Air Fryer Pizza Pinwheels
Air fryer pizza pinwheels turn one sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry into twelve crisp, cheesy swirls. Spread the pastry with tomato sauce, scatter over mozzarella and pepperoni, roll it up and slice. Each batch needs only 10 minutes at 180°C, so they suit lunchboxes, party platters and after-school snacks. A short chill before slicing keeps the rolls tight and the cuts neat.
- Total
- 58 min
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 23 min
- Serves
- 4
- Per serving
- 580kcal
Common mistakes with air fryer pizza pinwheels
Most disappointing batches come down to three things: pastry that is too warm, a roll that is too loose, and too many slices in the basket. Warm pastry turns greasy and squashes when you cut it, which is why the log goes in the fridge before slicing. Use a drier mozzarella, because wet cheese from a ball releases water and leaves the swirls pale and soggy. Go easy on the sauce too: a thin layer flavours the pastry, while a thick one pushes out the sides as it cooks.
Air fryer pizza pinwheels method
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Unroll the pastry Take the pastry out of the fridge before you start, so it does not crack. Unroll it on its paper with a long side facing you.
- Add the filling Spread the pizza sauce over the pastry, leaving a 1cm border along the far long edge. Scatter over the mozzarella, pepperoni and oregano in an even layer.
- Roll and chill Roll the pastry up tightly from the long side towards the clean border, using the paper to help you. Press the seam down, wrap the log in cling film and chill for so it firms up.
- Slice Trim the ends, then cut the log into 12 slices about 2.5cm thick with a sharp knife, using a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing down. Lay the slices flat with the swirl facing up.
- Cook the first batch Heat the air fryer to 180°C for . Put 6 pinwheels on a perforated liner or baking paper in the basket, leaving a gap around each, and cook for until golden and puffed, with the cheese bubbling.
- Cook the second batch Cook the remaining 6 pinwheels for in the same way. Leave all the pinwheels to cool for before serving, because the cheese and sauce inside are very hot.
Serving and swapping
Serve the swirls warm with a little extra pizza sauce for dipping. They go well with a green salad for lunch, and they sit happily on a party table beside air fryer pizza toast and air fryer pitta pizza. For a more bread-like bite, try air fryer pizza buns.
Mature Cheddar can replace some of the mozzarella for a sharper flavour, and a thin smear of tomato puree thinned with a spoonful of water works if you have no pizza sauce. Add a pinch of chilli flakes for grown-up tastes.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Pizza Pinwheels
- The pinwheels unroll while they cook.
- The roll was too loose or the seam was not pressed down. Roll firmly, tuck the seam underneath when you lay the slices in the basket, and do not skip the 15-minute chill.
- The pastry is golden but doughy in the middle.
- The slices were too thick or the basket was crowded. Cut them no thicker than 3cm and keep to 6 per batch so the hot air can reach the sides.
- Melted cheese is stuck to the basket.
- Use a perforated liner or baking paper, and keep the filling away from the cut edge. Lift each batch out onto a rack while the cheese is still soft.
- The slices lift and flutter against the heating element.
- Light baking paper can blow about in the fan. Weigh it down by laying the pinwheels on it straight away, and trim it so it does not curl over the top.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Pizza Pinwheels
How long do you cook pizza pinwheels in the air fryer?
Cook them for 10 minutes at 180°C per batch, after a 3-minute preheat. They are ready when the pastry is deep golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Can you make pizza pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes. Roll and wrap the log, then keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Slice it just before cooking.
What can I use instead of pepperoni?
Thin slices of ham, cooked sausage, sweetcorn or finely chopped peppers and olives all work. For a vegetarian version, leave out the pepperoni and use the vegetables.
How do you store and reheat leftover pinwheels?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat at 160°C for 3 minutes, until steaming hot all the way through.
How did you like the recipe?
4.9 / 5 · 6 ratings
