Air Fryer Pizza Cannoli

Air Fryer Pizza Cannoli — We’re all about trying new things in the kitchen, and this Air Fryer Pizza Cannoli is no exception! It’s a fun and easy way to change your typical pizza night.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftovers. Give it a try!

Who doesn’t love pizza? Especially when it is smothered in cheese and toppings? But what about when you want that delicious pizza flavor but you want a quick snack?

Enter the air fryer pizza cannoli. This dish is a twist on two classic Italian favorites and utilizes the air fryer to create a crispy crust without needing oil.

So, if you are looking for a healthier way to enjoy your favorite food? Give this recipe a try!

What Is A Pizza Cannoli?

A Pizza Cannoli is a creative fusion dish that combines elements of traditional Italian pizza with the form and concept of a cannoli, a classic Italian dessert. Instead of the sweet, crispy shell and ricotta filling of a regular cannoli, a Pizza Cannoli features a shell made from pizza dough filled with typical pizza ingredients.

Here’s a basic outline of a Pizza Cannoli:

• Shell: The shell is made from pizza dough, rolled thin, and cut into circles or ovals. These dough pieces are then wrapped around cannoli forms and baked or fried until crispy, like a regular pizza crust.
• Filling: The filling typically includes ingredients found on pizzas, such as tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and various toppings like pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, or herbs. This filling is cooked and then inserted into the baked pizza dough shells.
• Serving: Pizza Cannolis can be served as an appetizer, snack, or a fun twist on a traditional pizza meal. They offer the flavors of pizza in a novel, handheld format.

This dish is a testament to the versatility and adaptability of pizza, merging it with the format of a cannoli for a unique and enjoyable culinary experience. The possibilities for customization are vast, allowing for a wide range of flavor combinations based on personal preferences or traditional pizza recipes.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

The recipe for Air Fryer Pizza Cannoli is sure to become a favorite for several compelling reasons:

• Innovative Twist on Classic Flavors: This recipe combines the beloved taste of traditional pizza with the fun and unique form of a cannoli, creating an exciting new way to enjoy familiar flavors.
• Convenience and Speed: Using an air fryer significantly speeds up the cooking process, making it a quick and convenient option for a snack or meal, especially when you’re short on time.
• Healthier Option: Air frying requires significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, making these pizza cannolis healthier without compromising taste or texture.
• Customizable: Like traditional pizzas, these cannolis can be filled with various ingredients to suit any taste preference, from classic pepperoni and cheese to more gourmet combinations.
• Perfect Party Snack: Their handheld size and delightful appearance make air fryer pizza cannolis a perfect party snack or appetizer that’s sure to impress guests.
• Fun to Make: Making pizza cannolis is engaging and fun, making it a great activity for kids or friends.
• Crispy Texture: The air fryer excels at creating a crispy outer shell, a delightful contrast to the gooey, melted cheese and flavorful fillings inside.

Enjoying these air fryer pizza cannolis means indulging in a unique, tasty, and convenient treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

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What Is Pizza Cannoli?

Who doesn’t love pizza? I mean, it’s cheese and tomato sauce on a crispy crust. What’s not to love?

But what about taking that deliciousness to the next level by wrapping it up in a puff pastry? Yes, please! This recipe is easy to follow and will make your guests think you’re a culinary genius. So get ready to amaze your friends and family with this new take on an old classic – pizza cannoli! Enjoy!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Pizza Cannoli

Do you have an air fryer? If you don’t, you’re missing out! This small appliance can do amazing things, like make delicious pizzas. I’m going to show you how to make air fryer pizza cannoli. It’s a fun and easy dish that the whole family will love.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Puff Pastry: Use a defrosted puff pastry sheet.
• Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade pizza sauce.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Creates the crispy exterior of your pizza.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella shredded cheese or mini mozzarella chunks.
• Basil: Use fresh basil leaves. You can also use dried ones.
• Egg Wash: Use room temperature egg and water to help your puff pastry crisp up and help the panko adhere to the puff pastry.

How To Make Air Fryer Pizza Cannoli

Making Air Fryer Pizza Cannoli is a fun and easy process. Here’s how you can do it:

Begin by slicing your puff pastry into eight equal squares.

