Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air Fryer Pizza Pinwheel Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Quick and easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can have these pinwheels ready in no time.
- Customizable: Choose your favorite toppings, whether it’s classic pepperoni, veggies, or even sausage.
- Crispy and cheesy: The air fryer makes the pinwheels golden brown on the outside while keeping the cheese gooey on the inside.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s game night, a movie marathon, or a party appetizer, these pinwheels are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious Air Fryer Pizza Pinwheel Bites:
- 1 large package of refrigerated pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pepperoni slices (or any favorite toppings like olives, bell peppers, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg (beaten for egg wash)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Add sauce: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Layer toppings: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Layer the pepperoni slices (or any other toppings you like) over the cheese. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
- Roll it up: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Be gentle—don’t roll too tightly, as the filling will expand during cooking.
- Slice the rolls: Once rolled, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the log into bite-sized pinwheels, about 1 inch thick.
- Preheat the air fryer: While slicing, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare for cooking: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil. Place the pinwheel bites in the basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each one for proper air circulation.
- Brush with egg wash: Brush the tops of the pinwheel bites with the beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish.
- Air fry the pinwheels: Cook the pinwheels in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. You may need to cook them in batches if they don’t all fit at once.
- Serve & enjoy: Once cooked, remove the pinwheels from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 4-6 servings.
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 8-10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian pinwheels: Skip the pepperoni and add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese overload: Add extra cheese like cheddar or provolone for a cheesier bite.
- Spicy pinwheels: Add jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze pinwheels in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the pinwheels in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until crispy again. You can also microwave them for a quick reheat but the air fryer gives them the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes! If you prefer to make your own dough, feel free to use your favorite homemade pizza dough recipe.
What other toppings can I use?
Feel free to get creative! You can add cooked sausage, sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for more flavor.
Can I bake these pinwheels in the oven instead?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pinwheels for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely! Mozzarella is traditional, but you can use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, provolone, or a blend of your favorites.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pinwheels and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze them before cooking and air fry them straight from the freezer when you’re ready.
How do I prevent the cheese from spilling out?
Make sure to roll the dough tightly, but not too tight, and seal the edges of the dough well. This will help prevent the cheese from spilling during cooking.
How do I know when the pinwheels are done?
The pinwheels are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
Can I use a different sauce besides pizza sauce?
Yes! You can substitute pizza sauce with marinara, pesto, or even a white sauce for a different flavor profile.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Just skip the pepperoni and load up on your favorite veggies for a delicious vegetarian version.
How can I serve these pinwheels?
Serve them with extra pizza sauce for dipping, or try them with ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a spicy marinara for added flavor.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Pizza Pinwheel Bites are a quick, easy, and delicious snack that combines all the best parts of pizza into a bite-sized treat. Whether you’re preparing them for a family night, a party, or a simple snack, they’re sure to be a hit. With a crispy exterior, gooey cheese filling, and endless topping possibilities, these pinwheels are a must-try for any pizza lover!
Air Fryer Pizza Pinwheel Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Air Fryer Pizza Pinwheel Bites are a quick, easy, and delicious snack that combines gooey cheese, savory pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings, all wrapped in a crispy, golden crust. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
1 large package of refrigerated pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup pepperoni slices (or any favorite toppings like olives, bell peppers, etc.)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 egg (beaten for egg wash)
Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Add sauce: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Layer toppings: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Layer the pepperoni slices (or any other toppings you like) over the cheese. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
- Roll it up: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Be gentle—don’t roll too tightly, as the filling will expand during cooking.
- Slice the rolls: Once rolled, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the log into bite-sized pinwheels, about 1 inch thick.
- Preheat the air fryer: While slicing, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare for cooking: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil. Place the pinwheel bites in the basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each one for proper air circulation.
- Brush with egg wash: Brush the tops of the pinwheel bites with the beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish.
- Air fry the pinwheels: Cook the pinwheels in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. You may need to cook them in batches if they don’t all fit at once.
- Serve & enjoy: Once cooked, remove the pinwheels from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, skip the pepperoni and add your favorite veggies like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
For extra cheese, feel free to add more mozzarella or any cheese of your choice before cooking.
If you prefer a spicy kick, add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
For a richer flavor, drizzle with garlic butter after cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Varies based on toppings
- Sugar: Varies based on sauce
- Sodium: Varies based on toppings
- Fat: Varies based on cheese and dough
- Saturated Fat: Varies
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: Varies
- Carbohydrates: Varies based on dough
- Fiber: Varies based on toppings
- Protein: Varies
- Cholesterol: Varies
