20-Minute Air Fryer Pizza Stuffed Garlic Knots That Amaze

You know those nights when you’re craving something cheesy, garlicky, and totally indulgent—but don’t want to wait for delivery? That’s how these air fryer pizza stuffed garlic knots were born in my kitchen. I was halfway through a movie marathon, my stomach growled, and I needed a snack STAT. A can of pizza dough, some leftover pepperoni, and a wild idea later… magic happened. Crispy on the outside, oozy with cheese inside, and ready in under 20 minutes—these little knots are my go-to for impromptu game nights, kid sleepovers, or just treating myself. Trust me, once you try them, that takeout menu’s getting buried in the junk drawer.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Pizza Stuffed Garlic Knots

Listen—I’ve made these knots at least a dozen times now, and here’s why they’ve become my emergency snack superheroes:

• Speed demon fast: From fridge to plate in 20 minutes flat (perfect for hangry emergencies)
• Texture heaven: That magical combo of crispy golden crust giving way to melty cheese
• Pepperoni pockets: Every bite has a little surprise meaty-cheesy explosion
• Better than delivery: Fresh garlic butter aroma that’ll make your kitchen smell like an Italian bistro
• Totally yours: Swap in mushrooms, olives, or just extra cheese—it’s your pizza party!

My neighbor Karen stole three off my plate last week. That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Pizza Stuffed Garlic Knots

Here’s everything you’ll need for these cheesy, garlicky pockets of joy – measurements matter, so no eyeballing!

• 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough – the kind that pops open (music to my ears!)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – fresh-grated melts better than pre-shredded
• 1/4 cup mini pepperoni slices – the tiny ones nestle perfectly
• 2 tbsp melted butter – unsalted so we control the salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder – not fresh! Powder clings better
• 1 tsp dried parsley – for that pizzeria look
• 1/4 tsp salt – just enough to make flavors pop
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce – for dunking, obviously!

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Ran out of something? No panic – here are my kitchen-tested swaps:

• Dough: Use homemade or thawed frozen – just roll to 1/4″ thick
• Cheese: Monterey Jack or provolone work great too
• Pepperoni: Diced ham, cooked sausage, or veggies keep it veg-friendly
• Butter: Olive oil in a pinch, but butter’s better for browning

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Equipment Needed for Air Fryer Pizza Stuffed Garlic Knots

You probably have most of this stuff already – that’s the beauty of this recipe! Here’s what you’ll want within arm’s reach:

• Air fryer – Any size works, but leave space between knots
• Pastry brush – For slathering that garlic butter goodness
• Parchment paper – Optional, but makes cleanup a breeze
• Knife or pizza cutter – For slicing dough strips
• Small bowl – Garlic butter mixing station

That’s it! No fancy gadgets required – just hungry hands ready to devour these knots.

How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Stuffed Garlic Knots

Okay, let’s get to the fun part – turning that humble can of dough into golden, cheesy masterpieces. I’ve learned a few tricks through trial and error (mostly error – my first batch looked like pizza dumplings). Follow these steps and yours will come out perfect on the first try!

Step 1: Prep the Dough & Fillings

First, unroll that beautiful dough on a lightly floured surface. Use a pizza cutter to slice it into 8 even strips – I eyeball it, but you can measure if you’re fancy. Now the stuffing: pinch off a little cheese and 3-4 mini pepperonis, pile them near one end of each strip. Here’s the key – don’t overstuff! Too much and they’ll burst open like overexcited presents.

Step 2: Shape and Air Fry

Time for knot therapy! Fold the dough over the filling and roll it up, pinching the ends to seal tight. Mix melted butter with garlic powder, parsley, and salt – this is liquid gold, people. Brush every nook and cranny. Arrange knots in your preheated 350°F air fryer with breathing room (they puff up!). 8-10 minutes later, you’ll have crispy, golden bundles of joy. The cheese will be bubbling – resist eating them immediately unless you enjoy molten cheese burns!

Want another pizza-inspired air fryer idea? Try these Air Fryer Pizza Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms—a low-carb, flavor-packed twist that pairs perfectly with cheesy garlic knots.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pizza Stuffed Garlic Knots

After making these more times than I can count (okay, maybe six batches last weekend), here are my hard-earned secrets for knot perfection:

• Seal like your snack depends on it: Really pinch those edges – cheese lava escapes are tragic!
• Air fryer real estate matters: Give each knot personal space or they’ll stick together like shy middle-schoolers
• Butter brush ballet: Hit every crevice – dry spots are culinary crimes
• Peek but don’t poke: Check at 8 minutes, but opening too often drops the temperature
• Restraint is key: Let them cool 2 minutes – molten cheese burns hurt worse than heartbreak

My dog once stole an unsealed knot off the counter. The cheese trail led straight to his guilty face.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Pizza Stuffed Garlic Knots

These garlic knots are basically little edible party starters! I love serving them fresh from the air fryer with a side of warm marinara for dipping – the tangy sauce cuts through all that buttery goodness. For movie nights, we make it a full spread with a crisp Caesar salad and extra pepperoni on the side. Last weekend, my niece dunked hers in ranch dressing (I gasped, but she swore it was amazing). Honestly? They disappear so fast, you’ll be lucky if any make it to plates!

Storage & Reheating

Got leftovers? (Unlikely, but miracles happen!) Store cooled knots in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The trick to reviving that just-made magic? Skip the microwave—it turns them sad and soggy. Instead, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. They’ll crisp right back up like they’re fresh off the assembly line. Pro tip: Add a quick butter-garlic brush before reheating for extra shine!

Looking for more creative pizza snacks and quick air fryer recipes? Dive into our boards on Pinterest for endless inspiration and trending ideas.

FAQs About Air Fryer Pizza Stuffed Garlic Knots

Nutritional Information

Here’s the skinny on these indulgent bites (per knot): about 120 calories, 6g fat, and 4g protein. Remember – values change based on your exact ingredients and how generously you brush that garlic butter!