Air fryer pizza bombs blend convenience and flavor with a gooey, cheesy center wrapped in crispy dough. With just a few simple ingredients and about 15 minutes, you can make these bite-sized snacks at home.
They cook quickly in the air fryer, turning golden outside while staying melty inside. Pizza bombs are great for busy nights or as easy appetizers.
You can customize them with your favorite toppings and cheeses. Fill them with pepperoni, vegetables, or extra cheese for endless combinations.
Each pizza bomb is small, portable, and fun to dip in warm marinara or ranch. If you want a creative way to enjoy pizza flavors at home, this recipe is a great choice.
A few basic steps are all you need to make a batch of air fryer pizza bombs. For more details, tips, and custom ideas, check out this easy guide to air fryer pizza bombs.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Air fryer pizza bombs deliver classic pizza flavors in a fun, bite-sized snack. The outer biscuit dough gets golden and crisp, while the inside stays soft and cheesy.
Easy to Make: Prep takes just a few minutes. You don’t need to make dough or follow complicated steps—just stuff, seal, and air fry.
Customizable Fillings: Use classic pepperoni, veggie toppings, or a mix of cheeses. Swap ingredients so everyone gets their favorite flavor.
Quick Cook Time: Pizza bombs are ready in about 20 minutes. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute snacks.
Kid-Friendly: Their small size and gooey cheese make them a hit with kids and adults. Everyone gets their own—no need to cut slices or share.
Here’s what makes these a great pick:
Benefit | Reason |
---|---|
Time-saving | Ready in under 20 minutes |
Budget-friendly | Uses simple ingredients |
Versatile | Works as a snack or meal |
Minimal cleanup | No baking pans needed |
Cooking in the air fryer uses less oil and creates less mess. The air fryer gives a crisp crust without deep frying, so cleanup is easy.
To see a full recipe and more details, visit this Air Fryer Pizza Bombs recipe.
How To Make Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
Air fryer pizza bombs are easy snacks filled with melted cheese and pizza flavors. Using biscuit dough, toppings, and a few kitchen tools, you can make these cheesy bites quickly at home.
Ingredients
Most pizza bombs start with refrigerated biscuit dough. Dough from a can like Grands Flaky Layers or homestyle works best.
Use cubes of mozzarella cheese at room temperature so it melts well in the air fryer. Classic pizza bombs have pepperoni, but you can use mini pepperoni, turkey pepperoni, Canadian bacon, or ham.
Serve pizza sauce or marinara sauce warm on the side for dipping. It adds more flavor.
Other tasty options for fillings or toppings include Italian sausage, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives. Brush the dough with melted butter mixed with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and sometimes parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
If you want variety, use crescent roll dough or refrigerated pizza dough instead of biscuit dough.
Instruments
You’ll need an air fryer with a basket to cook the dough evenly and get a crisp crust. A baking sheet is helpful for holding the prepped bombs before air frying.
Use a knife for chopping cheese, pepperoni, and veggies. A small bowl is handy for mixing melted butter and seasonings.
A pastry brush helps you coat the dough balls with seasoned butter. Use clean hands or a spoon to fold the dough over the fillings. Tongs help you remove the hot pizza bombs from the air fryer safely.
Step By Step Instruction
Open the can of biscuit dough. Gently pull apart each biscuit to make thinner pieces.
Press or stretch them out so there’s room for the filling. Cut mozzarella into cubes and chop your toppings into small pieces.
Place cheese and toppings in the center of each dough round. Seal the edges tightly around the filling to form a ball.
Arrange pizza bombs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Whisk melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then brush each dough ball with this mixture.
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown outside. Serve warm pizza bombs with pizza sauce or marinara for dipping.
Sprinkle parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes on top before serving for extra flavor.
For more variation and steps, check out the detailed Air Fryer Pizza Bombs recipe guide.
Tips & Tricks
Brush each pizza bomb with melted garlic butter before air frying for extra flavor. This step creates a buttery, crispy crust and a delicious garlic aroma.
Don’t overfill the dough. Add just enough cheese and filling so the edges close easily.
Seal the dough well to keep the cheese from leaking out. Arrange pizza bombs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Leave space between them so they cook evenly and get golden brown on all sides. If your air fryer tends to stick, line the basket with parchment paper or spray it lightly with nonstick spray.
This prevents sticking without making the bombs soggy. Try topping with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Italian seasoning after baking for extra taste and crunch.
Here’s a quick topping guide:
Topping | Benefit |
---|---|
Garlic butter | Rich, savory flavor |
Melted butter | Crispy, golden brown finish |
Parmesan cheese | Nutty, salty bite |
Italian seasoning | Herb aroma and flavor |
Let them cool for a minute or two before serving. The filling will be very hot right out of the air fryer.
For more prep ideas or easy instructions, check out this easy air fryer pizza bombs guide.
Ingredient Substitute
You can swap out ingredients for air fryer pizza bombs to fit different diets or preferences.
Biscuit dough is the most common base, but crescent roll dough makes a flakier result. Pizza dough or homemade bread dough also work well.
For a thinner crust, crescent dough is an easy switch. For the cheese, mozzarella is classic and melts well.
Cheddar, provolone, or a mix can change the flavor. Vegan cheese shreds work for dairy-free options.
Here’s a quick look at possible dough and cheese swaps:
Original | Substitute 1 | Substitute 2 |
---|---|---|
Biscuit dough | Crescent dough | Pizza dough |
Mozzarella | Cheddar, Provolone | Vegan cheese |
Topping substitutes are simple. Use pepperoni, cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or leftover chicken.
