Easy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls: Crispy, Cheesy & Irresistibly Quick

If you’re a devout pizza lover (and honestly, who isn’t?), prepare to fall head over heels for our incredible Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls. These little bundles of joy are absolutely bursting with flavor and offer the perfect solution for a satisfying after-school snack, a speedy lunch, or a fun, fuss-free family dinner. Forget soggy, oven-baked versions – your air fryer is about to deliver a golden, crispy, and utterly delicious experience!

The secret to these sensational pizza rolls lies in their delightful filling: a generous blend of gooey shredded mozzarella cheese, tender cooked chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, finely chopped green onions, and of course, a scattering of crispy bacon. When air-fried, they transform into perfectly golden-brown bites with a warm, melted interior that’s simply irresistible. This straightforward recipe makes for an ideal weeknight meal or a fantastic addition to any gathering, offering a gourmet twist on a beloved classic without the lengthy cooking time.

Why Air Frying is a Game-Changer for Pizza Rolls

The air fryer has quickly become a kitchen essential, praised for its ability to create wonderfully crispy foods with significantly less oil than traditional deep-frying. For pizza rolls, this means a superior texture that a conventional oven often struggles to achieve. Here’s why air frying these BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls is the smartest choice:

• Achieve Unrivaled Crispness: The powerful circulation of hot air in an air fryer ensures that the dough cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully on all sides, delivering that satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Lightning-Fast Cooking: These rolls cook in a fraction of the time compared to an oven, making them perfect for those busy days when hunger strikes quickly.
• Healthier Indulgence: Enjoy a “fried” texture with minimal added oil, allowing the rich flavors of the BBQ chicken and cheese to take center stage without the extra grease.
• Effortless Cleanup: With the optional use of air fryer parchment paper or a light, non-stick spray, cleaning your air fryer basket becomes a simple task.
• Consistent Results: The air fryer provides a consistent cooking environment, minimizing hot spots and ensuring your pizza rolls are cooked to perfection every time.

Gather Your Ingredients: What You Need for These Delicious Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

This recipe is designed for simplicity and speed, making it approachable for cooks of all skill levels. I personally use my Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer, but rest assured, these rolls can be successfully made in any air fryer model you own. If you have a tray-style air fryer, simply use a small, air-fryer-safe baking sheet to hold your rolls.

Here’s a detailed list of the few ingredients you’ll need to create these fantastic BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls:

• Rolled Pizza Dough or Crescent Roll Sheet: This is your base! An 8-ounce can of refrigerated crescent dough sheet or pre-made pizza dough is perfect for convenience. For a truly homemade touch, feel free to use your favorite pizza dough recipe.
• BBQ Sauce: The star of the show! Use about half a cup of your preferred BBQ sauce. Whether you like it smoky, sweet, or with a hint of spice, this will define the flavor. Brands like Sweet Baby Ray’s offer a great balance of flavors.
• Garlic Powder: A versatile seasoning that adds a wonderful aromatic depth to the chicken and sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Completely optional, but a pinch of these flakes adds a pleasant warmth and subtle kick, beautifully complementing the BBQ sauce. Adjust to your heat preference!
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: About 1 ½ cups will ensure every bite is filled with ooey-gooey, melted cheese. Other great melting cheeses like provolone or a cheddar-mozzarella blend can also be used.
• Cooked Chicken: Approximately 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken. For ultimate speed, a 12.5-ounce can of pre-cooked chicken, well-drained and lightly shredded, is a fantastic shortcut. Alternatively, use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly cook and shred some chicken breasts.
• Cooked Bacon: 4 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon introduce a smoky, savory, and slightly salty crunch that pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken.
• Green Onions: Two chopped green onions not only add a mild, fresh onion flavor but also a vibrant pop of color as a garnish.

Embrace the versatility of this recipe! If your family enjoys traditional homemade pizza night, feel free to swap out the BBQ sauce for a classic marinara or even a creamy Alfredo, and customize the fillings with your favorite pizza toppings. Think thinly sliced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, black olives, or even different cheeses like smoked gouda for an elevated flavor. For those moments when time is of the essence, utilizing refrigerated canned pizza crust and pre-cooked canned chicken makes this an incredibly fast and satisfying meal. And if you’re eager for more easy air fryer pizza recipes, be sure to check out our popular Air Fryer Pizza Rolls for a classic twist!

