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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Roll-Ups are my lifesaver on jam-packed nights or when friends pop over unexpectedly. I first made them by grabbing some leftover BBQ chicken and using extra pizza dough. Ever since my family keeps bugging me to make them and friends always ask what’s in them. The cheese comes out gooey, the outside gets nice and crunchy in the air fryer, and honestly, it’s kind of magical.
Why These Always Win Hearts
After you try these roll ups, pizza dough won’t ever be boring again. Making them is a blast, and they’re even better to eat. My kids call them “pizza sushi” and love making their own. Plus, they work for everything—quick dinners, parties, or afternoons when everyone’s hungry.
What To Grab
- Red onion: Slice it thin, rolling is a breeze this way.
- Shredded chicken: BBQ leftovers are perfect, super easy.
- BBQ sauce: I use my own but any works, go with your favorite.
- Pizza dough: Store-bought saves a bunch of time.
- Moist mozzarella cheese: Grab fresh pre-shredded, it melts like a dream.
- Parchment paper: Cleanup takes seconds if you use it.
Getting That Chicken Sorted
- Using Leftovers
- I often make extra BBQ chicken for dinner, knowing I’ll need it for these the next day. It’s a little planning that totally pays off.
- Starting Fresh
- If the fridge is empty, boiling chicken breasts in a pot works quick. I shred them using two forks, but honestly, picking up a ready cooked rotisserie at the store is my go-to trick.
How To Handle The Dough
Think of the dough as your blank slate. Let it chill on the counter for about 15 minutes—makes rolling it out way easier. Sprinkle some flour on your countertop so it won’t stick. Trust me, giving it a little time matters a lot.
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Perfecting The Filling
This is where it gets fun. Spread your BBQ sauce, but don’t glob it on or things will get messy. Next, toss on the chicken and then those thin onions. Finish with lots of cheese, just don’t pile it to the very edges or you’ll lose it when rolling.
Rolling Like a Pro
Rolling these up is like making a giant sushi roll. Start at the far end, and gently roll everything up without pushing the filling out. I use my fingers to keep it neat. After a few, you’ll roll like it’s second nature.
Air Fryer Tricks
Can’t believe how much easier my air fryer makes these. Lay down parchment for less scrubbing later. A little spray of oil on top is the secret to getting that crispy, golden finish we all want.
Nailing The Cook
Every air fryer’s got its own quirks, but 370°F has never let me down. Don’t crowd them or they won’t get crisp all over. Opening the basket and seeing that golden crust for the first time always feels like a treat.
Finish Strong
The cheese sprinkle before baking? My family says it’s mandatory. It turns extra crisp, get’s bubbly on top, and you’ll have stringy cheese pulls for days—get your phones ready.
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Serving For Best Results
We love dunking these in more BBQ sauce. Sometimes I whip up ranch on the side, too. My kids actually race to see who can pull the longest cheese stretch when they take a bite.
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extras, pop them in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer—never the microwave—or they won’t be crispy. Give them a few minutes and they taste almost like new.
Top Tricks I’ve Learned
After loads of batches, I’ve picked up some helpful hints. Cut onions as thin as you can, nobody wants big onion chunks slipping out. Less is more when it comes to filling so they don’t explode. And absolutely let them cool a minute—melted cheese is molten!
Ways To Switch Things Up
We get creative sometimes. I’ll swap the sauce for buffalo if we want spicy, use pepper jack if we’re feeling bold, or throw in leftover pulled pork. Every change turns out delicious.
Making It Kid-Friendly
Kids think these are the best thing ever to make. They love squishing dough and tossing cheese around. It gets a little messy, but their proud faces are 100% worth it.
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Air Fryer Magic
Now I can’t imagine making these without my air fryer. I get crispy outsides every time and never have to heat up the oven. Super handy in the summer—my house stays cool and everyone’s happy.
Great For A Crowd
When I’ve got people coming last minute, these always save me. Takes barely any time to whip up and folks act like I spent all day cooking. Secret’s safe with us right?
Prep Early, Chill Later
Some mornings I’ll make these and leave them wrapped up in the fridge until dinner. All I do is toss them in the air fryer in the evening. I always thank past me for making life so easy!
Lessons Learned
Plenty of my first batches were a mess! Some roll ups popped open in the air fryer or made a mess. So always use parchment and don’t try to overpack them. The best hacks usually come from mistakes anyway.
Making It Special
For us, these are way more than just something to eat. They’re what we bring out for movie nights, birthdays, rainy days in the kitchen with the kids. It’s wild that such a simple thing can make the kitchen feel special.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Is a regular oven okay for these?
- Totally! Pop them in at 400°F for about 15 to 16 minutes on a lined tray. Bake until they're nice and golden.
- → Is it bad to use extra sauce?
- Too much sauce makes these fall apart and gets them messy. Stick to the amount listed to keep them together.
- → Rotisserie chicken—can I use it?
- Yep, rotisserie or canned chicken works too. Just be sure to drain it really well first.
- → What’s the deal with parchment paper?
- Parchment keeps the filling inside and helps with less scrubbing after you cook. Super helpful in the air fryer.
- → Can I prep these early?
- These taste best fresh but you can put them together ahead and toss 'em in the air fryer right before you want to eat.