Air Fryer Pizza Sticks Perfect for Dipping

Name: Air Fryer Pizza Breadsticks
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 14 min
Ingredients: 1 can Pillsbury pizza crust; 40 Pepperoni slices; 10 Mozzarella cheese sticks; 2 tbsp Butter (Melted); 1/2 tsp Garlic powder; 1/2 tsp Dried parsley; Marinara sauce (for dipping)

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Air Fryer Pizza Sticks are a great appetizer to serve at your next get-together or a perfect snack since they're simple to make and super tasty!

Cathy Yoder Published on January 31, 2026 The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the full disclosure

Air Fryer Pizza Sticks (Easy Pizza Breadsticks Recipe)

air fryer pizza sticks on a plate with marinara dipping sauce

Cheesy Pizza Sticks or Pizza Breadsticks in the Air Fryer

Learning fun and new recipes to make and share is one of my favorite things to do, and these Air Fryer Pizza Sticks are always a hit. They’re cheesy, golden, and incredibly easy to make — and they also double perfectly as air fryer pizza breadsticks with one simple shaping tweak.

You can serve them as a simple appetizer for your next game night, make them as a fun side dish for pizza night, or even whip them up as a quick after-school snack. This is also a great recipe to let the whole family get involved in, especially kids, since the steps are super straightforward (and rolling the dough is the best part!).

Be sure to check out my website or YouTube channel for even more family-friendly recipes that are easy and (of course) delicious.

Ingredients and Supplies You’ll Need to Make Air Fryer Pizza Sticks

ingredients for air fryer pizza sticks including pizza dough pepperoni mozzarella butter and seasonings

Ingredients

Pillsbury pizza crust, tube
Pepperoni slices
Mozzarella cheese sticks
Butter
Garlic powder
Dried parsley
Marinara sauce, for dipping

Supplies

Baking sheet
Oil Sprayer
Pizza cutter
Small microwave-safe bowl
Pastry brush
Air fryer (Cosori Pro II)

step-by-step collage showing how to make pizza sticks in the air fryer

Type of Mozzarella Cheese to Use

When you’re planning to make this recipe, having the right mozzarella makes a big difference. While you can use shredded mozzarella, you won’t get that same thick, gooey “cheese pull” that makes pizza sticks (and pizza breadsticks!) so satisfying.

For the best results, use mozzarella cheese sticks. They hold their shape better, melt evenly, and create that perfect cheesy center. If your cheese sticks are extra soft, pop them in the freezer for 10 minutes before assembling — it helps reduce leaks during cooking.

Air Fryer Pizza Breadsticks vs Pizza Sticks

Pizza sticks and pizza breadsticks are super similar, but the way you shape them changes how they look and how you serve them. The best part? This exact recipe works for both.

Pizza sticks are rolled tighter around the cheese stick for a filled, dippable snack.
Pizza breadsticks are often shaped a little wider (or sliced after cooking) so they feel more like shareable breadsticks.
Both cook beautifully in the air fryer using the same temperature and time.

If you’re specifically searching for air fryer pizza breadsticks, here are two easy ways to do it:

Wider shape: Cut fewer, wider rectangles so each piece looks more like a breadstick.
Slice after cooking: Make them as written, then slice each stick in half lengthwise or crosswise before serving.

Dips for Serving Pizza Sticks

While we suggest serving these with warm marinara sauce, you can also try them with buttermilk ranch, pizza sauce, garlic butter sauce, or even a spicy drizzle (hello, sriracha ranch). Basically, anything you’d normally dip your pizza in will work!

Want extra “pizza shop” vibes? Sprinkle a little parmesan and Italian seasoning on top right when they come out of the air fryer.

If you’re curious about how different dough types affect texture, King Arthur Baking has a helpful guide on dough basics that’s worth a quick read.
King Arthur Baking
(great for learning how dough behaves).

How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Sticks (or Pizza Breadsticks)

Step 1: Prepare the dough

rolling and cutting pizza dough into rectangles for pizza sticks

When you are ready to begin, start by spreading the pizza dough out on a lightly greased baking sheet. Then, using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 10 equal-size rectangles. (For pizza breadsticks, cut fewer rectangles so each one is wider.)