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Perfect BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls in Your Air Fryer

Making these mouth-watering rolls is incredibly simple. Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to ensure perfectly golden-brown and flavorful results every time:

1. Prepare Your Air Fryer Basket

Before you begin assembling your rolls, ensure your air fryer basket is properly prepared to prevent sticking. You have a few excellent options: you can line the basket with specific air fryer parchment paper liners for hassle-free cleanup. If you don’t have parchment paper, a light coating of air fryer-safe nonstick spray or a thin brush of olive oil on the basket surface will work just as well. Always consult your air fryer’s manual regarding recommended sprays and oils to protect its non-stick coating. For more in-depth information, our Best Oils for the Air Fryer post provides valuable insights.

Once your basket is prepped, set it aside. You might also want to preheat your air fryer to 370°F (185°C) for 3-5 minutes while you prepare the rolls, which can help achieve a more even and crispier cook.

2. Assemble the Flavorful Pizza Roll Base

On a clean, flat surface – such as a lightly floured countertop or a spacious cutting board – carefully unroll and gently flatten your pizza dough or crescent roll sheet. Aim for a consistent rectangular shape and an even thickness across the entire sheet. Once flattened, take your favorite BBQ sauce and generously brush it over the entire surface of the dough, ensuring an even coating from edge to edge. Next, sprinkle the garlic powder and, if you desire a little heat, the red pepper flakes evenly over the sauced dough. Finally, layer the shredded mozzarella cheese and your prepared shredded chicken over this flavorful base, leaving about a half-inch border along one of the long edges.

3. Layer Toppings and Tightly Roll the Dough

With the primary layers in place, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Evenly distribute the crumbled cooked bacon and freshly chopped green onions over the cheese and chicken. Now for the crucial step: rolling! Starting from the long edge opposite the border you left, begin to tightly roll the dough into a firm, compact log. The tighter you roll, the better your pizza rolls will maintain their shape during slicing and cooking, and the more visually appealing the spiral will be.

4. Slice the Rolls and Load Your Air Fryer

Once you have a firm dough log, use a sharp knife to carefully slice it into eight equal pieces, each approximately one inch thick. These individual slices are your pizza rolls. Gently place these rolls into your prepared air fryer basket (or onto your baking sheet if using a tray-style air fryer), ensuring the cut side is facing down. It is vital not to overcrowd the basket. Proper air circulation is essential for achieving that desirable golden and crispy finish. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook these in two or more batches to ensure each roll cooks perfectly.

5. Air Fry to Golden-Brown Perfection

Place the basket with your pizza rolls into the air fryer. Air fry them at 370°F (185°C). In my experience with a 5.8-quart Cosori, a cooking time of about 5-6 minutes is ideal for achieving a beautifully golden-brown, crispy crust and perfectly melted, bubbly cheese. However, please remember that cooking times can vary considerably among different air fryer brands and models. If this is your initial attempt, I highly recommend starting with a shorter cooking time, around 4 minutes. Then, open the air fryer and check their progress. Add additional cooking time in 1-2 minute increments as needed until they reach your desired level of golden crispiness. The rolls are ready when the dough is thoroughly cooked, the cheese is gloriously melted, and the exterior boasts a deep, inviting golden-brown hue.

6. Serve Warm and Store Leftovers

Once your BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the air fryer. It’s best to let them cool for a minute or two before serving, as the internal filling will be extremely hot. These rolls are undoubtedly at their peak freshness when served immediately. If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat and restore their delightful crispness, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Expert Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls

