Air Fryer Pesto Pinwheels (Easy Puff Pastry Appetizer)

These Air Fryer Pesto Pinwheels are flaky puff pastry rolled around basil pesto, mozzarella and Parmesan, then sliced and air fried at 375°F until puffed and golden. You need five ingredients and about 20 minutes, and one sheet of pastry makes 12 to 14 pinwheels.

When I first tested these pesto pinwheels in the air fryer, the outer edges burst with flavor, but the centers turned out doughy because the temperature was set too high. Dropping the heat to 375°F and chilling the rolled log for 15 minutes before slicing was the ultimate game-changer. It keeps the puff pastry flaky, holds the tight spiral shape, and ensures every layer cooks evenly to a golden crisp.

They’re meat-free, so they’re an easy vegetarian option on a party tray next to my Air Fryer Ranch Ham and Cheese Pinwheels or Air Fryer Crack Chicken Crescent Bites.

Why This Recipe Works

• The air fryer puffs pastry fast. Circulating heat crisps the outside layers in 8 to 10 minutes, about half the time of a 400°F oven.
• Chilling the log keeps the swirl. Fifteen minutes in the fridge firms the butter in the pastry, so slices stay round instead of squashing.
• Two cheeses do two jobs. Mozzarella melts and holds the filling together; Parmesan adds salt and browns on top.
• It works for planning ahead. Roll and chill the log a day early, then slice and air fry when guests arrive.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Pesto Pinwheels

Full amounts are in the printable recipe card below.

• Puff pastry: One sheet, thawed overnight in the fridge. Cold pastry rolls without cracking and puffs higher.
• Basil pesto: Store-bought or homemade. If it looks oily, drain off some oil first so the pastry doesn’t turn soggy.
• Mozzarella: Shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking starch and melts less smoothly.
• Parmesan: Half goes inside, half goes on top for a browned, salty crust.
• Egg: Beaten for an egg wash that gives a glossy, golden finish.

How To Make Pesto Pinwheels in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Roll out the pastry. Unfold the thawed sheet on a lightly floured counter and roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 2: Spread the pesto. Cover the pastry evenly, leaving a 1/2-inch bare strip along one long edge so the log seals.

Step 3: Add the cheese. Sprinkle the mozzarella and half the Parmesan over the pesto.

Step 4: Roll it up. Starting from the long edge opposite the bare strip, roll tightly. Press the seam to seal.

Step 5: Chill. Wrap the log in plastic and refrigerate 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 6: Slice. Cut into 1/2-inch rounds with a sharp serrated knife for 12 to 14 pinwheels.

Step 7: Preheat. Heat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 8: Egg wash. Arrange the pinwheels cut-side down in one layer with space between them. Brush with egg and top with the remaining Parmesan.

Step 9: Air fry. Cook 8 to 10 minutes, until puffed and deep golden. Cook in batches if needed.

Step 10: Cool and serve. Rest 3 minutes so the cheese sets, then serve warm with extra pesto or marinara for dipping.

Tips for the Best Pesto Pinwheels

• Use a thin layer of pesto. Too much oil leaks out and leaves the bottoms soggy.
• Don’t skip the chill. Warm pastry squashes under the knife and unrolls in the basket.
• Leave space in the basket. Crowded pinwheels steam instead of crisping. [Note how many fit in your air fryer model.]
• Line the basket if you like. Perforated air fryer parchment stops melted cheese from sticking without blocking airflow.
• Check early. Air fryers vary, so start checking at 7 minutes the first time you make these.

Variations

• Sun-dried tomato and feta: Scatter chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta over the pesto.
• Chicken pesto pinwheels: Add 1/2 cup finely shredded cooked chicken for a heartier bite.
• Ham and pesto: Layer thin deli ham over the pesto. For a ham version with a different flavor, try my Air Fryer Ranch Ham and Cheese Pinwheels.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño with the cheese.
• Crescent dough: Swap in a tube of crescent dough, pressing the seams together. It’s softer and less flaky; see my Air Fryer Cheese Stuffed Crescent Rolls for how crescent dough behaves in the air fryer.
• Tortilla version: Pesto and mozzarella in a flour tortilla is a quicker, crunchier roll-up, much like my Easy Air Fryer Pizza Roll-Ups.

Make-Ahead, Storage and Reheating

• Make ahead: Roll the log, wrap it tightly and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Slice and air fry just before serving.
• Freeze: Freeze sliced, uncooked pinwheels on a tray, then move them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Air fry from frozen, adding 2 to 3 minutes.
• Store leftovers: Keep cooked pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes to re-crisp. Avoid the microwave, which makes the pastry chewy.

Air Fryer Pesto Pinwheels FAQ

What temperature do you air fry pesto pinwheels? Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, until puffed and deep golden.

Why did my pinwheels unroll? The log was too warm or not sealed. Chill it at least 15 minutes, press the seam firmly, and place slices cut-side down.

Why are the bottoms soggy? Usually too much pesto or oily pesto. Use a thin layer, drain excess oil, and don’t crowd the basket.

Can I bake them in the oven instead? Yes. Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden.

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry? Yes, but they’ll be softer and bread-like rather than flaky. Start checking at 6 minutes.

Are pesto pinwheels vegetarian? Yes, as long as your pesto and Parmesan are made without animal rennet. Check the labels.

More Air Fryer Pinwheel Recipes

• Air Fryer Ranch Ham and Cheese Pinwheels: puff pastry with ranch, ham and cheddar
• Air Fryer Breakfast Pinwheels: bacon and cheddar in puff pastry
• Air Fryer Blueberry Pinwheels: a sweet puff pastry pinwheel for dessert trays
• Air Fryer Cuban Pinwheels: a tortilla pinwheel with Cuban sandwich flavors
• Air Fryer Turkey and Cheese Pinwheel Sandwiches: a lunchbox-friendly roll-up
• Air Fryer Flank Steak Pinwheels: a spinach and feta main dish
• Air Fryer Eggplant Rollatini: another vegetarian Italian-style roll-up