If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with a party snack that’s equal parts easy, delicious, and absolutely gorgeous to look at, you have to try Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels. These flaky, cheesy bites offer the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and zippy flavors—thanks to a decadent lineup of puff pastry, cream cheese, vibrant pepper jelly, and sharp cheddar. Once they’re crisped to golden perfection in the air fryer, it’s honestly hard to eat just one! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or snacking solo, these pinwheels are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t you just love a recipe where all the ingredients work in harmony to create something magical? Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels require only a handful of simple items, yet each one transforms the dish with its own flavor, texture, or pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Puff pastry sheet: The flaky, buttery foundation that puffs up beautifully in the air fryer, providing that irresistible crunch.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds creamy richness and helps all the other ingredients adhere together—let it come to room temperature for easy spreading!
- Pepper jelly: The star flavor bomb—choose sweet or hot depending on your spice preference, or experiment with different varieties for fun twists.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings a savory depth and meltiness that pairs so well with the pepper jelly’s sweet heat.
- Chopped fresh chives (optional): A fresh, oniony note and vibrant green color that takes each bite up a notch.
- Egg (beaten): For a glossy, golden finish that makes the pinwheels look bakery-level beautiful.
- Nonstick spray or parchment: Essential for keeping your pinwheels from sticking to the air fryer basket—no one wants to lose that precious crispy crust!
How to Make Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels
Step 1: Roll and Smooth the Pastry
Start by gently rolling out your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. This not only removes any creases but also ensures your pinwheels are perfectly uniform and extra flaky when baked. Take your time here—pastry that’s too thick or uneven won’t puff as nicely as you want.
Step 2: Spread the Cream Cheese
With your pastry ready, grab your softened cream cheese and spread it evenly from edge to edge. The creaminess is what helps all those fun layers stick together, plus it melts into the most luscious base for the other fillings. If your cream cheese feels too firm, just let it sit out for a few more minutes—it’s worth the wait!
Step 3: Add Pepper Jelly
Spoon dollops of your chosen pepper jelly onto the cream cheese, then gently spread to cover the entire surface. The pepper jelly brings both sweetness and heat, so don’t be afraid to get generous! It’s what gives Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels that signature, crave-worthy zing.
Step 4: Sprinkle Cheddar and Chives
Evenly sprinkle your shredded sharp cheddar cheese all over the jelly layer. If you’re feeling fancy, now’s the time to sprinkle on those fresh chives—they introduce an extra layer of flavor and little bursts of green that make every pinwheel look festive.
Step 5: Roll Into a Log and Chill
Starting from one edge (the long side is ideal), roll up the pastry tightly into a lovely log. This ensures that every slice has those gorgeous swirls. Pop your rolled pastry in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes—this quick chill makes slicing so much easier and prevents your pinwheels from getting squished out of shape.
Step 6: Slice and Prepare for the Air Fryer
Using a sharp knife, cut the chilled log into 1/2-inch slices. Plug in your air fryer and preheat it to 375°F. While it heats up, either spray your air fryer basket with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lay out your pinwheels in the basket, leaving space between each to let the hot air work its magic.
Step 7: Egg Wash and Air Fry
Brush the tops of the pinwheels lightly with the beaten egg—this simple step yields that gorgeous glossy, golden finish. Air fry in batches (don’t overcrowd!) for 8 to 10 minutes or until puffed and gloriously golden. You’ll want to resist devouring them straight from the fryer, but letting them cool just a bit makes them even more delicious.
How to Serve Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels
Garnishes
To make your Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels look as fabulous as they taste, try sprinkling a few extra fresh chives or parsley over the top before serving. If you want to add an extra touch of elegance, a tiny dollop of pepper jelly on each pinwheel makes for a gorgeous (and tasty) accent.
Side Dishes
These pinwheels are wonderfully versatile, pairing beautifully with crisp salads, fresh fruit platters, or even a hearty vegetable soup. Their bold flavors make them an ideal partner for milder sides, so think simply dressed greens or crunchy crudités to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t limit yourself to serving these on just a plain platter—try arranging Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels on a rustic wooden board with other appetizers, or stack them in a tower for an eye-catching centerpiece. Mini skewers or fancy toothpicks transform them from simple snack to party showstopper in seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep any leftover Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels tasting fresh, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where they’ll hold up beautifully for up to three days—perfect for quick snacks or sharing anytime.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these pinwheels! Once baked and cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. To serve, reheat straight from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To revive pinwheels back to their crispy, melt-in-your-mouth best, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–4 minutes. The air fryer returns that lovely crunch, but a quick zap in the microwave will also do in a pinch (just keep in mind the pastry might not stay crisp).
FAQs
Can I make Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble and chill the rolled pastry log a day in advance. When ready to serve, simply slice, air fry, and enjoy fresh, perfectly puffy pinwheels with no extra fuss.
Can I use a different jelly or preserve?
Yes! While pepper jelly offers the best sweet-heat combo, you can have fun experimenting with other preserves like apricot, fig, or even orange marmalade for a creative twist that keeps each batch exciting.
Are Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels vegetarian?
They sure are! All the ingredients—puff pastry, cheeses, and pepper jelly—are vegetarian friendly. Just double check your puff pastry brand to be certain it doesn’t contain any animal-derived lard or additives.
Can I bake these if I don’t have an air fryer?
Definitely. Lay the pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 12–14 minutes, or until golden and puffed. The end result is just as scrumptious, though you might miss a bit of that air fryer crisp!
How do I prevent the pinwheels from unraveling during cooking?
Chilling the rolled pastry log thoroughly before slicing is key. If you roll the log tightly and use the egg wash to help seal the edges, your Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels will hold their beautiful spiral shape all the way from fryer to table.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels enough—every batch disappears in minutes whenever I make them! Whether you’re hosting a holiday get-together, prepping for game day, or just want to treat yourself, you’ll fall in love with how easy and delicious these are. Let your creativity shine with different jellies, cheeses, and toppings, and happy snacking!
Print
Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels are a perfect combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy cheese, and a sweet and spicy kick from the pepper jelly. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these pinwheels are a great appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup pepper jelly (sweet or hot, depending on preference)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Other:
- Nonstick spray or parchment for air fryer
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Spread the softened cream cheese over the pastry.
- Add Fillings: Spoon and gently spread the pepper jelly over the cream cheese. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and chives.
- Roll and Chill: Roll the pastry into a log, then chill in the refrigerator. Slice into pinwheels.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer, place pinwheels inside, brush with egg wash, and air fry until golden.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Try jalapeño jelly or fig preserves for different flavor profiles.
- Pinwheels can be made ahead and refrigerated before air frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