To ensure your pizza rolls turn out perfectly crispy and delicious every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Avoid Overcrowding the Basket: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for air frying. For optimum airflow and even crisping, always arrange the rolls in a single layer with some space between them. If necessary, cook them in multiple batches.
• Preheating is Your Friend: While some air fryers don’t strictly require preheating, taking 3-5 minutes to preheat yours to the cooking temperature can significantly improve the texture, leading to a more consistent and crispier crust.
• Customize with Your Favorite Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Finely diced red onion, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of cooked corn can add extra flavor and texture. For a spicier kick, add a few jalapeño slices.
• Ensure Even Dough Thickness: When rolling out your pizza or crescent dough, strive for a uniform thickness. This helps ensure that all parts of the dough cook evenly and become perfectly golden.
• Roll Tightly for Structure: A tightly rolled dough log prevents the filling from escaping during the slicing and cooking process, resulting in neat, well-contained pizza rolls.
• Monitor Cooking Progress: Air fryers can vary, so the specified cooking time is a guideline. Start checking your rolls a minute or two before the suggested time. They are ready when they are golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Experiment with BBQ Sauce: Different brands of BBQ sauce have varying levels of sweetness and tang. Choose one that you love, or mix two together for a custom flavor profile!

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Do I have to use canned chicken?

Absolutely not! While canned chicken offers a fantastic and super-quick solution for those fast-paced dinner needs, it’s entirely optional. You can easily substitute it with freshly cooked and shredded chicken breast or thigh. Leftover rotisserie chicken is another excellent, flavorful alternative that saves time. The same applies to bacon – feel free to cook and crumble fresh bacon in your air fryer or on the stovetop instead of using pre-cooked bacon pieces. The main goal is to have cooked, shredded chicken and crumbled bacon ready to mix into your rolls.

What can I serve with BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls?

These BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls are incredibly satisfying on their own, but they truly shine when paired with a delicious dipping sauce. Sticking with the theme, extra BBQ sauce makes a perfect dip, amplifying the flavors. Ranch dressing offers a cool, creamy contrast that many find irresistible with BBQ-flavored dishes. If you’re experimenting with different pizza toppings and sauces, a classic marinara or a flavorful pizza sauce would be ideal. To transform these rolls into a more complete meal, consider serving them alongside a crisp green salad, some quick air fryer sweet potato fries, or a comforting bowl of warm tomato or corn soup. They’re also fantastic as appetizers for parties!

What other options are there for the dough?

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, especially when it comes to the dough! While an 8-ounce can of crescent dough sheet or refrigerated pizza crust is incredibly convenient and recommended for speed, you have several other fantastic options. For those who love to bake from scratch, using homemade pizza dough will give your rolls a unique artisanal quality. If you’re looking for a different texture, puff pastry sheets can create a wonderfully flaky and buttery roll. Even pre-made pastry sheets from the frozen section can be defrosted and used. Regardless of whether you choose store-bought or homemade, pizza crust or crescent rolls, your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls are guaranteed to be a delicious success!

How do you know the right cook time for my air fryer?

Determining the precise cook time for any air fryer recipe often requires a bit of practical experience, as there’s considerable variation in wattage, basket size, and overall efficiency among different air fryer models. While my air fryer consistently achieves perfect results for these rolls in about 5-6 minutes at 370°F (185°C), your specific model might require a minute more or less. The most reliable method is to start with a slightly shorter cooking duration, perhaps 4 minutes, and then visually inspect the rolls. Look for a beautiful golden-brown crust and cheese that is thoroughly melted and bubbling. You can then continue cooking in short 1-2 minute increments until they reach your desired level of crispness and doneness. Always trust your senses – the aroma and appearance are excellent indicators!

Do I have to use cooking spray in my air fryer?

Using a cooking spray or parchment paper is strongly recommended to ensure your pizza rolls don’t stick to the air fryer basket and to make cleanup significantly easier. However, it’s very important to consult your air fryer’s manufacturer guide before using any aerosol cooking sprays. Some propellants and ingredients in certain sprays can potentially damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket over time. A safer and highly effective alternative is to brush a light layer of olive oil or another air fryer-safe cooking oil onto the basket. For ultimate convenience and peace of mind, my personal favorite and highly recommended product for quick, mess-free cooking and effortless cleanup are air fryer parchment paper liners. They truly simplify the post-cooking process!

These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls are a true triumph for anyone seeking a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal or snack. With minimal effort and maximum taste, they are destined to become a beloved staple in your culinary rotation. Each bite delivers a delightful combination of golden, crispy crust and a rich, savory filling that’s hard to resist. Enjoy creating and savoring these fantastic air fryer treats!

MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE:

• Air Fryer Honey Glazed Pears
• Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Tenders
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
• Flavorful Air Fryer Teriyaki Pork Chops
• Irresistible Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings