Name: Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American

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If you’re looking for a knockout party appetizer that’s as effortless as it is crowd-pleasing, look no further than these Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels. Imagine flaky, golden puff pastry spirals filled with a tangy layer of cream cheese, a smattering of vibrant pepper jelly, a melty cheddar cheese finish, and a touch of fresh herbs—all crisped to perfection in your trusty air fryer. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just need a snack to make any weekend feel special, these pinwheels deliver big flavor and plenty of pizzazz with minimal fuss.

Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how just a handful of delicious ingredients come together to make these Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels unforgettable. Each component plays its part, from the richness of cream cheese to the bold pop of pepper jelly—don’t skip a single one!

Puff pastry sheet (thawed): This buttery, flaky base is crucial for getting those iconic pinwheel layers that puff right up in the air fryer.
Cream cheese (softened): Spreads easily over the pastry, adding a creamy, tangy layer that helps balance the sweetness and spice of the jelly.
Pepper jelly: The star of the show! Sweet and spicy, it brings bold flavor and beautiful color to the dish.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly, adding a savory, gooey element that makes every bite even more luscious.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Brings a splash of color and a touch of fresh, herbaceous brightness.
Egg (beaten, for egg wash): A quick brush on top gives the pinwheels an enticing golden sheen as they cook.
Cooking spray: A light spritz ensures these beauties release effortlessly from your air fryer basket.

How to Make Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle. Try to keep the thickness even for uniform baking. The chilly dough is easier to work with and will give you those flaky layers we all adore.

Step 2: Build Flavor Layers

Spread the softened cream cheese in an even layer over the dough, making sure you reach every corner. Next, spoon the pepper jelly over the cream cheese, using a spatula to swirl it right to the edges for maximum sweet-spicy punch. Now sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly, and finally, scatter the fresh parsley for that herbal pop and extra color.

Step 3: Roll and Slice

Starting on the long edge, gently but tightly roll the pastry into a log, keeping the filling inside as you go. You want that iconic swirl in every slice! Once you have your log, use a sharp serrated knife to cut it into 12 equal pinwheels. Take your time for even pieces—these will bake up into beautiful rounds.

Step 4: Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C)—this ensures your pinwheels start puffing up immediately for maximum crispness. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray so nothing sticks, and place the pinwheels in a single layer, leaving space between them for air to circulate.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Air Fry

Use a pastry brush to apply a light coating of the beaten egg on top of each pinwheel. This step is key for achieving that shiny, golden finish. Air fry the pinwheels for 8–10 minutes, or until they’re puffed and deeply golden. Keep an eye on them—air fryers cook quickly and you want them perfectly crisp, not overdone!

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Remove the pinwheels from the basket and let them cool just slightly (the filling will be hot!). They’re best enjoyed while still warm, when the pastry is at its crispiest and the cheesy filling is perfectly melty—a true showcase of why Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels are always first to disappear at any gathering.

How to Serve Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels

Garnishes

These golden swirls shine on their own, but a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onion adds fresh color and a touch of elegance. If you want to turn up the heat, a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes is a fun way to hint at the pepper jelly inside.

Side Dishes

If you’re turning these pinwheels into a light meal, pair them with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy, cheesy filling. For a party, a platter with olives, pickles, and crunchy crudités makes a lovely, vibrant spread alongside your Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them on a tiered cake stand for high-tea vibes, arrange them in concentric circles on a big platter for visual drama, or use toothpicks wrapped with colorful ribbon for easy grab-and-go snacking. These pinwheels also make fantastic edible “centerpieces” on charcuterie boards—the color and shine draw everyone in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for 2 to 3 days, and a quick reheat returns them to their former flaky glory.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble and roll the pinwheels, slice as directed, then flash-freeze them on a tray until solid before transferring to a zip-top bag. Frozen pinwheels can go straight into the air fryer—add an extra minute or two to the cooking time for best results.

Reheating

Pop cold or frozen pinwheels back into the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes (longer if frozen), and they’ll re-emerge crisp and irresistible as the day you made them. The air fryer keeps them from getting soggy—a total game changer for appetizers!

FAQs

Can I make Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely! Simply assemble and roll the unbaked log, then wrap in plastic and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. Slice and air fry just before serving for best texture and flavor.

What type Appetizer

Any pepper jelly you love will work. Go with mild if you want just a touch of sweetness and heat, or pick hot pepper jelly for a bold, spicy bite! Homemade or store-bought both shine here.

Do I need to thaw puff pastry first?

Yes, thaw your puff pastry according to package directions before rolling—it should be pliable but still cold for best results. This helps you get the perfect, flaky layers!

Can I make these pinwheels without an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the pinwheels in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet until golden and puffed. The oven method is just as delicious!

How can I make these pinwheels spicier?

For an extra kick, use spicy pepper jelly or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes before rolling up your pastry. You can also stir a bit of hot sauce into the cream cheese if you’re feeling bold.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you serve up Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels, you’ll be asked for the recipe every time! They’re beautiful, full of vibrant flavor, and couldn’t be easier. Give them a try and see just how quickly they become a staple at all your parties and snack times—your taste buds will thank you!

Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 pinwheels
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels are a perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, all rolled up in a flaky puff pastry. They make a great appetizer for any gathering or a tasty snack for yourself!

Ingredients

Puff Pastry:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Cream Cheese Mixture:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

Pepper Jelly Filling:

1/3 cup pepper jelly

Cheddar Cheese Topping:

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Fresh Parsley:

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Egg Wash:

1 egg, beaten

Cooking Spray

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Instructions

Prepare the Pastry: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle.
Layer the Fillings: Spread the softened cream cheese over the pastry, followed by the pepper jelly, cheddar cheese, and parsley.
Roll and Slice: Roll the pastry tightly into a log, then slice into 12 equal pinwheels.
Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer, place the pinwheels in the basket, brush with egg wash, and air fry until golden brown.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving warm.