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About This Recipe
Whenever I make a new recipe (particularly a savory one since Simon is not a big sweets guy), I always get him to be my test subject. He is a HUGE pizza lover so I knew I really had to bring my A game with these.
I served him up some of these puffs with a side of pizza sauce and waited for the final verdict. He took his time to savor, chew, and swallow before he said anything (I’m sure to drive my non-patient self crazy!!) And then, finally said – “This is the best thing you have ever made.”
We spent the remainder of the evening going back and forth deciding what these amazing pizza things should be called. Pizza rolls? Mini pizzas? Pizza pockets? Pizza bites?
None of them really seemed to quite fit. And then I just said “they are kind of like little puffs” (whatever that means IDK) and it just stuck. Pizza puffs it was!
These pizza puffs are truly just like pizza but in a neat little puff. Doughy bread, melted cheese, pepperoni and all!
I am all about sauces for anything I eat so I would highly recommend serving up with some pizza sauce to dip into on the side. I thought about adding the sauce into the puffs but it sounded a lot yummier (and less messier) to just keep it on the side!
Looking for more healthy pizza inspired recipes? Try my Bubble Up Pizza Casserole with Biscuits! Or, try my Super Easy Caprese Empanadas or Easy Chicken Parmesan Stromboli for more Italian-inspired goodness!
Why You’ll Love These 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Pizza Puffs
- Only 3 ingredients required.
- Each pizza puff packs 5g of protein and just 87 calories!
- They are kid-friendly, husband-friendly, the pickiest-eater-ever-friendly! 😂
- They are easy and FUN to make!
- They are versatile – I am thinking chicken or sausage next time!
- And lastly… they are just so. dang. good.
- Crescent roll sheet – I used the classic sheet and cut into my triangles because I found I didn’t need as much dough that came with the pre-cut crescent roll dough. But if you want to use those for connivence sake, by all means!
- 2% Mozzarella cheese – you can use any cheese but I went the classic route!
- Turkey pepperoni
Unfortunately, there isn’t a gluten-free crescent roll sheet on the market. To make this recipe gluten-free, many readers have suggested using this gluten-free crescent roll mix as a good substitute! Of course, it’s a little more work but work it for these yummy pizza bites!
How To Make
The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process so you know what to expect when you’re making it!
1. Preheat air fryer to 400 °F. Lay a piece of parchment paper out on the counter top (big enough to spread the dough sheet) and stretch out the dough sheet as much you can without breaking the dough. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut dough into 12 triangles.
2. Cut pepperoni slices into quarters then add pepperoni and cheese in the center of each triangle.
3. Keeping the pepperoni and cheese in the dough, fold up so that they both stay secured in the dough.
4. Then flatten out with hands to spread the puff out more.
5. Spray pizza puffs on both sides with cooking spray then add to the air fryer so that none of them are touching (I had to do it in two batches).
6. Cook for about 2 minutes or until puffs are golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes then serve with pizza sauce and enjoy!
Best Way To Reheat Air Fryer Pizza Puffs!
These pizza puffs are honestly even better the next day! Especially if you reheat them in the air fryer. Something about crescent dough reheated in the air fryer… it gets golden crispy on the outside but stays doughy in the center and the contrast is just to die for!
- Air fryer: 400F for 2-3 minutes.
- Oven: 400F for 6-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Times will vary for this. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make these in the oven! Just line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spray pizza puffs with cooking spray. Space them apart so they are not touching and bake on 375 F for 8- 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
What are these air fryer pizza puffs best served with?
On their own, these air fryer puffs make a tasty appetizer for any get together or football Sunday! They also make a delicious entree paired with your favorite sides. I love serving these puffs with my Air Fryer Broccoli, Air Fryer Green Beans, or Simple Salad with Goat Cheese and Cranberries. For more protein, these are great served with some chicken. You also can never go wrong with Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries!
Can I use crescent rolls instead of the crescent dough sheet?
Sure! Note the nutrition may change some but crescent rolls work just fine!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure leave a review, tag me on Instagram or TikTok at @LaurenFitFoodie or hashtag #LaurenFitFoodie so I can see your creations!
Air Fryer Pizza Puffs
Ingredients
- 1 8-oz. can crescent roll dough sheet (226g)
- 32 slices Turkey pepperoni (56g)
- 3/4 cup 2% shredded mozzarella cheese (84g)
- Pizza sauce optional for dipping
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Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 °F.
- Cut pepperoni slices into quarters and set aside.
- Lay a piece of parchment paper out on the counter top (big enough to spread the dough sheet) and stretch out the dough sheet as much you can without breaking the dough. I used a roller for this but you don't need to.
- Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut dough into 12 triangles.
- Add pepperoni to center of each triangle (about 5g each), then shredded cheese (7g each).
- Keeping the pepperoni and cheese in the dough, fold up so that they both stay secured in the dough. Then flatten out with hands to spread the puff out more.
- Spray pizza puffs on both sides with cooking spray then add to the air fryer so that none of them are touching (I had to do it in two batches). Cook for about 2 minutes or until puffs are golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes then serve with pizza sauce and enjoy!
Equipment
Notes
- Air fryer: 400F for 2-3 minutes.
- Oven: 400F for 6-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Times will vary for this. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition is hand-calculated and accurate. No autocalulations! However, note that values can vary based on the brands you use and if you substitute ingredients.
