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Turn ordinary kitchen staples into something craveable with these tortilla pizza rolls—crispy outside, gooey cheese inside, and loads of pepperoni. It's a snack you'll want again and again, especially when you want something quick and way better than ordering out.
These first showed up on game night when no one wanted to stop for an actual dinner. Now they're our family’s favorite for speedy lunches, hungry kids after class, or for laying out snacks if friends drop by.
Tasty Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil gives that final crispy finish and a hint of flavor when brushed on top
- String cheese delivers the ideal melt and stretchy cheese pull that holds everything together
- Pepperoni slices for salty, classic pizza vibes in every bite
- Pizza sauce for big flavor that won't drench your tortilla
- Flour tortillas, soft taco size, for rolls that fry up nice and crisp
Simple How-To Steps
- Serve the Rolls
- Let them hang out for just a couple minutes after cooking, so you don't burn your mouth.
- Air Fry the Rolls
- Pop 3 or 4 in your air fryer basket, leave a little space, and cook for 9 to 10 minutes until golden, checking for bubbly cheese peeking out.
- Brush with Olive Oil
- Brush a little olive oil over the rolled tortillas before frying for that tasty, browned crust.
- Preheat Air Fryer
- Kick the air fryer up to 375°F and let it heat for around 3 to 4 minutes first—starting hot gets you crispier rolls right away.
- Roll Up Tortillas
- Make a tight roll starting at the cheese end, and finish with seam facing down. This keeps all the good stuff inside while cooking.
- Add the Cheese
- Lay one stick of string cheese, at room temp, along the edge of every tortilla for the best gooey melt.
- Layer on Pepperoni
- Stick about 10 slices of pepperoni over the sauce so you get plenty in each bite without drowning out the cheese.
- Spread Pizza Sauce
- Grab just a tablespoon of sauce for each tortilla, spread evenly but keep a little border so you don't lose your filling when you roll them up.
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You may think any cheese will work, but I swear string cheese is magic here. After trying all sorts, nothing melts with that gooey stretch quite like it. My teenager even said they beat out our usual pizza delivery after watching that cheese pull in action.
Perfect Sides
Tortilla pizza rolls are even better with something fresh on the side. Throw together a simple green salad with Italian dressing for balance. Want to bulk it up? Serve them with roasted veggies or dunk them in a mug of tomato soup. When friends are over, plop the rolls on a platter and surround them with little bowls of marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for everyone to dip into.
Fun Twists
Once you've got the method down, mix things up however you want. Swap pepperoni for chopped ham and pineapple to go Hawaiian. Try a veggie medley like sautéed onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. I love a spicy version—shredded buffalo chicken with blue cheese and a splash of hot sauce. You can even get fancy with prosciutto, fig jam, and goat cheese for a crowd-pleaser at parties.
Prep-Ahead Gameplan
Busy week? No problem. Make a big batch ahead of time—just roll them up, wrap each one in parchment, and stash in the fridge up to 3 days, or freeze to keep even longer. When you're ready, unwrap, brush with oil, and stick them in the air fryer. Add 2 more minutes if they're straight from the freezer. This trick makes dinner or snacking a breeze when you need it most.
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Common Queries
- → Can different tortillas work instead?
You sure can! Choose whole wheat, gluten-free, or even low-carb options if you want a unique texture or need a healthier choice.
- → What extra filling ideas can I try?
Feel free to toss in cooked bacon, sausage, or even some diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for variety.
- → How do I keep the rolls from coming undone?
Roll your tortillas snug, put the seam-side facing down while frying, and if needed, brush a touch of water on the edges to stick them together.
- → Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Absolutely! Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C), line a tray with parchment, and bake for 10-12 minutes or until they look golden and crispy.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftover rolls chilled in a sealed container for about 2-3 days. Pop them back in the oven or fryer to crisp them up again.
- → Are these okay to freeze for later snacks?
Yep, freeze the uncooked rolls on a tray first so they don’t stick, then pack them in an airtight bag or box. Cook straight from frozen when you’re ready.