There’s something magical about a snack that’s cheesy, saucy, crunchy, and bite sized and that’s exactly what you get with pizza crunchers. Whether you remember them from school lunches, spotted them in the frozen aisle, or tried making your own at home, pizza crunchers are the snack time hero we didn’t know we needed.
These crispy pockets of pizza goodness are loaded with melted mozzarella and rich tomato sauce, all wrapped in a golden breaded crust. They’re everything you love about pizza just smaller, crispier, and perfect for dipping in marinara.
From air fryer tips to homemade recipes, this guide covers:
- What exactly pizza crunchers are
- How to cook them (frozen or homemade)
- Chef Lucas Benette’s pro tip for max crunch
- Filling ideas, cooking methods, and variations
- FAQs about storage, freezing, and sauces
What Are Pizza Crunchers, Exactly?
Pizza crunchers are crispy, bite sized snacks filled with classic pizza ingredients like mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and sometimes pepperoni or sausage. They’re coated in a crunchy breaded shell, making them perfect for baking, frying, or air frying.
They’re often sold as frozen snacks (like school lunch favorites) but can easily be made at home using:
- Pizza dough or wonton wrappers
- Shredded cheese
- Pizza sauce or marinara
- And a seasoned bread crumb coating
They’re especially popular with:
- Kids and teens
- Busy parents looking for quick meals
- Anyone who wants pizza flavor in snack form
Ingredients for Homemade Pizza Crunchers
Want to make pizza crunchers at home? It’s easier than you think and the best part is, you can customize the fillings to your taste. Whether you’re keeping it simple with just cheese or going bold with pepperoni and veggies, the ingredient list is flexible and snack friendly.
Basic Ingredients (Makes ~16 Crunchers):
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 package wonton wrappers or small squares of pizza dough
- ½ cup Italian style breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour (for sealing edges)
- Oil spray or olive oil (for air frying or baking)
Optional Fillings:
- Mini pepperoni slices
- Cooked sausage crumbles
- Chopped mushrooms or bell peppers
- Grated Parmesan or provolone for extra cheesiness
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for spice)
Tip: Keep the filling small and avoid overstuffing to prevent leaks during cooking.
Store Bought Shortcut?
No time to make them from scratch? Look for frozen pizza crunchers in grocery stores or wholesale clubs. Brands vary, but most can be cooked in the air fryer or oven in minutes.
Chef Lucas Benette’s Pizza Cruncher Tip
To make your pizza crunchers irresistibly golden and crisp, Chef Lucas Benette recommends focusing on coating technique and cooking method.
“The key to perfect pizza crunchers is getting that breaded shell crispy without overcooking the cheese inside,” Lucas says.
Here’s how he does it:
1. Go Double on the Crunch
Lucas suggests a two step coating for extra texture:
- First, brush or dip each filled cruncher in egg wash
- Then roll it in Italian style breadcrumbs
- For ultra crunch? Use panko mixed with grated Parmesan
“Panko breadcrumbs add airiness and that real ‘crunch’ factor,” he says.
2. Use the Air Fryer (If You Can)
According to Lucas, nothing beats the air fryer for speed and crispiness:
- Spray the breaded crunchers lightly with oil
- Air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway
- Watch for bubbling cheese and golden edges
No air fryer? Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes on a parchment lined tray.
3. Serve with a Sauce Bar
Lucas likes offering multiple dipping sauces to make snack time interactive:
- Classic marinara
- Garlic butter sauce
- Ranch or spicy mayo
- Hot honey for a sweet savory twist
Chef’s Tip: Make a big batch and freeze them raw cook straight from frozen when snack cravings strike!
How to Cook Pizza Crunchers (Frozen or Homemade)
Whether you’re heating up frozen pizza crunchers from the store or making them from scratch, getting that golden, melty perfection is easier than you think. Just choose your cooking method, follow the timing, and get ready to dip!
Cooking Frozen Pizza Crunchers
Air Fryer Method (Recommended for Best Crunch)
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
- Arrange frozen pizza crunchers in a single layer (don’t overcrowd)
- Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway
- Let cool for 1–2 minutes before serving
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Place pizza crunchers on a parchment lined baking sheet
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping once for even crisping
- Allow to rest slightly before eatingfilling will be hot
Cooking Homemade Pizza Crunchers
Prep Instructions:
- Fill wonton wrappers or dough squares with sauce + cheese
- Fold, seal edges with egg wash, and coat with breadcrumbs
- Spray lightly with oil for even browning
Air Fryer (Best Texture)
- Preheat to 375°F
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, turning once
- Cheese should be melted and shell golden
Oven Baked
- Preheat to 400°F
- Bake for 16–18 minutes or until golden and crispy
- Let cool before serving (the filling will be molten hot!)
Don’t Skip the Cool Down! The cheese and sauce inside can be lava level hot right after cooking. Let them rest for 1–2 minutes before serving especially for kids.
Air Fryer vs. Oven Cooking Comparison Table
Whether you’re cooking store bought or homemade pizza crunchers, both the air fryer and oven can get the job done. But which one gives you the best crunch? The quickest snack? Let’s break it down.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Method | Time | Texture | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Fryer | 6–8 min at 375°F | Extra crispy and golden | Fast, no preheating, uses less oil | Can only cook small batches |
| Oven | 15–18 min at 400°F | Crispy but slightly softer | Ideal for feeding a crowd, consistent browning | Slower, needs preheating |
Chef Lucas Benette’s Pick:
“For texture and speed, go air fryer all the way,” says Lucas. “But if you’re making a big batch for a party or game night, the oven is your friend.”
Pro Tip: If you’re baking a large batch in the oven, rotate the tray halfway through for even browning.
FAQs About Pizza Crunchers
1. What is a pizza cruncher?
A pizza cruncher is a crispy, bite sized snack filled with classic pizza ingredients like mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, and sometimes pepperoni or sausage. It’s typically coated in a breaded shell and baked or air fried until golden and melty inside. Popular in school cafeterias and frozen snack aisles, they’re basically pizza in a crispy pocket.
2. Does Walmart sell pizza crunchers?
Yes, Walmart does sell pizza crunchers in the frozen food section under various brand names, often in family size packs. Availability may vary by location, but they’re commonly found near frozen pizza, pizza rolls, or kids’ frozen meals. Check the packaging for ingredients and heating instructions.
3. What are the ingredients in pizza crunchers school lunch?
School lunch style pizza crunchers typically contain:
- Enriched flour (for the breading)
- Mozzarella or processed cheese
- Tomato based pizza sauce
- Pepperoni or sausage (optional)
- Seasonings like oregano, garlic powder, and paprika
They are usually pre cooked and frozen, made for quick reheating in ovens or commercial warmers.
4. Does Tombstone pizza still exist?
Yes! Tombstone pizza is still around and available in most major grocery stores, including Walmart and Target. It’s a well known frozen pizza brand owned by Nestlé and continues to offer classic flavors like pepperoni, four cheese, and sausage. It’s a nostalgic favorite for many pizza lovers.
Final Thoughts Snack Time Just Got an Upgrade
Whether you’re digging into a frozen box or making them fresh in your kitchen, pizza crunchers are the ultimate crowd pleasing snack. Crunchy on the outside, cheesy on the inside they’re fast, flavorful, and totally customizable.
Perfect for:
- After school snacks
- Game day appetizers
- Weekend movie nights
- Or just when that pizza craving hits, but you want something bite sized
