Easy Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels: Quick & Tasty Appetizer

Name: Easy Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet flaky pastry dough (puff pastry); 1/2 cup pepper jelly; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Posted on September 11, 2025

Lunch

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Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever craved a delightful appetizer that perfectly balances sweetness and spice? Easy Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels offer a burst of flavor in every bite, combining flaky pastry with a rich pepper jelly filling. These pinwheels are not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to prepare, making them the perfect addition to any gathering.

Imagine serving these tasty pinwheels at your next family get-together or game day party, where guests can’t resist coming back for more. The aroma of the warm, crispy pastry mingling with the sweet and spicy notes of pepper jelly creates an irresistible invitation. As they pop out of the air fryer, golden and delicious, you’ll feel an overwhelming sense of satisfaction knowing you’ve prepared a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Key Ingredients For Easy Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels: A Quick Appetizer

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Flaky Pastry Dough: Use store-bought puff pastry for convenience; it’s light and puffs up beautifully when cooked.
Pepper Jelly: Choose a high-quality pepper jelly for the best flavor; it adds both sweetness and heat to the pinwheel.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese helps bind the ingredients together while adding creaminess to each bite.
Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a mild onion flavor that complements the sweetness of the jelly.
Shredded Cheese: Use your favorite cheese for extra flavor, such as cheddar or mozzarella; it melts nicely and enhances texture.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Easy Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels: A Quick Appetizer

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step : Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about five minutes while you prepare the pinwheels.

Second Step : Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with pepper jelly until smooth. Mix in chopped green onions and shredded cheese until well blended.

Third Step : Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your flaky pastry dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. This will be your canvas for rolling up those flavorful fillings.

Fourth Step : Assemble the Pinwheels

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one end, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log.

Fifth Step : Cut Into Pinwheels

Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled pastry into one-inch thick pinwheels. Place each pinwheel on parchment paper or directly into your air fryer basket.

Sixth Step : Cook and Serve

Air fry for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to plates and serve warm for an irresistible appetizer that’s sure to impress!

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Use Cold Dough: Keep your pastry dough cold until just before using it; this results in a flakier texture after cooking.
Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to customize your filling by adding cooked bacon or herbs for added flavor.
Avoid Overfilling: Don’t overfill your pinwheels; too much filling can cause them to burst open during cooking.

Enjoy making these Easy Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels as a quick appetizer that will delight everyone at your next gathering!

Presentation Ideas

This Easy Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels: A Quick Appetizer is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Fresh Veggies: Serve with a colorful platter of fresh carrots, celery, and bell peppers. The crunchiness of the vegetables complements the creamy filling and adds a refreshing touch.
Crispy Tortilla Chips: Pair these pinwheels with crispy tortilla chips for an extra crunch. The combination of flavors will delight your guests and make for a fun snacking experience.
Cheese Board: Incorporate the pinwheels into a cheese board featuring various cheeses, grapes, and nuts. This creates an inviting spread that encourages sharing and sampling.

Storage Tips

To keep your Easy Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy them within three days for optimal taste and texture. If you wish to prepare them in advance, you can assemble the pinwheels without cooking them. Store them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap until you’re ready to air fry.

Serving Suggestions

These pinwheels shine at any gathering. Serve them as a starter during family gatherings or parties. You can also offer them as part of a game day spread. The sweet and spicy flavor from the pepper jelly makes them irresistible.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Easy Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels: A Quick Appetizer by trying different spreads or fillings. Consider using cream cheese mixed with herbs or even adding cooked bacon for extra flavor. Substitute different types of tortillas like spinach or herb-flavored for added variety.

FAQs

What ingredients do I need for Easy Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels?

To make Easy Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels, you’ll need flour tortillas, cream cheese, pepper jelly, and optional add-ins like chopped green onions or deli meats. The simplicity of these ingredients allows you to whip up this appetizer quickly while still delivering on flavor.

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare your Easy Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels in advance. Simply assemble the pinwheels, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, slice and cook them in the air fryer for a few minutes until golden brown.

How do I store leftover pinwheels?

To store leftover Easy Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels: A Quick Appetizer, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll remain fresh for up to three days. Reheat them briefly in the air fryer if you’d like to enjoy them warm again.

Can I use homemade pepper jelly?

Yes! Using homemade pepper jelly enhances the flavor of your Easy Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels significantly. It allows you to customize the sweetness or spiciness according to your preference, creating an even more personal touch to this quick appetizer.