These Air Fryer Pizza Pinwheels That Crisp Every Time transform classic pizza flavors into fun, handheld bites everyone will love. Imagine layers of soft, pillowy dough wrapped around savory pizza sauce, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings, then cooked to golden perfection in your air fryer. Each pinwheel delivers that beloved pizza taste with a satisfyingly crispy outside and gooey center — perfect for after-school snacks, game-day eats, or effortless weeknight appetizers. The aroma of bubbling cheese and warm tomato sauce fills the kitchen while they cook, giving you that irresistible anticipation of pizza without the wait. Thanks to the air fryer’s speedy cooking and even heat, these pinwheels turn out beautifully every time — no soggy bottoms or underdone centers here. This recipe is approachable enough for beginners yet delicious enough to impress guests, making it a reliable favorite whenever pizza craving strikes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- quick and easy with everyday ingredients
- perfect balance of crisp exterior and gooey interior
- great for kids, parties, or casual dinners
- customizable with favorite pizza toppings
- air fryer makes them perfectly golden
Ingredients
- 1 tube (about 10 oz/283 g) refrigerated pizza dough
- ½ cup (120 g) pizza sauce
- 1 cup (110 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (60 g) mini pepperoni or chopped toppings
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil for brushing
- pinch of garlic powder
How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Pinwheels That Crisp Every Time
- unroll pizza dough on a clean surface and stretch into a rectangle
- spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border at edges
- sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over sauce
- add mini pepperoni or your chosen toppings across the cheese
- season with Italian seasoning and a touch of garlic powder
- roll dough tightly from one long edge into a log shape
- brush outside of the dough with olive oil for a golden finish
- cut the log into 12 even pinwheel slices using a sharp knife
- place pinwheels in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each
- air fry at 375 °F (190 °C) for about 8–10 minutes until golden and cheese is bubbly
- let cool slightly before serving so filling sets
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 (2 pinwheels each)
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Course: Snack/Appetizer
Flavor Profile Breakdown
- tangy tomato sauce with savory herbs
- melty cheese with rich umami notes
- crisp, golden exterior on dough
- warm, aromatic finish from Italian seasoning
Pro Tips for Best Results
- don’t overfill to ensure dough seals well
- space pinwheels apart for even air circulation
- warm air fryer beforehand for consistent results
- rotate basket halfway if needed for uniform browning
- serve hot for best cheese pull
Variations & Substitutions
- swap mozzarella for cheddar or provolone
- add sliced olives or bell peppers for extra flavor
- use pesto instead of pizza sauce for twist
- sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat
- make mini calzones by folding dough over filling
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- cutting pinwheels unevenly, causing uneven cooking
- crowding the air fryer basket
- skipping the oil brush, which helps crisping
- using too much sauce, making dough soggy
- removing too soon before golden brown
Serving Suggestions
- serve with extra warm pizza sauce for dipping
- pair with crisp green salad or Caesar salad
- add a side of garlic butter for extra richness
- enjoy with cold drinks for game day
- plate on a fun appetizer tray for parties
Storage & Reheating Tips
- store leftovers in fridge up to 2 days in airtight container
- reheat in air fryer at 350 °F (175 °C) for 3–5 minutes to re-crisp
- microwave for 20–30 seconds for quick warm-up
- freeze uncooked pinwheels and cook from frozen with extra minute
- avoid soggy textures by reheating in air fryer instead of microwave
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Calories: 220 kcal
Protein: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Fat: 10 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Air Fryer Pizza Pinwheels That Crisp Every Time
Ingredients
Method
- unroll pizza dough on a clean surface and stretch into a rectangle
- spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border at edges
- sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over sauce
- add mini pepperoni or your chosen toppings across the cheese
- season with Italian seasoning and a touch of garlic powder
- roll dough tightly from one long edge into a log shape
- brush outside of the dough with olive oil for a golden finish
- cut the log into 12 even pinwheel slices using a sharp knife
- place pinwheels in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each
- air fry at 375 °F (190 °C) for about 8–10 minutes until golden and cheese is bubbly
- let cool slightly before serving so filling sets
Notes
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Fat: 10 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Pizza Pinwheels That Crisp Every Time are a delightful twist on classic pizza, giving you crunchy, cheesy bites in under 30 minutes. They’re fun, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.
FAQs
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble pinwheels and refrigerate up to a few hours before air frying for convenience.
What if my air fryer is small?
Cook in batches to avoid crowding and ensure even cooking.
Can I freeze unbaked pinwheels?
Absolutely — freeze on a tray, then store in a bag and air fry from frozen adding a couple extra minutes.
Is pizza dough interchangeable?
You can use homemade or store-bought dough; just adjust size to fit your air fryer.
What dipping sauces go well?
Marinara, ranch, or garlic butter all make excellent dipping partners.
