Name: Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 can Refrigerated biscuit dough ((8 pieces)); 3/4 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese; 24 slices Pepperoni ((3 per bomb)); 1/2 cup Pizza sauce ((plus extra for dipping)); 3 tablespoons Melted butter; 1 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese; to taste Fresh parsley ((chopped for garnish))

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate snack-time treat: Air Fryer Pizza Bombs! These cheesy, gooey bites have quickly become a family favorite in my house—and for good reason. Imagine biting into a golden, buttery crust that bursts open with melty mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and a pop of marinara sauce. They’re simple to whip up, take just minutes to bake, and are perfect for everything from after-school snacks to last-minute party appetizers. I first made them on a rainy weekend when my kids were craving pizza, but I didn’t want to deal with dough from scratch. Needless to say, no leftovers survived. Trust me, if you loved my Air Fryer Garlic Knots, you’ll adore the fun, poppable nature of these pizza bombs. Ready to find your new favorite comfort snack? Let’s make some magic happen in your air fryer!

What is Air Fryer Pizza Bombs?

So, what’s behind the quirky name “Air Fryer Pizza Bombs”? Well, have you ever craved pizza but didn’t want the hassle—or the wait? These playful, bite-sized wonders are stuffed with classic pizza toppings, then sealed in biscuit dough and “bombed” into the air fryer until they’re puffy and golden. The “bomb” part comes from the explosion of flavors you get in every bite—seriously, they’re that good! After all, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and I’d argue pizza bombs can win anyone over! Ready to taste the legend for yourself? Give these irresistible morsels a try and watch them disappear from your table.

Why You’ll Love This

First of all, Air Fryer Pizza Bombs are the definition of cheesy comfort food—oozing with mozzarella and spicy pepperoni, every bite is pure pizza bliss in mini form. These are wallet-friendly, too! Skip the pricy pizzeria and whip up a batch with everyday ingredients; your hunger (and your wallet!) will thank you. What really sets them apart? The finishing touch of garlicky butter, Parmesan, and Italian herbs makes each bite outrageously flavorful, rivaling even the best air fryer snacks like my Bacon Ranch Pinwheels. These treats are customizable and truly fun for kids and grown-ups alike—so head to the kitchen and let the pizza party begin!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Craving pizza in a hurry? These Air Fryer Pizza Bombs come together in about 25 minutes from start to finish! The recipe is incredibly simple—no kneading, no special dough, just refrigerated biscuits, cheese, pepperoni, and a few pantry staples. A slather of garlicky butter takes them over the top, while the air fryer delivers a perfectly crisp, golden crust. Whether you need a quick snack or an easy dinner, these pizza bombs deliver big on flavor and satisfaction, every single time.

Ingredients

1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8 pieces)
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
24 slices pepperoni (3 per bomb)
1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Step-By-Step Directions

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3-5 minutes while you assemble the pizza bombs.
Take each biscuit round and flatten it gently into a 4-inch circle using your hands or a rolling pin.
In the center of each dough circle, add 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce, 3 slices of pepperoni, and a generous pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese. Be careful not to overfill, or the dough may tear.
Pull up the edges of the biscuit and tightly pinch them together to enclose the filling. Roll gently between your hands to make a well-sealed ball, ensuring no sauce or cheese is exposed.
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan.
Arrange the pizza bombs seam side down in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd—leave a little space around each for even cooking.
Brush the tops of the bombs with half of the garlic butter mixture.
Air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or until each bomb is golden brown, puffed up, and cooked through.
Immediately after cooking, brush with remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping—and enjoy!

What to Serve With

Air Fryer Pizza Bombs are fun on their own, but a few easy sides can turn your snack into a feast! Serve them alongside a crisp Caesar salad for freshness or some roasted veggies for balance. A batch of marinara dipping sauce or ranch is perfect for dunking, while garlic knots or parmesan fries make a crowd-pleasing addition. Pair with your favorite fizzy sodas, sparkling lemonade, or even a cold beer for the adults!

Top Tips for Perfecting

Don’t overfill the dough—too much cheese or sauce, and the bombs may burst open while cooking.
For a vegetarian twist, swap the pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, diced peppers, or spinach.
Want added heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes inside each bomb for a spicy kick.
If biscuits are too sticky, dust your hands and workspace lightly with flour.
Always preheat the air fryer for the best rise and crispy exterior.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover pizza bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 325°F for 3-4 minutes to restore their freshly baked texture. You can also microwave for 30 seconds, though the dough may be softer. For longer storage, freeze cooled pizza bombs in a zip-top bag. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 320°F for 6-8 minutes!

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?
Absolutely! Homemade or store-bought pizza dough both work beautifully but may require slightly longer cooking times.

What other fillings can I use besides pepperoni and cheese?
Anything you’d put on a pizza! Try cooked sausage, diced veggies, or even ham and pineapple for a Hawaiian twist.

How do I keep the dough from sticking to my hands?
A dusting of flour on your hands or rolling surface helps prevent sticking and makes handling the dough easier.

Can pizza bombs be made ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them a few hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to air fry. Perfect for parties!

Do I need to flip the bombs halfway through cooking?
Not usually! The air fryer’s circulating heat cooks them evenly. But if your fryer tends to brown unevenly, give them a gentle turn at the halfway mark.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Pizza Bombs are an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights, parties, or whenever that pizza craving strikes. With minimal prep, a handful of affordable ingredients, and a burst of cheesy, saucy goodness in every bite, these crowd-pleasers are destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t be surprised if your friends and family ask you to make them again and again! Give this easy recipe a try, experiment with your favorite fillings, and let the air fryer work its magic. Happy snacking!