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These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Roll-Ups have become my go-to recipe for busy weeknights and impromptu gatherings. I stumbled upon this creation when trying to use up leftover BBQ chicken and some pizza dough in my fridge. Now my family begs for them and friends always ask for the recipe. The way the cheese gets all melty and the outside turns perfectly crispy in the air fryer is just pure magic.
Why Everyone Loves These
Trust me once you make these roll ups you'll never look at pizza dough the same way again. They're so much fun to make and even more fun to eat. My kids call them pizza sushi and love helping me in the kitchen. Plus they're perfect for any occasion from game day to quick dinners.
Everything You Need
- Pizza dough: I grab the refrigerated kind saves so much time.
- Shredded chicken: Leftover BBQ chicken works great here.
- BBQ sauce: Use your favorite mine's homemade.
- Mozzarella cheese: Fresh shredded melts so much better.
- Red onion: Slice it super thin it makes rolling easier.
- Parchment paper: My secret for easy cleanup.
Getting Your Chicken Ready
- Starting Fresh
- If you don't have leftover chicken don't worry. I just pop some chicken breasts in water let them simmer until tender. Two forks make quick work of shredding it. Though between us a rotisserie chicken from the store is my favorite shortcut.
- Using Leftovers
- Sometimes I plan ahead and make extra BBQ chicken just so I can make these roll ups the next day. Trust me it's worth thinking ahead.
Let's Talk Dough
The pizza dough is your canvas here. I've learned to let it sit out for about 15 minutes before working with it makes it so much easier to roll. Keep it at room temperature and dust your surface with a little flour to prevent sticking. Little tricks like this make all the difference.
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Getting Those Fillings Right
Here's where the magic happens. Spread that BBQ sauce in a nice thin layer don't go overboard or it'll leak everywhere. Layer your chicken then those paper thin onions. That cheese goes on last and trust me more is more here but keep it about an inch from the edges.
Rolling Made Easy
Think of it like rolling sushi. Start at one end and keep it tight but not so tight that everything squishes out. I use my fingertips to guide everything and keep it even. Once you get the hang of it you'll be a pro.
Air Fryer Success
My air fryer has changed how I cook these completely. That parchment paper trick I mentioned? Game changer. A little spritz of cooking spray helps get that gorgeous golden brown color we're all after.
The Perfect Cook
Every air fryer is a bit different but I've found 370°F is the sweet spot. Give them space in the basket they need room to crisp up. That first time you peek and see them turning golden it's like Christmas morning.
The Final Touch
That extra sprinkle of cheese on top? Non-negotiable in my house. It gets all crispy and bubbly and creates these amazing cheese pulls that make everyone grab their phones for pictures.
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Serving It Up
In our house we love these with extra BBQ sauce for dipping. Sometimes I'll whip up a quick ranch dressing too. My kids like to compete for who can get the longest cheese pull when they take that first bite.
Saving For Later
If you somehow have leftovers they keep beautifully in the fridge. Just pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes and they're almost as good as fresh. The key is reheating them in the air fryer never the microwave trust me on this one.
My Best Tips
After making these countless times I've learned a few tricks. Keep those onions super thin nobody wants a big chunk of onion falling out. Don't overfill or they'll burst while cooking. And always always let them cool for a minute before biting in that cheese is hot.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I'll swap out the BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce when we're craving heat. My husband loves when I add pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. You can even use different meats I've made them with leftover pulled pork and they were amazing.
Getting The Kids Involved
This is such a fun recipe to make with kids. They love helping roll the dough and sprinkle the cheese. Yes it gets messy but seeing their proud faces when they create their own roll ups is priceless.
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Air Fryer Love
My air fryer has become my best friend for these roll ups. They come out perfectly crispy every time without turning on the big oven. Plus in summer it doesn't heat up the whole kitchen which is a huge win.
Party Perfect
These have saved me at so many last minute gatherings. I can whip up a batch in no time and they're always a hit. People think I spent hours in the kitchen but we know better right?
Prep Ahead Magic
Sometimes I'll prep these in the morning roll them up and keep them covered in the fridge. Then when dinner time comes I just pop them in the air fryer. It's like giving a gift to my future self.
Learning From Mistakes
Trust me I've had my share of exploding roll ups and messy air fryers. That's why I always use parchment paper now and don't overstuff them. Sometimes the best tips come from those kitchen fails right?
Making Memories
These roll ups have become more than just a recipe in our house. They're movie night snacks birthday dinner requests and afternoon cooking projects with the kids. It's amazing how something so simple can bring so much joy to the kitchen.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these in a regular oven?
- Yes, bake at 400°F for 15-16 minutes on a lined baking sheet until golden brown and cooked through.
- → Why shouldn't I add extra sauce?
- Too much sauce will make the roll-ups fall apart and lose their shape. Stick to the recommended amount for best results.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
- Yes, you can use any shredded chicken including rotisserie or canned chicken. Just make sure it's well drained.
- → Why use parchment paper?
- Parchment paper prevents the filling from falling through the air fryer basket and makes cleanup easier.
- → Can I make these ahead?
- While best served fresh, you can prepare the roll-ups ahead and cook just before serving for the best texture.