Difficulty
Easy
Prep time
15 minutes
Cooking time
8 minutes
Total time
23 minutes
Servings
24 pinwheels (6-8 servings)
Experience the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory with these irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels. This crowd pleasing appetizer combines the convenience of store bought crescent dough with the vibrant flavor of pepper jelly for a quick yet impressive dish. The air fryer creates perfectly golden, flaky pinwheels in minutes, making this recipe ideal for last minute entertaining or when you need a delicious appetizer without the fuss. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, game day party, or simply want to elevate your snack game, these pinwheels deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort!
Ingredients
1 tube (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
1/2 cup pepper jelly (red or green)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
2 tablespoons finely diced red bell pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of salt
Non-stick cooking spray for the air fryer basket
Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Execution
Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, green onions, diced red bell pepper, garlic powder, and salt until well combined.
Roll Out the Dough: Unroll the crescent dough sheet on a clean, lightly floured surface. If using perforated crescent roll dough, press the seams together to create one solid rectangle.
Apply the Layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Next, carefully spread the pepper jelly over the cream cheese layer.
Create the Roll: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Use a sharp knife to trim the uneven ends if desired.
Chill for Better Slicing: Place the roll in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to firm up (this makes it easier to slice cleanly).
Slice into Pinwheels: With a sharp knife, cut the chilled roll into approximately 24 slices, each about 1/2-inch thick.
Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray.
Cook the Pinwheels: Place the pinwheels in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
Serve: Allow the pinwheels to cool for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired.
Additional tips
- Jelly Selection: For a milder flavor, use red pepper jelly; for more heat, opt for habanero pepper jelly.
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare the roll up to 24 hours in advance, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to slice and cook.
- Cheese Variations: Try substituting pepper jack for the cheddar to add more spice, or use a blend of cream cheese and goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Serving Suggestion: These pinwheels pair beautifully with a complementary dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or a cooling yogurt-based dip.
- Conventional Oven Method: No air fryer? Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Extra Crispy Option: For extra crispy pinwheels, lightly brush the tops with melted butter before air frying.
- Freezer-Friendly: Uncooked pinwheels can be frozen for up to 1 month. Freeze sliced pinwheels on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time when cooking from frozen.
FAQ
1. Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of store-bought?
Yes! Homemade crescent or puff pastry dough works beautifully in this recipe, though it will increase your prep time.
2. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out while cooking?
Make sure to leave that 1/2-inch border around the edges of the dough and don’t overfill. Additionally, chilling the roll before slicing helps keep the filling in place.
3. Can I make these pinwheels without an air fryer?
Bake them in a conventional oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
4. How should I store leftover pinwheels?
Store cooled pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness.
5. Can I add protein to make these more substantial?
Yes! Try adding 1/4 cup of finely diced ham, cooked bacon bits, or shredded rotisserie chicken to the cream cheese mixture.
6. Are these pinwheels spicy?
The spice level depends on the pepper jelly you choose. For a kid-friendly version, use a milder pepper jelly or substitute with apricot preserves for a sweet variation.
7. What can I substitute for pepper jelly if I can’t find it?
You can use any fruit preserves mixed with a pinch of red pepper flakes, or try a combination of honey and hot sauce adjusted to your preferred heat level.
8. Can I make mini versions of these pinwheels for a larger party?
Yes! Simply cut the slices thinner, about 1/4-inch thick, and reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes while watching closely to prevent burning.