Air Fryer Pesto Pinwheels

Delicious and easy Air Fryer Pesto Pinwheels, filled with savory pesto and cheese, perfectly crisped to golden perfection—ideal for a quick snack or appetizer!

You will love this easy recipe, this makes an amazing appetizers for the upcoming holidays, or a quick lunch.

If you love easy air fryer pesto recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Pesto Sliders, Pizza Hut Chicken Alfredo Pesto Recipe, Air Fryer Pesto Cod, or Instant Pot Cashew Basil Pesto Chicken.

Try these Air Fryer Pesto Pinwheels today! You will love them!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Quick and Easy: These Air Fryer Pesto Pinwheels come together in minutes, making them perfect for a fast snack or appetizer.
• Crispy and Flaky: The air fryer gives them a perfectly crispy and golden exterior, while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
• Packed with Flavor: The savory pesto and melted cheese provide a rich and satisfying taste in every bite.
• Customizable: Feel free to add extras like sun-dried tomatoes or olives to personalize your pinwheels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party, family gathering, or a simple snack, these pinwheels are always a hit.

Ingredients Needed

• Puff Pastry: Puff pastry provides a buttery, flaky texture that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
• Pesto Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought pesto.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a gooey, stretchy layer that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the pesto.
• Egg (for egg wash): Helps achieve a golden, glossy finish.
• Optional Add-ins (sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, etc.)

How To Make Air Fryer Pesto Pinwheels

Step One: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle of about 1/4-inch thickness. If your puff pastry comes in a roll, simply unfold it.

Step Two: Spread the pesto sauce evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry. Leave a small margin at the edges to prevent the pesto from spilling out when rolling.

Step Three: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the pesto. If using any optional fillings, add them now.

Step Four: Start from one of the long edges and roll the pastry tightly into a log. Once rolled, gently press to seal the edge.

Step Five: Wrap the pastry log in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This step helps firm up the log, making slicing easier.

Step Six: Unwrap the chilled log and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices. You should get about 12-14 pinwheels.

Step Seven: Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. If your air fryer requires preheating, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step Eight: Place the pinwheel slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each for air circulation. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step Nine: Brush the tops of the pinwheels lightly with beaten egg. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.

Step Ten: Set cook time for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up. The exact cooking time may vary based on your air fryer model. Allow the pinwheels to cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, with additional pesto sauce for dipping if desired.

Air Fryer Pesto Pinwheels Recipe Tips

• Chill the Pastry Dough: After spreading the pesto and adding your fillings, chill the rolled-up pastry in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
• Don’t Overfill: While loading up on fillings is tempting, too much pesto or cheese can cause spillage and make the pinwheels soggy.
• Egg Wash for a Golden Finish: Brushing the pinwheels with an egg wash before air frying gives them a beautiful golden color and helps the toppings stick.
• Use Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier, line your air fryer basket with parchment paper cut to fit.
• Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate freely around each pinwheel, ensuring they cook evenly and become nicely crisp.
• Rotate Halfway Through: If your air fryer doesn’t cook evenly, consider flipping or rotating the pinwheels halfway through the cooking time to ensure uniform browning.
• Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Depending on your air fryer model and the size of your pinwheels, cooking times may vary.
• Let Them Cool: Allow the pinwheels to cool for a few minutes after cooking.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the pinwheels fresh out of the air fryer for the best taste and texture.

Air Fryer Pesto Pinwheels Recipe Faqs

Can I make the pesto pinwheels ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking.

What can I use instead of puff pastry? While puff pastry is ideal for its flaky texture, in a pinch, you can use crescent roll dough or even homemade pizza dough, though the texture will be different. Adjust cooking times as necessary.

Can I use homemade pesto? Absolutely! Homemade pesto can elevate the flavor of your pinwheels.

How do I prevent the pinwheels from unrolling during cooking? Chilling the rolled log before slicing helps firm up the pastry, making it less likely to unroll.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling? Definitely! Feel free to add ingredients like shredded chicken, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or different cheeses.

How do I store leftover pinwheels? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up before serving.

Can I make these in an oven if I don’t have an air fryer? Yes, you can bake the pinwheels in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and puffed. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.

How do I ensure even cooking in the air fryer? Avoid overlapping or crowding the pinwheels in the basket.

Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, mozzarella is popular for its meltiness, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese for tanginess, cheddar for sharpness, or even a sprinkle of feta for a Mediterranean twist.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• air fryer baked ziti
• air fryer zaatar zucchini
• air fryer teriyaki salmon

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