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Easy Crispy Air Fryer Flag Pizza Bites Recipe with Mini Pepperoni Stars

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Quick and fun air fryer pizza bites shaped like flags with mini pepperoni stars, perfect for celebrations or a tasty snack. Crispy edges, melty cheese, and a hint of spice make these bites a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can crescent roll dough (about 8 oz / 227 g)
  • 1 cup mini pepperoni slices (about 100 g), thick-cut
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 113 g), whole milk
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce (120 ml) for dipping
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (1 g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend) (1 g)
  • Flour for dusting
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (15 g)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat for about 5 minutes.
  2. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the crescent roll dough to about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness.
  3. Cut the dough into small rectangles about 2×3 inches (5×7.5 cm).
  4. Use a mini star cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut tiny stars from the mini pepperoni slices.
  5. Brush each dough rectangle lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder and dried Italian herbs over the top.
  6. Add a small handful of shredded mozzarella evenly over each piece.
  7. Arrange the mini pepperoni stars on one corner of each rectangle to mimic the blue star field of a flag. Optionally add thin strips or small pieces of dough to represent stripes or leave it cheesy and simple.
  8. Place the assembled pizza bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if needed.
  9. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 7 to 9 minutes until edges are golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
  10. Check for doneness; bites should be crisp and firm. Add 1-2 extra minutes if cheese isn’t melted enough, watching closely to avoid burning.
  11. Let the bites cool for 2 minutes, then serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Use thick-cut mini pepperoni to prevent curling. Preheat air fryer for even crispiness. Avoid overcrowding bites in the basket to prevent steaming. Rotate basket halfway through cooking for even crisp. Use perforated parchment paper to prevent sticking. For gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free dough and adjust cooking time. For vegan, use dairy-free cheese and omit pepperoni or use vegetarian toppings.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer pizza bites, mini pepperoni stars, crescent roll pizza, quick snack, party appetizer, crispy pizza bites, kid-friendly pizza

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/easy-crispy-air-fryer-flag-pizza-bites-recipe-with-mini-pepperoni-stars/