There's something magical about biting into a warm, crispy Air Fryer Pizza Bomb and discovering that gooey, cheesy center. These little pockets of joy are like a cross between a stuffed pizza and a garlic knot, making them the perfect appetizer, snack, or even a fun dinner idea.
I first started making these when my kids begged for pizza on a busy school night. Instead of ordering takeout, I grabbed some refrigerated biscuit dough and our favorite toppings, and within minutes, we had a batch of melty, delicious pizza bombs. Now, they're a weekly staple in our house!
Why You'll Love These Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite snack! These Air Fryer Pizza Bombs are everything you want in a quick and easy recipe.
First off, they're incredibly simple to make. With just a few pantry staples and a handful of favorite toppings, you can have these ready in under 20 minutes.
They're also super customizable. Whether you love classic pepperoni and cheese, or prefer a veggie-loaded version, you can tailor these to suit any taste preference.
Not to mention, they’re perfect for meal prep! Make a batch ahead of time and store them for an easy grab-and-go snack.
Plus, thanks to the air fryer, you get a golden, crispy crust without the need for deep frying, making them a slightly healthier alternative to traditional fried pizza rolls.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of these Air Fryer Pizza Bombs lies in their simple yet delicious ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect bite:
Refrigerated biscuit dough makes this recipe incredibly easy and foolproof. You can also use pizza dough if you prefer a chewier texture, but biscuit dough gives it that soft, buttery, and slightly flaky finish.
Mozzarella cheese is the key to that irresistible melty center. Use block mozzarella and cut it into cubes for the best texture and gooey pull. Pre-shredded cheese works too but won’t be as gooey due to anti-caking agents.
Pepperoni slices add that classic pizzeria flavor. You can use regular-sized slices or mini pepperoni for easier assembly. Want a meat-free option? Swap in mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for a veggie-friendly version.
Pizza sauce ties everything together. Use your favorite jarred sauce or make a quick homemade one with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
Butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning are brushed on top for that irresistible garlic knot-style finish. This gives the bombs a rich, savory flavor with a hint of herbaceous goodness.
For this recipe, you’ll also need an air fryer, a pastry brush, and parchment paper to prevent sticking.
How To Make Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
Making these Air Fryer Pizza Bombs is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a crispy, cheesy snack in no time!
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F. This ensures even cooking and a perfectly golden crust. While the air fryer heats up, line the basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Next, separate the biscuit dough and flatten each piece into a small circle. You want just enough space to hold the filling while still being able to seal the edges.
Place a cube of mozzarella and a few slices of pepperoni in the center of each dough round. Spoon a small amount of pizza sauce on top, being careful not to overfill. Too much sauce can make sealing difficult.
Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching to seal completely. Roll each one into a smooth ball and place them seam-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each for airflow.
Air fry at 350°F for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. Meanwhile, melt butter and mix it with minced garlic and Italian seasoning.
Once out of the air fryer, brush the tops of each pizza bomb with the garlic butter mixture. Let them cool slightly before serving with extra pizza sauce for dipping!
Storage Options
These Air Fryer Pizza Bombs store wonderfully, making them perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
To store in the fridge, place cooled pizza bombs in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy.
If you prefer the oven, reheat them at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but they won’t be as crispy.
Variations and Substitutions
The best part about Air Fryer Pizza Bombs is how easily you can customize them!
Try a Hawaiian twist by using diced ham and pineapple inside, paired with a drizzle of barbecue sauce for extra sweetness.
Make them vegetarian-friendly by stuffing them with mushrooms, olives, spinach, or bell peppers instead of pepperoni.
For a spicy kick, add a few jalapeño slices or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes inside before sealing them up.
Swap the cheese for cheddar, provolone, or even cream cheese for a fun twist on the classic pizza flavor.
Experiment with different dipping sauces! Marinara is a classic, but ranch, garlic butter, or even a spicy buffalo sauce makes for a tasty alternative.
No matter how you customize them, these Air Fryer Pizza Bombs are guaranteed to be a hit. Give them a try, and let me know your favorite variation!
PrintAir Fryer Pizza Bombs Recipe
Air Fryer Pizza Bombs are a delicious and easy snack made with biscuit dough, gooey cheese, and flavorful pizza toppings. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a quick meal, these crispy, golden bites are air-fried to perfection in minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 pizza bombs 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pepperoni slices
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Flatten each biscuit dough piece and add a spoonful of pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni.
- Fold the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to seal.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the pizza bombs inside, seam-side down.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Customize with your favorite toppings like mushrooms, olives, or cooked sausage.
- Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza bomb
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 340mg
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