Slice your mozzarella into 1-2 inch chunks or cubes.

Turning your square of puff pastry to where it creates a diamond shape, add 1-2 tablespoons of the chunky tomato sauce in the center.  Add a few pieces of mozzarella cheese on top of the chunky tomato sauce. Add a few leaves of basil on top of the mozzarella cheese.

Fold the corners of the puff pastry over the center, leaving the top and bottom open.

In a shallow bowl, create the egg wash by adding both the one large egg and the 2 tsp of water. Beat until well combined. Place the folded pizza cannoli into the egg wash. Be sure to brush the top of the egg wash as well. 

Shake the excess egg off and move the pizza cannoli to the panko crumbs. Coat the pizza cannoli with panko crumbs and spray generously with olive oil. Air Fry for 5-6 minutes at 400 degrees F or until golden brown

Pro Tips:

• Crowding: For best results, do not crowd the air fryer basket. You want the hot air to circulate around the puff pastry, which will help it rise and get golden brown. So, leave plenty of space around the dough.
• Flipping: You should not need to flip these. However, depending on the air fryer, you may notice that the top doesn’t get fully cooked. If you find that, return the pizza cannolis to the air fryer and cook at 300 degrees F for a few minutes or until golden brown.
• Timing: Since every air fryer is slightly different, the cooking time may vary, so remember to watch your pizza cannolis as they cook up so they get perfectly cooked.

Recipe Variations

Experimenting with different variations of Air Fryer Pizza Cannoli can add exciting and personalized touches to this innovative dish. Here are some recipe variation ideas:

• Different Cheeses: Beyond mozzarella, try incorporating cheeses like ricotta for a creamier filling, provolone for a sharper taste, or smoked cheese for added depth of flavor.
• Meat Lovers’ Version: Pack the cannoli with various meats such as pepperoni, cooked sausage, ham, or bacon for a hearty and satisfying filling.
• Vegetarian Delight: Fill your cannoli with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, spinach, olives, and cheese.
• BBQ Chicken Twist: Use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce, and fill with a mixture of shredded BBQ chicken, red onions, and cheddar cheese for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Buffalo Chicken Style: Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and blue cheese or ranch dressing for a spicy and tangy filling.
• Hawaiian Theme: Combine ham and pineapple chunks with mozzarella for a tropical-inspired filling.
• Breakfast Cannoli: Create a breakfast version using scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, and cheese, perfect for a unique brunch item.
• Pesto Infusion: Swirl some pesto into your cheese mixture for an aromatic and herby flavor profile.
• Mini Cannoli: Make smaller-sized cannoli for bite-sized appetizers or party snacks, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pizza dough for a healthier alternative or to cater to dietary restrictions.

These variations allow you to tailor the Air Fryer Pizza Cannoli to suit any taste preference, occasion, or dietary need, making them a versatile and exciting dish to experiment with.

How To Store

While these are best served right after air frying, you can easily store them for your next meal. Let them cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container. They will last in the refrigerator for a couple of days.

You can reheat it in the air fryer or microwave, heating it until warm.

Freezing

These pizza cannolis make an excellent freezer snack. You can double or even triple the recipe and freeze a batch.

Prepare as directed, and then place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until frozen solid. Then remove the frozen pizza cannolis and put them into a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They will last in the freezer for 1 to 2 months.

Place the frozen pizza cannolis in the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees F, cooking for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.

More Air Fryer Recipes

The air fryer is a marvelous invention that has made cooking easier and more fun. If you haven’t already gotten one, now is the time! With all of the great recipes out there, we wanted to share some of our favorite air fryer snacks with you. Whether you’re looking for something easy or a little more challenging, we’ve covered you. So check out these recipes and get cooking!

• AIR FRYER TRADER JOE’S SOUTHWEST CHICKEN QUESADILLAS
• AIR FRYER PIZZA ROLLS WITH GARLIC PARMESAN BUTTER
• MEXICAN AIR FRYER RECIPES
• AIR FRYER CHICKEN PARMESAN MEATBALLS
• AIR FRYER CRAB STUFFED MUSHROOMS
• EASY AIR FRYER BUFFALO CHICKEN PULL-APART BREAD

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