Pizza rolls are a popular frozen snack that can be prepared quickly and easily in the microwave. Many people wonder how long to microwave pizza rolls for best results. The answer depends on several factors, including the wattage of your microwave, the number of pizza rolls, and personal preference for doneness. Most pizza roll packages provide microwave instructions, but a general guideline is 1-2 minutes per 6-12 pizza rolls.
Microwave Wattage
The wattage, or power, of your microwave directly impacts cooking times. Higher wattage microwaves cook faster than lower wattage models. Refer to your microwave’s manual to find the wattage if you are unsure. Some common wattages include:
- 500-600 watts
- 750-900 watts
- 1000-1100 watts
For a lower wattage 500-600 watt microwave, cooking times need to be a bit longer than a higher 1000+ watt appliance. You may need to add 15-30 seconds extra microwave time with a lower wattage unit.
Number of Pizza Rolls
The more pizza rolls you are cooking, the longer the microwave time. A small number of rolls will cook faster than a whole box or bag. Here are some general guidelines based on quantity:
- 6-12 rolls: 1-1 1/2 minutes
- 24-36 rolls: 2-3 minutes
- 48-72 rolls: 3 1/2-4 1/2 minutes
For packages with 25-50 rolls, start with 2-3 minutes cook time and check frequently, adding more time in 30 second increments as needed.
Personal Preference
Microwave cooking times for pizza rolls also depend on desired doneness. Some people prefer lightly heated rolls while others like piping hot rolls throughout. Adjust cook times up or down based on your preference.
For lightly heated pizza rolls: Start with the lower end of the recommended microwave time, checking often. This prevents overcooking the filling but heats the outside.
For piping hot pizza rolls: Use the higher end of recommended cooking times, adding extra time in 30 second increments if needed until the filling is heated through.
If your pizza rolls are cooked unevenly, stir or rearrange them halfway through and continue microwaving until the centers are hot.
Tips for Microwaving Pizza Rolls
Follow these tips for microwaving pizza rolls to help achieve ideal results:
- Arrange rolls in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Let rolls stand 1-2 minutes after cooking to allow heat to fully penetrate. The inside will continue heating during the standing time.
- For best texture, do not microwave frozen rolls straight from the freezer. Thaw first in the refrigerator overnight.
- Cover pizza rolls with a damp paper towel to prevent over-drying in the microwave.
- Stir or rearrange halfway through for more even heating.
- Use a lower power level (80%) if your microwave tends to overcook.
Microwave Cooking Chart
Use this chart as a guideline for microwave times based on the number of pizza rolls and microwave wattage:
| Number of Rolls | 500-600 Watts | 750-900 Watts | 1000+ Watts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-12 | 1 1/2 – 2 min | 1 – 1 1/2 min | 1 min |
| 24-36 | 3 – 3 1/2 min | 2 – 2 1/2 min | 2 min |
| 48-72 | 4 1/2 – 5 min | 3 1/2 – 4 min | 3 – 3 1/2 min |
Oven Baking Times
For crispier pizza rolls, baking in the oven is recommended. Follow package instructions for oven temperatures and times. General baking guidelines:
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Arrange rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased foil
- Bake 14-18 minutes, until golden brown
- Let cool 1-2 minutes before serving
Baking yields a crispy outer shell while heating the filling completely through. Microwaving tends to create a softer texture overall.
Air Fryer Cooking
An air fryer can make amazingly crispy pizza rolls without the need for oil. Follow air fryer directions for amount and cook times. General air fryer guidelines:
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding
- Cook 6-8 minutes, flip/shake halfway
- Monitor closely and add 1-2 minutes if needed
The air fryer gives the crispy, crunchy texture of fried pizza rolls without all the oil. Just be sure not to overload the fryer basket for even cooking.
Deep Frying
For ultra crispy pizza rolls, deep frying is hard to beat. However, this method requires safely heating several cups of oil in a stock pot or deep fryer. Follow safety precautions when deep frying and use caution to avoid burns. General deep frying directions:
- Heat 2-3 inches oil to 350°F
- Fry rolls in batches of 6-8 pieces
- Fry 2-3 minutes until golden brown
- Drain on paper towel-lined plate
- Let cool 1-2 minutes before serving
The hot oil produces an irresistibly crunchy exterior while heating the inside. Use caution when deep frying and keep kids away from the hot oil.
Troubleshooting
Having trouble getting your pizza rolls cooked just right? Here are some common issues and solutions:
Uneven cooking
Rearrange or stir pizza rolls halfway through microwave time. Do not overcrowd rolls on the plate or in the oven. For the oven, use a pan with low sides for better air circulation.
Unfilled centers
Microwave in shorter increments, checking frequently. Let stand 1-2 minutes after cooking to allow heat to distribute inward. For the oven, use convection bake if available for more even heating.
Tough, rubbery texture
Avoid cooking frozen pizza rolls straight from the freezer. Always thaw overnight first for best texture. Also, do not overcook in the microwave or oven which can toughen the dough.
Burst pizza rolls
Pierce each roll once with a fork before cooking to allow steam to escape. This prevents splitting. Also, do not overfill air fryer or oven trays which can prevent air circulation.
Greasy pizza rolls
For baked rolls, line the pan with parchment paper or foil and spray lightly with nonstick spray. Baking direct on a pan can cause greasiness. For air fried rolls, spray the fryer basket to reduce sticking.
Storing Leftovers
For enjoying pizza rolls another day, proper storage is important. Here are the best ways to store leftover pizza rolls:
- Refrigeration: Place cooked pizza rolls in a single layer on a plate or in a storage container. Cover and refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Let pizza rolls cool completely, then place in freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
- Reheating: Microwave leftovers on half power in 30 second intervals until heated through, 1-2 minutes. Oven reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes if desired crispiness.
With proper storage methods, leftover pizza rolls can be just as delicious as freshly cooked ones. Just be sure to reheat fully before serving.
Conclusion
Microwaving is the quickest cooking method for pizza rolls, taking just 1-5 minutes depending on quantity and wattage. Allowing standing time and stirring halfway through ensures even heating. For maximum crispness, baking in the oven or air fryer is recommended. Deep frying also yields deliciously crispy results but requires caution when cooking with hot oil. Adjust cook times based on your preference for doneness. With the proper cooking time for your microwave or oven, you can enjoy perfectly heated pizza rolls every time.