Step 2: Create the pizza stick

placing pepperoni slices on cut pizza dough rectangles

Once you have the pizza dough rolled out and cut, arrange 4 pepperoni slices on each rectangle.

adding mozzarella cheese stick to pizza dough rectangle

Top each piece of dough with a mozzarella cheese stick.

rolling pizza dough around cheese stick to form pizza stick

Then roll up the pizza dough, overlapping slightly, enclosing the cheese stick. Pinch the seam closed as best you can, and pinch the ends closed too. (That little pinch is the difference between “perfectly gooey” and “cheese escape artist.”)

mixing melted butter with garlic powder and parsley

After all of the sticks have been rolled, melt the butter in the microwave and add the garlic powder and dried parsley. Mix it all together.

brushing pizza sticks with garlic butter mixture before air frying

Brush each of the pizza sticks with the seasoned butter mixture. Don’t skip this — it’s what gives you that golden top and buttery garlic flavor that tastes like it came from a pizza place.

Step 3: Cook the pizza sticks

pizza sticks arranged in air fryer basket ready to cook

When all the pizza sticks are ready, place them in the air fryer basket (leave a little space between them) and cook at 370°F (189°C) for 6–7 minutes, or until the dough is golden and cooked to your liking. Be sure to flip them at the halfway point so they cook evenly.

cooked air fryer pizza sticks served with marinara dipping sauce

Enjoy the air fryer pizza sticks warm with marinara sauce for dipping. If you made them as pizza breadsticks, slice and serve immediately while they’re hot and melty.

Pro Tips for the Best Pizza Sticks

Seal the seams: Pinch the seam and ends firmly so the cheese stays inside.
Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed for even browning.
Freeze soft cheese sticks: 10 minutes in the freezer can help prevent leaks.
Extra crisp finish: Add 1–2 more minutes if you like them deeply golden (every air fryer runs a little different).

Air Fryer Pizza Breadsticks FAQ

Can I make pizza breadsticks in the air fryer?

Yes! This recipe works perfectly as air fryer pizza breadsticks. Just roll the dough a bit wider (cut fewer rectangles) or slice the finished pizza sticks into breadstick-sized pieces before serving.

What’s the difference between pizza sticks and pizza breadsticks?

Pizza sticks are typically rolled tighter around the cheese for a filled, dippable snack. Pizza breadsticks are wider and often sliced for sharing. They cook the same way in the air fryer — it’s mostly about shape and serving style.

Can I skip the pepperoni?

Absolutely. Make them as cheesy pizza breadsticks with just mozzarella, or add other fillings like cooked sausage, olives, or diced peppers (just don’t overfill or they’ll be harder to seal).

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until warmed through and crisp again.

More Ways to Make Pizza in the Air Fryer

There are so many great pizza recipes you can make in the air fryer. Why limit yourself to just one?! If you love this recipe, you should definitely try a few more of our favorites:

Air fryer pizza recipes:

air fryer pizza sticks close-up showing melty cheese inside

Final Thoughts

Are these pizza sticks tasty? Yes. Are they easy to make? Yes. Does everyone love them? Yes! This is one of those recipes that disappears fast, so if you’re making them for a crowd… you might want to double it.

And if your family is more of a breadstick crew, shape them wider and call them air fryer pizza breadsticks — same delicious result, just a different vibe. What fillings or dips would your family love most with these?

Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes That Are Easy and Scrumptious

finished pizza sticks and dipping sauce collage for air fryer instructions

Air Fryer Pizza Breadsticks

Air Fryer Pizza Breadsticks are a great appetizer to serve at your next get-together or a perfect snack since they’re simple to make and super tasty!

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Print Rate

Prep Time: 7

Cook Time: 7

Total Time: 14

Serves: 5

Adjust Servings: 5

Equipment

Baking sheet
Oil sprayer
Pizza Cutter
Small microwave-safe bowl
Pastry brush
Air Fryer

Ingredients

1 can Pillsbury pizza crust
40 Pepperoni slices
10 Mozzarella cheese sticks
2 tbsp Butter Melted
½ tsp Garlic powder
½ tsp Dried parsley
Marinara sauce for dipping

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Instructions

Spread the pizza dough out on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cut the dough into 10 equal size rectangles.
Arrange 4 pepperoni slices on each rectangle and top with a mozzarella cheese stick.
Roll up the pizza dough, enclosing the cheese stick, pinching the seams closed.
Melt the butter and add the garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush the pizza sticks with the butter.
Place in the air fryer basket and cook at 370 °F for 6-7 minutes, or until dough is golden and cooked to your liking. Flip at the halfway point.
Enjoy warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping if desired.