Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfectly Balanced Flavors Sweet and spicy pepper jelly pairs beautifully with rich cream cheese and melty cheese.
Quick & Easy Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep—perfect for busy days or last-minute entertaining.
Air Fryer Magic The air fryer delivers crispy, golden edges without the need for deep frying.
Customizable Adjust the heat level, swap cheeses, or add extras like cooked sausage or spinach.
Crowd-Pleasing These pinwheels are a hit at parties, potlucks, or family dinners—they’re always a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Makes 16–20 pinwheels
For the Pinwheels:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup pepper jelly (mild, medium, or hot depending on your spice preference)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend works well)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Cooked crumbled sausage
- Diced jalapeños
- Chopped green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply start cooking a minute or two earlier.
Assemble the Pinwheels Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle (about 10×14 inches).
Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
Dollop the pepper jelly over the cream cheese and spread it gently to create an even layer.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the pepper jelly. Add optional ingredients like sausage or jalapeños if desired.
Roll and Slice Starting from one long side, tightly roll the pastry into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
Place the pinwheels cut-side up on a plate or cutting board while you prepare the air fryer.
Air Fry Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil. Arrange the pinwheels in a single layer, leaving space between each for proper airflow. Work in batches if needed.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Serve Let the pinwheels cool for 1–2 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions if desired.
Serve warm with extra pepper jelly on the side for dipping.
Why This Recipe Works
Flaky Pastry Base Puff pastry provides the perfect crispy, buttery foundation for the filling.
Cream Cheese Magic The creamy layer balances the sweetness and heat of the pepper jelly.
Air Fryer Perfection The air fryer ensures a crispy exterior without the need for deep frying.
Variations to Try
Spice It Up Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Meat Lover’s Twist Mix in cooked crumbled bacon, sausage, or chorizo for added protein.
Veggie-Friendly Stir in sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions for a veggie-packed version.
Cheese Swap Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, gouda, or feta for unique flavors.
Sweet Version Skip the pepper jelly and use jam or Nutella for a sweet dessert pinwheel.
Tips for Success
Thaw Properly Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold when assembling to prevent tearing.
Don’t Overfill Spread the fillings evenly but sparingly to avoid oozing during cooking.
Storage Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
Serving Suggestions
Romantic Touch Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for elegance.
Brunch Staple Pair with mimosas, Bloody Marys, or fresh fruit for a complete meal.
Party Platter Serve alongside other appetizers like sliders, dips, or veggie skewers for variety.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the pinwheels, store them in the fridge, and air fry them just before serving.
Can I bake these instead of air frying? Absolutely. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown.
What can I use instead of puff pastry? Crescent roll dough or homemade biscuit dough can work as a substitute.
How do I keep pinwheels from getting soggy? Avoid overloading with wet ingredients and air fry them in a single layer for proper crisping.
Final Thoughts
These Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels are a celebration of bold, vibrant flavors and textures, offering a snack that feels indulgent yet approachable. With their flaky pastry, creamy filling, and spicy-sweet kick, they’re a recipe that’s sure to impress whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, a casual snack, or simply craving something satisfying.
Your turn! Have you ever made pinwheels or used pepper jelly in recipes before? Share your favorite variations or serving ideas below.