Maybe it’s the nostalgia, or maybe it’s just that they’re so damn good.
But I will always get excited about pizza rolls.
Totino himself probably got me through college. I most definitely was eating one bag a week (and then had the audacity to complain when I started gaining weight).
Of course, back then I was making them in my low watt microwave like a barbarian—but even then I still thought they were delicious.
Why are pizza rolls so delicious you may ask?
Because what’s not to love? You have the melted cheese. The sauce. The delicious “crust” surrounding them. It’s true gold.
Now that I’m older and wiser, I definitely don’t eat Totino’s Pizza Rolls once a week anymore, and I most certainly do not put them anywhere close to the microwave.
But when I do make them, I always am looking for ways to step them up.
If there’s one thing that TikTok has taught me, it’s that there are infinite possibilities when it comes to your air fryer. Frying in the air fryer is much healthier than deep frying, and it’s so much faster.
So I’m sure it wouldn’t surprise you that the good people have found a way to spice up this classic snack. Since early 2021, everyone has been trying garlic parmesan pizza rolls like they’re the next best thing.
And wouldn’t ya know, the verified Totino’s account actually posted a video tutorial on this recipe, too. If they’re endorsing them, you know it’s legit.
And honestly – everyone was onto something. These delicious pizza rolls are unreal; this is probably one of my favorite recipes and ways to spice up a pre made favorite.
This would be good for a game day, after school snack for your kids, or midnight snack on the couch in the dark after ditching your plans for the third week in a row.
Here’s how you make them!
@totinosThe internet told me to do it. What should I try next?♬ Taste It – Ikson
You will need:
Totino’s Pizza Rolls: Or any other kind of pizza rolls, but I like Totino’s the best. You can use the pepperoni pizza rolls if you’d like.
Parmesan Cheese: Shredded or grated—it doesn’t matter! They’ll taste good either way
Minced Garlic: These will taste way better with fresh minced garlic than that jarred crap; just sayin’.
Parsley: You’re making fancy pizza rolls. You don’t need fresh parsley for this one. Just any regular parsley you have on hand will work just fine.
Butter: Real butter. No need to use that fake “good for you” butter for this one—you’re already eating pizza rolls.
Air Fryer: This recipe is designed for the air fryer. If you don’t have one, you can take a deep pan and fry these in some canola oil and pat dry afterwards.
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Preheat your air fryer to 400°
Put the Totinos Pizza Rolls right into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure that none of them are touching (odds are you’ll have to make this in multiple batches, unless the size of your air fryer tray is massive).
Put the pizza rolls inside of the preheated air fryer for six minutes, taking them out and shaking them before putting them back in the air fryer at the 4 minute mark.
While the pizza rolls are frying, melt half of a stick of butter in the microwave, and mince 2 tablespoons of garlic. Stir melted butter and minced garlic together vigorously.
Once the golden brown crispy pizza rolls are out of the air fryer, toss them in a medium sized bowl along with the butter and garlic. Once thoroughly combined, add a heaping amount of shredded parmesan, parsley, red pepper flakes, and basil (if you’d like) to the top.
Sit down on the couch and take pride in the fact that you just made a game changer recipe and gourmet version of your favorite childhood food.
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Pizza Rolls FAQs
Can I eat thawed pizza rolls?
You can eat anything you want, but if you decide to go this route, let it be known now that I am not condoning this. These are meant to be stored frozen, and may make you really sick if thawed, especially if for a long time.
Why are pizza rolls called pizza rolls when they’re square?
Believe it or not, genius Jeno Palucci came up with the brilliant idea to stuff an egg roll with pizza toppings. Pizza egg rolls! He sold this invention to Pillsbury under the name “Totino’s” and the rest was history!
How many rolls are too many pizza rolls?
I’ll let you be the judge of that but once you start feeling sick and sluggish with a side of regret, that should be a good indicator.
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Are pizza rolls healthy?
Are you serious? Of course not. Any fast snack like this is usually awful for you. Although, you could most certainly take a low carb tortilla wrap and wrap it up with low fat mozzarella cheese and pizza sauce, and toss it in the air fryer. It won’t be as good, but it’ll be a much healthier option!
How come my pizza rolls exploded all over the air fryer?
You probably left them in for too long. Don’t worry, these are so cheap and widely sold that you can just run to the store for another bag.
Do I need to add olive oil or spray?
Nah. The whole point of the air fryer is that it works like a convection oven, covering every side without the need for oil. This is the case whenever you air fry pizza rolls. We go more into depth about this inour article about air fryer frozen wings.
How do I store my leftover pizza rolls?
Any leftover pizza rolls can go right back into the freezer in an airtight container.
I’d advise against putting them in the fridge, because they just cook so much better from frozen. They become crispier, whereas heating pizza rolls from the fridge turn into more of the soggy mess that your microwave gives you.
When reheating, just pop them right back into the air fryer.
What are some ways that I can make this if I don’t have an air fryer?
Don’t worry, this isn’t the only way to make them!
You can spray some nonstick cooking spray onto a baking sheet and bake these in your oven, as well as putting canola oil in a deep frying pan and crisping them up that way.
Whatever you do, don’t use a microwave. You’re better than that. Take the time to make these amazing.
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What to serve with Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Pizza Rolls
Dipping Sauce: There are just so many things that you can dip these in. Blue cheese. Ranch dressing. Marinara sauce. Duck sauce. Barbecue sauce. Yum yum sauce. The possibilities are endless.
Appetizer: This is such a great time to use your air fryer once it’s already out. Try making some mozzarella sticks with this air fryer mozzarella sticks recipe!
Main course: These would be great with some sausage, pepper, and onion subs. If you really want to get ambitious, try making your sausages in the air fryer!
Want more delicious air fryer recipes? You’ve come to the right place!
- Want to know how to make calamari in the air fryer? We made you a guide!
- Your air fryer can make the most delicious wings you’ve ever had.
- Who knew sausages could taste so good? Try them out in the air fryer.
Your mozzarella sticks will never be soggy again once you use this recipe.
