Pizza rolls are a delicious and convenient snack that many people enjoy. They are bite-sized pockets of pizza filling wrapped in a crispy outer shell. While they can be cooked in an oven, using an air fryer is a quicker and more energy-efficient method. If you’re wondering how long to cook pizza rolls in an air fryer, this quick guide will provide you with all the information you need to achieve perfectly cooked pizza rolls every time.
Why Cook Pizza Rolls in an Air Fryer?
Using an air fryer to cook pizza rolls has several advantages. First and foremost, it significantly reduces cooking time. In an oven, pizza rolls can take around 16-18 minutes to cook, depending on the brand and desired crispiness. On the other hand, air frying pizza rolls only takes about 8-10 minutes, cutting the cooking time in half.
Additionally, air fryers are more energy-efficient than traditional ovens. They use less electricity and preheating time, making them a more environmentally friendly option. Air frying also results in a crispier and more evenly cooked outer shell compared to an oven, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Before you start cooking your pizza rolls, it’s important to preheat your air fryer. Preheating helps ensure that the rolls cook evenly and crisply. Preheating typically takes around 3-5 minutes, but this may vary depending on the air fryer model.
To preheat, simply set your air fryer to the desired temperature (usually 400°F or 200°C) and let it warm up until the timer finishes or until it reaches the desired temperature.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Now that your air fryer is preheated, it’s time to cook the pizza rolls. The recommended cooking temperature for most air fryers is 400°F (200°C). However, some models may have slight temperature variations, so it’s always a good idea to consult the user manual for specific instructions.
In terms of cooking time, pizza rolls generally take about 8-10 minutes to cook in an air fryer. However, this can vary depending on factors such as the size and brand of the pizza rolls, personal preference for crispiness, and the power of your air fryer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Pizza Rolls in an Air Fryer
To cook pizza rolls in an air fryer, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer
As mentioned earlier, preheating your air fryer is essential for even cooking. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for a few minutes.
Step 2: Place the pizza rolls in the air fryer basket
Carefully place the desired number of pizza rolls into the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. You may need to cook multiple batches if you have a large number of pizza rolls.
Step 3: Cook the pizza rolls
Once the pizza rolls are in the basket, slide it back into the air fryer and set the timer for 8-10 minutes. During this time, you can shake the basket once or twice to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Check for doneness
After the initial cooking time, check the pizza rolls for doneness. They should have a golden brown, crispy exterior. If they’re not yet cooked to your liking, you can add a couple more minutes to the cooking time, checking regularly to avoid burning.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Once the pizza rolls are perfectly cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket and transfer them to a plate or serving dish. Allow them to cool slightly before serving, as the filling can be piping hot.
Tips for Cooking Pizza Rolls in an Air Fryer
To ensure the best results when cooking pizza rolls in an air fryer, consider the following tips:
Do not defrost the pizza rolls
When cooking pizza rolls in an air fryer, there’s no need to defrost them first. Cooking them straight from the freezer will yield delicious results and save you time.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket
To achieve perfectly cooked pizza rolls, it’s important not to overcrowd the basket. Leave enough space between each roll to allow for proper air circulation, resulting in evenly cooked and crispy pizza rolls.
Shake the basket during cooking
To ensure even cooking, consider shaking the air fryer basket once or twice during the cooking process. This helps to move the pizza rolls around, preventing them from sticking together and ensuring they cook evenly on all sides.
Check for doneness
Always check the pizza rolls for doneness before removing them from the air fryer. Look for a golden brown and crispy outer shell. If the rolls need more time, you can always add a couple more minutes to the cooking time, checking regularly to avoid burning.
Conclusion
Cooking pizza rolls in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this delicious snack. With shorter cooking times, energy efficiency, and crispy results, it’s no wonder that many people prefer air frying over traditional oven methods. By following the recommended cooking time and temperature, as well as some helpful tips, you can achieve perfectly cooked pizza rolls in your air fryer every time. So go ahead, grab a batch of frozen pizza rolls, and enjoy them in no time!