Make sure vegetables are cooked and not too watery. Swap pizza sauce with marinara, barbecue sauce, alfredo, or pesto for something different.
If you want to avoid butter for brushing, use olive oil or a dairy-free spread. For more flavor, sprinkle in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or grated Parmesan.
More details can be found in this air fryer pizza bombs recipe.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
Air fryer pizza bombs are a fun snack for game day, parties, or a quick lunch. They work well as an appetizer or a savory snack after school.
Pair them with classic dipping sauces for extra flavor. Popular choices include marinara sauce, creamy ranch dressing, tangy barbecue sauce, or melted garlic butter.
For a little heat, buffalo sauce is another tasty addition.
Here are some dipping ideas to try:
Sauce | Flavor Profile |
---|---|
Marinara | Tomato, herby |
Ranch | Cool, creamy |
Barbecue | Sweet, tangy |
Garlic Butter | Rich, savory |
Buffalo Sauce | Spicy, buttery |
If you want a heartier meal, serve pizza bombs with a simple salad or a bowl of soup. Roasted vegetables or fresh veggies with dip also balance out the meal.
For more snack options, place air fryer pizza bombs next to buffalo chicken bombs or mozzarella sticks for an easy party platter. These choices make it easy to please groups with different tastes.
Pizza bombs fit well with other finger foods, especially when arranged with chips, sliders, or mini sandwiches. This makes them a great addition to any appetizer tray or snack table.
Find more serving tips and variations for air fryer pizza bombs at Air Fryer Family Meals’ serving guide.
How To Store This Recipe
Air fryer pizza bombs taste best fresh, but you can store them for later. Let them cool completely, then put them in an airtight container.
Store the container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Arrange the pizza bombs back in the basket and heat for 3-4 minutes. This brings back their crispy texture.
To keep them longer, freeze them. Place cooled pizza bombs on a baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch, and freeze until solid.
Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, take them from the freezer and put straight into the air fryer.
Cook at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until hot throughout and crisp outside. You don’t need to thaw them first.
Here’s a quick storage guide:
Storage Method | How Long | How to Reheat |
---|---|---|
Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Air fryer, 350°F, 3-4 min |
Freezer | Up to 1 month | Air fryer, 350°F, 6-8 min |
Always use an airtight container to keep pizza bombs fresher and prevent sogginess. More tips and step-by-step details are available at this Air Fryer Pizza Bombs recipe guide.
Nutrition Fact In List Form
Here are the nutrition facts for a typical serving of air fryer pizza bombs (1 piece). These values are estimates and can change based on ingredients and portion size.
Standard Recipe:
- Calories: 284
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Cholesterol: 37mg
- Sodium: 738mg
Each pizza bomb usually contains pizza dough, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, pizza sauce, and a light garlic butter topping. Biscuit dough is most commonly used and adds to the carbs and fat.
A helpful chart for quick reference:
Nutrient | Amount per Bomb |
---|---|
Calories | 284 |
Fat | 17g |
Carbs | 26g |
Protein | 9g |
Nutritional numbers can change if you use different fillings or dough. Using turkey pepperoni or low-fat cheese can help reduce fat.
If you add more veggies or switch to pizza dough, you can adjust fiber and calories. Pepperoni and cheese make the sodium content higher.
People watching their sodium can use low-sodium cheese or lean meats. Adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Air fryer pizza bombs cook quickly. You can use biscuit dough, pre-made pizza dough, or crescent rolls.
Adjust the air fryer temperature, time, and assembly to make sure the pizza bombs cook well.
What is the ideal cooking time for pizza bombs in an air fryer?
For most air fryers, cook pizza bombs at 350°F for about 6-8 minutes. The time may vary based on the air fryer’s type and size.
Check for a golden brown outside and a cooked inside. Add more time if the dough is still raw.
Can you use pre-made pizza dough for making air fryer pizza bombs?
You can use pre-made pizza dough instead of biscuits or crescent rolls. Roll the dough into a thin circle before adding the filling and sealing it.
Thicker dough may need a little more cooking time.
What are some tips for achieving the best results when making pizza bombs in an air fryer?
Grease the basket well before adding pizza bombs to stop them from sticking. Do not overcrowd the basket so air can flow and the bombs cook evenly.
Pinch seams tightly to keep cheese from leaking. Spritzing with oil helps the crust get crispier.
How do you make pizza bombs using crescent rolls in an air fryer?
Use crescent roll dough instead of biscuit dough. Separate the crescent triangles, add pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings, then wrap and seal into a ball.
Air fry at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Pinch the dough closed well so fillings do not escape.
What is the recipe for making pepperoni pizza bombs at home?
Flatten biscuit dough or pizza dough and add a spoonful of pizza sauce in the middle. Place mozzarella cheese and a few slices of pepperoni on top.
Fold the dough around the fillings and seal tightly. Air fry at 350°F for 6-8 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Is it possible to cook pizza dough directly in an air fryer, and if so, how?
Yes, you can cook pizza dough in an air fryer. Roll the dough into flat rounds or small balls.
Add your favorite toppings or fill the dough for pizza bombs. Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 6-8 minutes.
If the dough is thicker, it might need a few more minutes. Always check that the inside is fully cooked before serving.
Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Pastry brush
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough 8 biscuits
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16 slices pepperoni or other toppings of choice
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Flatten each biscuit with a rolling pin.
- Add 1 tsp pizza sauce, cheese, and 2 pepperoni slices in the center.
- Fold and pinch edges to seal into a ball.
- Brush with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Place in the air fryer basket, leaving space between bombs.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes until golden brown.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g