Air Fryer Pizza Bombs Recipe

There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, cheesy pizza bomb fresh out of the air fryer. With a crispy golden crust and an explosion of gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and rich marinara sauce inside, these little pockets of joy are the perfect snack, appetizer, or quick meal.

I first made these when I was craving pizza but didn’t want to deal with rolling out dough or waiting for delivery. A few simple ingredients, a trusty air fryer, and about 15 minutes later, I had a batch of irresistible pizza bombs that disappeared as fast as I made them.

If you're looking for a fun, easy, and totally delicious way to satisfy your pizza cravings, you’re going to love this recipe. Let’s dive in!

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 a game-changer, and here’s why.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. Using refrigerated biscuit dough means there’s no need for proofing or rolling out pizza dough—just flatten, fill, and seal.

They’re also quick! From start to finish, you’ll have a batch of piping hot, melty pizza bombs in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, after-school snacks, or even last-minute party appetizers.

Customization is another huge perk. Whether you love classic pepperoni and cheese, prefer veggies, or want a meat-lover’s version, you can easily switch up the fillings to suit your taste.

And let’s talk about that crispy, golden exterior. Cooking these in the air fryer gives them a perfectly crisp crust without the need for deep frying, making them a slightly healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

Now that you're hooked, let’s go over the simple ingredients you'll need.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these air fryer pizza bombs lies in their simplicity. Just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something truly delicious.

Refrigerated biscuit dough is the foundation of this recipe. I like using canned buttermilk biscuits because they bake up light and fluffy while still holding their shape around the filling. If you prefer, you can use crescent roll dough for a slightly flakier texture.

Mozzarella cheese is a must for that perfect melty pull. I recommend using low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella because it melts beautifully without making the filling too watery. For an extra flavor boost, mix in some shredded cheddar or provolone.

Pepperoni slices add that classic pizza taste. If you want a spicy kick, try using spicy pepperoni or even diced salami. For a meatless version, swap it out for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.

Marinara sauce brings everything together. A good-quality jarred marinara or pizza sauce works great, but if you have homemade sauce on hand, even better! Just be careful not to overfill the bombs, as too much sauce can make them difficult to seal.

Butter and seasonings take these pizza bombs to the next level. Brushing them with melted butter mixed with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan before air frying adds incredible flavor and gives them that signature golden brown finish.

A good air fryer is all you need to cook these to perfection, but having parchment paper rounds or a silicone liner can help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

How To Make These Air Fryer Pizza Bombs

Making these pizza bombs is as simple as flattening, filling, and air frying. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure they turn out perfect every time.

Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F. While it heats, open the can of biscuit dough and separate each biscuit. Using your hands or a rolling pin, gently flatten each piece into a 4-inch circle, making sure not to make it too thin.

Next, assemble the fillings. Place a small spoonful of marinara sauce in the center of each dough circle, followed by a generous pinch of shredded mozzarella and a couple of pepperoni slices. If you’re adding extra toppings, keep them small to avoid overfilling.

Carefully fold the edges of the dough up and over the filling, pinching them together to form a tight seal. Roll the dough ball gently between your hands to smooth out any seams, ensuring the filling stays locked inside during cooking.

Place the sealed pizza bombs seam-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.

In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Brush this mixture over the tops of each pizza bomb before air frying. This step adds incredible flavor and gives them a golden, crispy finish.

Air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, checking at the 6-minute mark. They’re done when the tops are golden brown and crisp. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving, as the cheese inside will be molten hot!

In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a batch of warm, cheesy, flavor-packed pizza bombs that are impossible to resist.

Storage Options

These air fryer pizza bombs are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they store well for later snacking.

For short-term storage, place any cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep them from getting soggy, line the container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

If you want to freeze them, arrange the cooled pizza bombs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 2 months.

Reheating is easy! For refrigerated pizza bombs, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warm and crispy. If reheating from frozen, air fry at 320°F for 6-8 minutes, checking halfway through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about these air fryer pizza bombs is how customizable they are. Here are some fun variations to try.

For a vegetarian version, skip the pepperoni and load them up with diced bell peppers, mushrooms, black olives, or spinach. A little feta cheese crumbled in with the mozzarella adds a delicious twist.

If you're a meat lover, go beyond pepperoni and try cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, or even shredded barbecue chicken for a smoky, tangy kick.

Switch up the cheese for a different flavor profile. Try a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar for a richer taste, or use smoked gouda for a deeper, more complex flavor.

For a spicy version, add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling or use a spicy marinara sauce. Jalapeño slices tucked inside also add a nice heat.

Want a healthier twist? Use whole wheat biscuit dough or swap out the dough entirely for low-carb tortilla wraps, folding them into small parcels before air frying.

There’s no wrong way to enjoy these pizza bombs, so have fun experimenting with different fillings and flavors. You might just discover your new favorite version!

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