Air Fryer Pizza Bombs in 15 Minutes
Get ready to fall in love with the most irresistible snack that combines all your pizza favorites in one perfect bite! Air fryer pizza bombs are golden, crispy parcels stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese and savory pepperoni that literally explode with flavor.
These little pockets of heaven take just 15 minutes to make and deliver that satisfying crunch we all crave. Perfect for game day, movie nights, or when you need a quick crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe!
Table of Contents
What Are Air Fryer Pizza Bombs?
Ever wonder why these delicious bites are called “bombs”? Well, one bite and you’ll understand – they absolutely explode with cheesy, pizza-flavored goodness! These aren’t your ordinary snacks; they’re like tiny pizza presents wrapped in golden, flaky pastry.
The name perfectly captures that moment when you bite down and the melted cheese oozes out. As they say, the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach, and these pizza bombs are your secret weapon! Ready to create some culinary explosions in your kitchen?
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pizza Bombs Recipe:
Perfectly Crispy Texture Every Time
The air fryer creates an incredibly crispy exterior while keeping the inside molten and gooey. Unlike traditional oven-baked versions, these pizza bombs achieve that perfect golden-brown finish in half the time. The circulating hot air ensures even cooking, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite.
Budget-Friendly Family Favorite
Making pizza bombs at home costs a fraction of ordering similar appetizers from restaurants. With simple, affordable ingredients like refrigerated biscuit dough, cheese, and pepperoni, you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Each batch makes enough for the whole family to enjoy.
Endless Flavor Possibilities
While pepperoni and mozzarella are classic, you can customize these bombs with any pizza toppings you love. Try Italian sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even Hawaiian-style with ham and pineapple. If you enjoyed our stuffed garlic bread recipe, you’ll absolutely adore these customizable treats.
How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Bombs:
Quick Overview
These air fryer pizza bombs are surprisingly simple to make and incredibly satisfying. The combination of buttery, flaky biscuit dough wrapped around melted cheese and savory pepperoni creates the perfect handheld snack.
Key features:
- Golden, crispy exterior
- Gooey, melted cheese center
- Customizable fillings
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Total time: 15 minutes
- Prep time: 8 minutes
- Cook time: 7 minutes
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Pizza Bombs:
- 1 tube (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 32 slices pepperoni (about 4 per bomb)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Dough Remove the biscuits from the tube and separate them. Gently flatten each biscuit with your palm or a rolling pin into a 4-inch circle, being careful not to make them too thin.
Step 3: Add the Fillings Place 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of each flattened biscuit. Top with 4 pepperoni slices, keeping the filling centered to ensure proper sealing.
Step 4: Seal the Pizza Bombs Carefully pull the edges of each biscuit up and around the filling. Pinch the seams tightly together at the top, creating a sealed pouch. Make sure there are no gaps where filling could leak out.
Step 5: Season and Brush In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Brush this mixture over the tops and sides of each pizza bomb. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection Place the pizza bombs seam-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Cook for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Check at 5 minutes and adjust time as needed.
Step 7: Cool and Serve Remove from air fryer and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. The filling will be extremely hot! Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
What to Serve Air Fryer Pizza Bombs With:
These versatile pizza bombs pair beautifully with various sides and drinks:
Dipping Sauces:
- Classic marinara sauce
- Garlic ranch dressing
- Alfredo sauce
- Buffalo sauce for heat lovers
Perfect Sides:
- Caesar salad for freshness
- Mozzarella sticks for extra cheese
- Loaded potato skins
- Fresh vegetable platter with dip
Drink Pairings:
- Ice-cold beer or soda
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Fresh lemonade for kids
- Wine for adult gatherings
Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Pizza Bombs:
Sealing Technique
Make sure to pinch the dough seams very tightly. Any gaps will cause the cheese to leak out during cooking. Wet your fingers slightly if the dough becomes difficult to work with.
Don’t Overfill
Resist the temptation to stuff too much filling inside. About 2 tablespoons of cheese and 4 pepperoni slices per bomb is the perfect ratio for proper sealing and cooking.
Temperature Control
Every air fryer cooks slightly differently. Start checking your pizza bombs at 5 minutes to prevent overcooking. They should be golden brown but not dark.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use pizza dough instead of biscuit dough for a more authentic pizza taste
- Try different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack
- Substitute turkey pepperoni for a lighter option
- Add diced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storage Guidelines
Store leftover pizza bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid using the microwave as it will make them soggy.
Freezing Option
You can freeze cooked pizza bombs for up to 2 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 pizza bomb) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 580mg |
| Total Carbs | 26g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 9g |
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make pizza bombs ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pizza bombs and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before cooking. This actually helps the dough seal better.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these in a regular oven at 425°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely! Roll the dough into 4-inch circles and follow the same assembly process. Homemade dough may need an extra minute of cooking time.
How do I prevent cheese from leaking out?
Make sure to seal the dough very tightly and place the pizza bombs seam-side down in the air fryer. Don’t overfill with cheese.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese shreds and substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter for brushing.
What other fillings work well?
Try cooked Italian sausage, diced ham and pineapple, mushrooms and bell peppers, or even breakfast ingredients like scrambled eggs and bacon.
How do I know when they’re done?
The pizza bombs should be golden brown and sound hollow when lightly tapped. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Can kids help make these?
Definitely! Kids love helping stuff and seal the pizza bombs. Just supervise them around the hot air fryer.
Additional Helpful Tips for Success:
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your pizza bombs are browning too quickly, reduce the temperature to 350°F and cook for a minute longer. If they’re not crispy enough, increase cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
Make It a Meal
Transform these appetizers into a complete meal by serving with a fresh garden salad and garlic breadsticks. The combination creates a satisfying dinner the whole family will love.
Batch Cooking
Double the recipe for parties or meal prep. You can cook them in batches and keep the first batch warm in a 200°F oven while finishing the rest.
Customization Ideas
Create a pizza bomb bar where family members can choose their own fillings. Set out bowls of different cheeses, meats, and vegetables for a fun interactive cooking experience.
These air fryer pizza bombs prove that the best comfort foods come in small packages. With their crispy exterior and molten cheese center, they’re guaranteed to become your new go-to snack for any occasion!
