Name: Crispy Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed); cream cheese (softened); shredded sharp cheddar; pepper jelly (red or green); 1 egg (beaten); fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish)

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I first tasted a version of these Crispy Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels at a backyard brunch, where someone had brought them still warm, nestled in a dish towel. I couldn’t stop at one—the flaky pastry, the sweet heat from the pepper jelly, and that golden, cheesy middle had me absolutely hooked. Naturally, I came home and made my own twist, and this version? It’s air fryer-friendly and dangerously easy.

These little bites have everything: crunch, sweet-and-spicy zing, melty cheese, and a buttery base. Perfect for party appetizers, lazy weekend snacks, or that moment when you need something impressive and quick. I love making them when friends pop over unexpectedly—they look fancy, taste amazing, and no one needs to know they took under 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy, cheesy, and just the right amount of sweet heat
Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal effort
Made in the air fryer—no oven, no fuss
Only a handful of simple ingredients
Easily customizable with your favorite cheeses or spreads
Perfect for entertaining or snack cravings

Recipe Snapshot

Category	Cuisine	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Yield	Skill Level
Appetizer	American	10 minutes	8 minutes	18 minutes	12 pinwheels	Easy

Ingredients

Puff pastry sheet, thawed
The flaky, golden base that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
Cream cheese, softened
Adds creamy richness and helps the filling stay put.
Shredded sharp cheddar
Brings bold, melty goodness and a little tang.
Pepper jelly (red or green)
Sweet and spicy magic—choose your heat level.
Egg, beaten
For brushing the tops, giving them a glossy, golden finish.
Fresh thyme or parsley (optional)
For a pop of color and herby freshness at the end.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Roll and Spread

Unfold your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out just a bit to even the surface. Spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese all over, then dollop on pepper jelly and spread it out evenly.

Tip: Go light on the jelly near the edges so it doesn’t ooze out while cooking.

Sprinkle and Roll Tight

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar over the jelly. Then, starting from one end, roll the pastry tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.

Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for 10–15 minutes if time allows—it helps with clean slicing.

Slice and Air Fry

Cut the log into ½-inch slices and place them in your air fryer basket lined with parchment or sprayed with oil. Leave a little room between each one. Brush the tops with beaten egg for that golden sheen.

Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 7–8 minutes until puffed, crispy, and golden brown.

Serve Warm with Herbs

Serve immediately, warm and crispy. Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Pair with a little extra pepper jelly on the side for dipping—heaven.

Pro Tips for Success

Don’t skip the chill: Even 10 minutes in the fridge makes slicing cleaner and helps the rolls hold their shape.
Use parchment liners with holes: Keeps cleanup easy while still allowing air to circulate.
Use block cheese: Freshly grated cheddar melts better than the pre-shredded kind.
Brush lightly with egg wash: Too much can pool and burn—just a little gives you that golden glow.
Keep an eye in the air fryer: Every air fryer cooks a bit differently, so peek in the last couple minutes.

Flavor Variations

Swap cream cheese for goat cheese for a tangy twist
Use jalapeño jelly for extra kick
Add thin slices of ham or prosciutto before rolling
Try Monterey Jack or brie instead of cheddar
Sprinkle a touch of smoked paprika for depth

Serving Suggestions

These pinwheels are the ultimate party snack. Serve them alongside a charcuterie board, or place them in a basket lined with a linen napkin. They’re also lovely with a crisp white wine, a cold cider, or even bubbly. For brunch, pair with scrambled eggs and fruit.

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can assemble the roll a day ahead and keep it chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to slice and cook. Store any cooked pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Leftovers

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for a couple minutes to restore their crisp. Or crumble them over a salad for a cheesy, crunchy topping!

Freezing

You can freeze the rolled and sliced pinwheels (uncooked). Lay them on a tray to freeze solid, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Air fry from frozen—just add 2–3 more minutes to the cook time.

Reheating

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving—they’ll go soggy.

FAQs

Can I bake these in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

What’s the best pepper jelly to use?
Red pepper jelly is most common, but green works too! Choose mild or spicy depending on your preference.

Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
Puff pastry is best for flakiness, but phyllo can work if you layer it with butter. It’ll be crispier and more delicate.

Why are my pinwheels unraveling in the air fryer?
Make sure the seam is sealed well, and don’t skip chilling before slicing. A tighter roll helps too!

Final Thoughts

These crispy pepper jelly air fryer pinwheels are one of those recipes you’ll come back to over and over—quick, versatile, and completely addictive. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or just for yourself (no judgment here), they bring the kind of warm, flaky comfort that hits the spot every time.

Now go roll up some puff pastry magic—I’ll be over here snacking on the “test batch.”