive oil before cooking for a golden crust. Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting. Watch cooking time closely as air fryer heat intensity varies. Marinara sauce tastes better after resting for a few hours or overnight. Rolls can be frozen uncooked and cooked from frozen with extra time. For gluten-free, use gluten-free dough or wonton wrappers. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: pizza rolls, air fryer pizza rolls, homemade marinara sauce, crispy pizza rolls, easy snack, appetizer, vegetarian option, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/crispy-air-fryer-pizza-rolls-recipe-with-easy-homemade-marinara-sauce/