Air Fryer Pizza Bombs: The Ultimate Guide to Crispy, Cheesy Perfection
If you’re searching for a quick, crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, Air Fryer Pizza Bombs deserve a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy in the middle, and filled with gooey melted cheese and savory pizza toppings, these bite-sized delights are everything we love about pizza—wrapped into a convenient, irresistible snack.
In this comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about Air Fryer Pizza Bombs: why they’re so popular, how to make them perfectly every time, creative variations, serving ideas, storage tips, nutrition insights, and much more. Whether you’re preparing a game-day appetizer, a kid-friendly snack, or a fast weeknight meal, this recipe checks all the boxes.
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Why Air Fryer Pizza Bombs Are So Popular
The rise of Air Fryer Pizza Bombs isn’t accidental. They combine three things people love most in modern cooking:
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Speed – Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
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Convenience – Made with refrigerated biscuit dough
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Flavor – Classic pizza taste in every bite
Thanks to the air fryer, these pizza bombs cook evenly and quickly, achieving a golden, crispy exterior without deep frying. That means less oil, less mess, and more consistent results.
They’re also incredibly versatile. You can customize fillings based on dietary preferences, available ingredients, or whatever you’re craving at the moment. Pepperoni and mozzarella are classic, but the possibilities go far beyond that.
What Are Air Fryer Pizza Bombs?
At their core, Air Fryer Pizza Bombs are small dough balls stuffed with pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings, then cooked in the air fryer until puffed and golden. Think of them as a cross between pizza rolls and stuffed bread bites—but fresher, crispier, and more satisfying.
Unlike traditional pizza, there’s no rolling out dough or waiting for it to rise. Refrigerated biscuit dough does all the hard work for you, making this recipe beginner-friendly and foolproof.
Recipe Details
Course: Appetizers, Snacks
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
Here’s everything you need to make classic Air Fryer Pizza Bombs:
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1 can (8-count) refrigerated biscuit dough
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½ cup pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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16 slices pepperoni (or preferred toppings)
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 tablespoon butter, melted
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon olive oil (for brushing)
These simple ingredients are easy to find and affordable, making this recipe perfect for busy families and last-minute gatherings.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate each biscuit. Using your fingers or the palm of your hand, gently flatten each biscuit into a round disc. You don’t need to roll them too thin—just enough to hold the filling comfortably.
2. Fill the Pizza Bombs
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce into the center of each dough round. Avoid adding too much sauce, as overfilling can cause leaks.
Place 2 slices of pepperoni on top of the sauce, then add a generous pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese.
3. Seal the Dough
Carefully fold the edges of the dough up and over the filling. Pinch the seams tightly together, forming a smooth ball. This step is crucial—any gaps can cause cheese or sauce to leak during cooking.
Place the pizza bomb seam-side down to help keep it sealed.
4. Season
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush each pizza bomb generously with this flavorful mixture.
5. Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or use a nonstick spray. Place the pizza bombs in the basket, leaving space between them so air can circulate evenly.
Brush the tops lightly with olive oil and air fry for 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Finish & Serve
As soon as the pizza bombs come out of the air fryer, sprinkle them with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with extra pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter for dipping.
Why the Air Fryer Is Perfect for Pizza Bombs
Cooking Air Fryer Pizza Bombs in an air fryer offers several advantages:
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Even Cooking: Hot air circulates evenly around each pizza bomb.
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Crispy Texture: You get a crisp exterior without deep frying.
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Faster Cook Time: No need to preheat a full oven.
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Less Oil: A lighter alternative to traditional frying.
These benefits make the air fryer the ideal tool for this recipe, especially when you’re short on time.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
To ensure perfect results every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
Don’t Overfill
Adding too much sauce or cheese can cause leaks, leading to burnt cheese in the air fryer basket.
Seal Thoroughly
Pinch the dough tightly and smooth the seams. Placing the seam-side down helps keep everything contained.
Space Them Out
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
Serve Immediately
Air Fryer Pizza Bombs are best enjoyed hot, when the cheese is perfectly melted.
Creative Variations of Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
One of the best things about Air Fryer Pizza Bombs is how customizable they are. Here are some popular variations to try:
1. Meat Lover’s Pizza Bombs
Fill with pepperoni, cooked sausage, and bacon bits for a hearty version.
2. Veggie Pizza Bombs
Use mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, onions, and spinach for a meat-free option.
3. Hawaiian Pizza Bombs
Add diced ham and pineapple for a sweet-and-savory twist.
4. Cheesy Explosion Pizza Bombs
Combine mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for extra cheesiness.
5. Buffalo Chicken Pizza Bombs
Use cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, and mozzarella for a spicy kick.
Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
These pizza bombs are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
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As a game-day appetizer
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As an after-school snack
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With a side salad for a quick dinner
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On a party platter with assorted dips
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As part of a finger-food spread
They pair well with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even spicy sriracha mayo.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled Air Fryer Pizza Bombs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F (165°C) for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked pizza bombs on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the air fryer time.
PrintAir Fryer Pizza Bombs: The Ultimate Guide to Crispy, Cheesy Perfection
These Air Fryer Pizza Bombs are crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside, and bursting with classic pizza flavor. Made with refrigerated biscuit dough, they’re quick, fun, and perfect for appetizers, snacks, parties, or even a fast weeknight meal. Best of all, they cook in just 10 minutes in the air fryer!
Ingredients
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1 can (8-count) refrigerated biscuit dough
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½ cup pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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16 slices pepperoni (or preferred toppings)
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 tablespoon butter, melted
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough
Open the biscuit dough and separate the pieces. Flatten each biscuit slightly into a round. -
Fill the Pizza Bombs
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce into the center of each dough round.
Add 2 slices of pepperoni and a generous pinch of mozzarella cheese. -
Seal
Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch tightly to seal, forming a ball. Make sure there are no gaps to prevent leaking. -
Season
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Brush each pizza bomb with the butter mixture. -
Air Fry
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Place pizza bombs in the basket with space between each. Lightly brush with olive oil.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. -
Finish & Serve
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese immediately after cooking.
Serve hot with extra pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
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Don’t overfill: Too much sauce or cheese can cause leaking.
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Seal well: Pinch seams tightly and place seam-side down in the basket.
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Customize fillings: Try cooked sausage, ham, mushrooms, or olives.
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Serve immediately: They’re best when hot and melty.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)
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Calories: 320–350 kcal
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Protein: 12–14 g
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Fat: 16–18 g
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Carbohydrates: 30–34 g
Keep in mind that nutritional values may vary depending on toppings and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
Can I use homemade dough?
Yes, homemade pizza or biscuit dough works well, though prep time will increase.
Can I make Air Fryer Pizza Bombs ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Do I need to flip them while cooking?
No flipping is necessary. The air fryer cooks them evenly.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free biscuit or pizza dough for a gluten-free version.
Why You’ll Love Making Air Fryer Pizza Bombs Again and Again
Once you try Air Fryer Pizza Bombs, they’re bound to become a repeat recipe. They’re fast, customizable, budget-friendly, and universally loved by kids and adults alike. With endless filling options and minimal cleanup, they fit seamlessly into any lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Pizza Bombs are the perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and flavor. With a crispy golden exterior and a warm, cheesy center, they deliver everything you crave in a pizza-inspired snack—without the hassle of making pizza from scratch. Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding a hungry family, or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Once you make them, you’ll quickly understand why Air Fryer Pizza Bombs have become a favorite in kitchens everywhere.