There's nothing quite like biting into a warm, cheesy, golden-brown pizza bomb fresh out of the air fryer. These bite-sized delights are packed with gooey mozzarella, zesty marinara, and your favorite pizza toppings, all wrapped in a crispy, buttery crust.
I first made these on a whim for a family movie night, and they disappeared faster than the opening credits. Now, they're a go-to snack for game days, parties, and even quick lunches when I'm craving something fun and satisfying. They’re ridiculously easy to make and come together in just 15 minutes. Let’s get started!
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 the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and totally addictive.
First, they’re incredibly quick and easy to make. Using store-bought biscuit dough means no mixing, kneading, or waiting for dough to rise—just assemble, air fry, and enjoy.
They're also endlessly customizable. Whether you love classic pepperoni, veggie-packed toppings, or even a little spice, you can fill these bombs with whatever your heart desires.
Perfect for kids and adults alike, these pizza bombs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They make a great party appetizer, after-school snack, or even a fun dinner option when paired with a fresh salad.
And let’s not forget the magic of the air fryer. No need to heat up the oven—these cook up in minutes with a perfectly golden, crispy exterior and melty cheese inside.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of these pizza bombs lies in their simple yet delicious ingredients. Each one is key to creating that perfect bite.
Refrigerated biscuit dough is the ultimate shortcut here. It provides a soft, buttery crust that turns beautifully golden in the air fryer. You can also use pizza dough if you prefer a chewier texture.
Mozzarella cheese is the star of the filling, giving you that irresistible stretch with every bite. Stick with low-moisture mozzarella to prevent excess moisture from making the dough soggy.
Pepperoni slices add a classic pizza flavor, but feel free to swap them for crumbled sausage, mushrooms, or even diced bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
Marinara sauce gives that signature pizza taste inside each bite. Use your favorite store-bought version or make a quick homemade sauce with canned tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
Garlic butter topping takes these over the top. A simple mix of melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian herbs brushed on after cooking adds a burst of flavor and that pizzeria-style finish.
A parchment paper liner or a spritz of oil in the air fryer basket helps prevent sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
How To Make These Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
Making these pizza bombs is as easy as assembling, sealing, and air frying. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F. While it heats, separate the biscuit dough and flatten each piece slightly to create a round disk. You want enough space to hold the fillings without making the dough too thin.
Place a spoonful of marinara sauce in the center of each dough round. Be careful not to overfill, or the sauce might leak out during cooking. Add a piece of mozzarella and a slice or two of pepperoni on top.
Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching them tightly to seal. Roll the dough into a smooth ball, making sure there are no gaps where cheese could escape.
Lightly grease the air fryer basket or line it with parchment paper, then arrange the pizza bombs in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding—cook in batches if needed to allow proper airflow for even crisping.
Air fry for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bombs are golden brown and puffed up. The cheese inside should be perfectly melted, and the crust should have a slight crisp.
While they’re still warm, brush each pizza bomb with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with a little parmesan or Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Storage Options
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), these pizza bombs store well for later snacking.
For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them from getting soggy, line the container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
Freezing is another great option. Place the cooked pizza bombs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until heated through. If frozen, add an extra minute or two to ensure they’re warm all the way through.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are a few fun ways to switch things up.
Swap the biscuit dough for crescent roll dough or puff pastry for a flakier texture. If you’re a fan of homemade pizza dough, that works great too!
Experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack for a bold twist.
Make them vegetarian by skipping the pepperoni and adding mushrooms, olives, or spinach. You can also go full gourmet with sun-dried tomatoes and feta.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes inside or drizzle some hot honey over the top before serving.
If you love classic Hawaiian pizza, try stuffing these with ham and pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory combo.
However you choose to make them, these air fryer pizza bombs are guaranteed to be a hit. Whether you’re making them for a party, a quick snack, or a fun family dinner, they’re sure to disappear fast. Enjoy!
PrintAir Fryer Pizza Bombs Recipe
Air Fryer Pizza Bombs are a quick and easy snack made with biscuit dough, pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, these cheesy pizza bites are perfect for parties, game nights, or a fun family treat!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 pizza bombs 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup mini pepperoni slices
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Flatten each biscuit dough piece and add 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce, cheese, and mini pepperoni in the center.
- Fold the edges to seal, forming a ball.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan.
- Place in the air fryer basket, ensuring space between each bomb.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use crescent roll dough for a flakier texture.
- Customize fillings with cooked sausage, veggies, or different cheeses.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza bomb
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
Leave a Reply