Get ready for a crispy, cheesy, flavor-packed snack with these Air Fryer Cuban Pinwheels! Inspired by the classic Cuban sandwich, these pinwheels are loaded with ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all wrapped up in golden, flaky dough.
The air fryer makes them perfectly crispy on the outside while keeping the inside melty and delicious. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, party snack, or quick bite, these pinwheels are sure to be a hit!
Try this recipe today, it’s a great one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe For Air-Fried Cuban Pinwheels!
- Crispy & Golden: Perfectly crisp exterior with a flaky bite.
- Cheesy & Savory: Melty Swiss cheese and flavorful ham inside.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in minutes with minimal effort.
- Party-Perfect: A crowd-pleasing snack for any occasion.
- Classic Cuban Flavor: Inspired by the iconic Cuban sandwich.
- Kid-Approved: Fun, bite-sized, and packed with flavor.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to fit your taste.
- Great for Dipping: Pair with mustard or your favorite sauce!
If you love easy Air Fryer Pinwheel Recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Ranch Ham and Cheese Pinwheels, Air Fryer Pesto Pinwheels, or Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Salmon Pinwheels.
Ingredients Needed
- Ground sausage: Savory, flavorful, juicy sausage.
- Seasonings: Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper
- Cream cheese: Rich, creamy, smooth texture.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy, tangy base for filling.
- Cheddar cheese (shredded): Sharp, melty, cheesy goodness.
- Bacon: Crispy, salty bacon pieces.
- Green onion: Fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Pickles: Tangy, crunchy pickle bites.
- Flour tortillas: Soft, flexible wrap base.
How To Make Air Fryer Cuban Pinwheels
Step 1: In a small mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and mayo. Mix until smooth. Stir in cooked and chopped bacon, chopped green onions, and pickles. Set the mixture aside.
Step 2: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add canola oil and heat until hot. Add ground sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned.
Step 3: Season the sausage with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture over each tortilla. Add about ½ cup of the sausage mixture (or more, depending on tortilla size) and spread evenly.
Step 5: Roll the tortillas tightly and slice them into 1-inch pieces. Place the pinwheels in the air fryer and cook at air fryer temperature of 300 degrees F, and set cook time for 3-5 minutes until crispy and golden.
Air Fryer Cuban Pinwheels Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Tortillas: Soft, fresh tortillas work best for rolling, ensuring they hold the filling without tearing.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overstuff the pinwheels, as too much filling can make them harder to roll tightly and cook evenly.
- Use Nonstick Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray to prevent the pinwheels from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Don’t Overcrowd: For the best results, cook the pinwheels in a single layer. If you’re making a large batch, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Air fryer models may vary, so check your pinwheels halfway through the cooking time to make sure they’re golden and crispy. If needed, add a minute or two for a crispier finish.
- Add Extra Toppings: If you love extra flavor, sprinkle some additional shredded cheese on top of the pinwheels before air frying or drizzle with mustard or a dipping sauce after cooking.
Storing
- Storing: Store leftover Air Fryer Cuban Pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best results, place a layer of parchment paper between the pinwheels to prevent sticking.
- Freezing: To freeze, arrange the pinwheels in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the pinwheels in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-5 minutes until crispy and warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until heated thoroughly.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Cuban Pinwheels
When serving Air Fryer Cuban Pinwheels, you can pair them with a variety of sides to enhance the meal. Try serving them with crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for a classic combination, or add a tangy side of coleslaw for a refreshing crunch. Pickles or pickled vegetables also complement the Cuban flavors, and a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pinwheels. For a heartier option, serve with Cuban black beans or warm garlic bread. Don’t forget to offer dipping sauces like mustard or aioli for extra flavor!
Air Fryer Cuban Pinwheels Recipe Faqs
Can I use a different type of meat? Yes! You can substitute the ham with turkey, roast beef, or even pulled pork for a different twist on the Cuban flavors.
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying. Just be sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
Can I use low-fat cheese or mayo? Absolutely! Feel free to swap out for low-fat versions of cheese and mayo to make these pinwheels lighter while still enjoying the flavors.
Can I bake these instead of using the air fryer? Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy, though the air fryer gives a slightly crunchier result.
What’s the best way to serve these pinwheels? Serve them with dipping sauces like mustard, aioli, or even a tangy ranch. A side of coleslaw or chips makes for a great complement.
Can I use a gluten-free tortilla? Yes, gluten-free tortillas work just as well in this recipe. Just make sure they are large enough to roll comfortably with the filling.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Bagel Dogs
- Air Fryer Soft Pretzels
- Air Fryer Corn Dogs
- Easy Air Fryer Pizza Bagel Bites
- Air Fryer Copycat Applebee’s Cheese Sticks
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Air Fryer Cuban Pinwheels
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 pieces bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2 tablespoons green onion, or chives chopped
- 1/3 cup pickles, chopped
- 4 large flour tortillas, or 6 smaller tortillas
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine c8 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup mayo. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in the cooked and chopped 8 pieces bacon, chopped 2 tablespoons green onion, and 1/3 cup pickles.
- Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon canola oil. Once the oil is hot, add the 1 pound ground sausage Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks.
- Season the sausage with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1 teaspoon paprika. Cook until lightly browned, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture over each tortilla. Add about ½ cup of the sausage mixture (or more depending on tortilla size), spreading it evenly.
- Roll the 4 large flour tortillas tightly and slice them into 1-inch pieces.
- Air fry at 300 degrees F for 3-5 minutes or until crispy and golden.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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