Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels

Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels are a savory-sweet appetizer with just the right amount of heat and crunch. These flaky, cheesy bites are swirled with cream cheese and spicy-sweet pepper jelly, then crisped to perfection in the air fryer. They’re quick to make and even quicker to disappear.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these pinwheels combine bold flavors and effortless prep. The pepper jelly adds a unique kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling and buttery pastry. Making them in the air fryer keeps them crispy without heating up the whole kitchen. Whether it’s for a party, a snack, or a game-day treat, these pinwheels never fail to impress.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Puff pastry sheets (thawed)

• Cream cheese (softened)

• Pepper jelly (any color or variety)

• Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)

• Egg (for egg wash, optional)

Directions

1. I lay out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and gently roll them out to smooth the folds.

2. I spread an even layer of cream cheese across the pastry.

3. I spoon pepper jelly over the cream cheese and spread it gently so it doesn’t tear the pastry.

4. I sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over the top.

5. I roll up the pastry tightly into a log and slice it into 1-inch pinwheels.

6. I brush each piece with egg wash (if using) to help them brown.

7. I place the pinwheels in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.

8. I air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16–20 pinwheels, depending on how thick I slice them. It takes 10 minutes to prep and around 10 minutes to cook, making them ready in under 25 minutes.

Variations

I like switching up the pepper jelly with jalapeño, red chili, or even apricot-habanero jelly for different levels of heat and sweetness. Sometimes I add crumbled bacon or chopped green onions for extra flavor. For a more savory twist, I use goat cheese or feta instead of cream cheese.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover pinwheels in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to crisp them up again. They can also be frozen before or after cooking—just thaw slightly before reheating.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes, I bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15–18 minutes until golden brown.

What kind of pepper jelly should I use?

I go with whatever I like—red, green, or jalapeño-based jellies all work great. The sweetness and spice combo is what makes these pinwheels shine.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble and slice them, then store in the fridge until I’m ready to air fry. I’ve even frozen the rolled log to slice and bake later.

How do I keep the pinwheels from unrolling?

I roll the pastry tightly and place the seam side down when air frying. Chilling them before slicing also helps them hold their shape.

Are these pinwheels spicy?

They have a mild to moderate kick depending on the jelly used. I can control the heat by choosing a milder or hotter variety.

Conclusion

Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels are one of my favorite quick snacks to make when I want big flavor with minimal effort. The creamy, spicy-sweet filling and flaky pastry make each bite a little burst of joy. Whether I’m entertaining or just craving something delicious, these pinwheels always hit the spot.