Pizza rolls are delicious and make a great snack for adults and kids alike. They are easy to pop into the oven, and they don’t take long to cook.
The only thing people tend to dislike about pizza rolls is that sometimes they “explode” and spew out the inside ingredients all over your baking pan. This can be frustrating, but fortunately, there are some easy ways to prevent this if you know how.
Here are 7 easy ways to stop pizza rolls from exploding.
1. Cook Pizza Rolls in a Single Layer with Aluminum Foil
Always place pizza rolls them in a single layer on your baking sheet. You can also cover the pizza rolls with aluminum foil so that if they do explode, the insides of the rolls can be contained.
Keep in mind that if you use aluminum foil, they will likely cook a little faster. Open up the top of the aluminum foil for the last 5 minutes of cooking to crisp up the outside of the roll.
2. Change Your Cooking Temperature and Time
If you’re making pizza rolls in the oven turning the temperature up to cook the rolls in a shorter amount of time. This way, they usually won’t have time to explode. The outside will turn crispy and can stop the rolls from breaking.
Make sure you don’t turn the temp up too high, or they might burn. Another 25 degrees is likely all you need to use this method.
3. Cook Pizza Rolls in the Microwave
Cover pizza rolls with a paper towel and then cook them in the microwave. The paper towel will absorb any extra moisture on the outside of the roll.
Cook pizza rolls for 30-60 seconds at a time, which is slow enough to catch them if they are just starting to explode.
4. Let Pizza Rolls Thaw Out Before Cooking Them
If your pizza rolls are frozen, let them thaw out before popping them in the oven or microwave.
When pizza rolls are frozen, they’re more prone to bursting.
This also increases the odds that the outside of the pizza roll will be overdone while the inside is underdone, and this is not a pleasant combination.
5. Poke Holes in the Pizza Rolls
Poking a few holes in each of the pizza rolls prevents them from exploding as you cook them. Take a small fork or even a toothpick and poke several holes in each pizza roll.
This will release the steam inside but keep the ingredients where they belong—inside of the roll.
6. Avoid Cooking Pizza Rolls for Too Long
The length of time you cook frozen pizza rolls also matters. If you’re baking them in the oven, spread a light layer of oil on the pan; then place the rolls on the pan next.
Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, then take them out of the oven and let them sit for five minutes.
If you cook them in the microwave, cook them for one minute and 15 seconds for six pizza rolls, then let them sit for a few minutes afterward. Either way, the filling is super-hot at first and will need time to cool down.
7. Cook Pizza Rolls in a Toaster or Air Fryer
You can also cook your pizza rolls in a toaster oven or air fryer.
It is easy to control the temperature and the timing of the food so that your chances of exploding pizza rolls are reduced.
How to Make Pizza Rolls in an Air Fryer without Exploding
In some ways, it’s easier to make pizza rolls in an air fryer than it is with other methods. This is partly because it is a quick cooking method and therefore doesn’t allow enough time for the rolls to explode or become overly done.
The best way to use an air fryer for your pizza rolls is to fill it up about halfway (a single layer is not necessary), set it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 8 minutes.
Halfway through, remove the basket and gently shake it. You’ll notice when the rolls get puffy and are about to explode, so take them out at that time.
What is the Best Way to Cook Pizza Rolls?
Most people agree that cooking pizza rolls in the microwave is not the best way to make them. For the freshest and tastiest results, most people recommend cooking them in the oven, with the second most popular choice being an air fryer.
Should You Defrost Pizza Rolls Before Cooking Them?
While it’s not necessary to thaw out pizza rolls before cooking them, you can do so if you like.
You’ll want to remember that if you thaw them out while they’re sitting on your countertop, don’t let them go more than 2 hours before cooking them. But it is certainly not necessary to thaw them out first.
Are Pizza Rolls Better in the Oven or Microwave?
Pizza rolls are yummy when cooked in either a microwave or oven, but because they’re made with bread, they can be a bit chewy and sometimes a little rubbery when you cook them in the microwave.
For this and several other reasons, most people prefer cooking pizza rolls in the oven rather than in a microwave.
What is the Best Temperature to Bake Pizza Rolls?
For the best results, you shouldn’t go over 400-425 degrees Fahrenheit when cooking your pizza rolls.
To prevent them from exploding, you will find it’s better to use a lower heat and bake them longer than to do the opposite. Remember the story about how “slow and steady wins the race”?
Conclusion
Pizza rolls are a great snack or meal, and kids especially love them. When the filling spills out onto your baking sheet, however, they are not nearly as much fun to eat.
Fortunately, if you cook them right, cook them at the right temperature, thaw them out a little, and look for numerous ways to cook them, the odds of your pizza rolls bursting are greatly reduced.
I am an accredited practicing dietitian, experienced gardener and a dedicated cook. I love writing and sharing my experience so you can learn from my successes and mistakes.