Air Fryer Pizza Bombs: The Foolproof Recipe You Need to Try Today
Air fryer pizza bombs certainly deserve a spot in your recipe collection. These quick little bites are ready in under 15 minutes and transform simple ingredients into something truly spectacular. We start with biscuit dough stuffed with mozzarella and pepperoni, brush it with garlic butter, and air fry until it’s ooey gooey on the inside.
Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply need a quick snack, this pizza bomb recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. The best part? These pizza bombs in air fryer cook golden brown in just 4 to 6 minutes at 350 degrees F. Particularly impressive is their nutritional profile—each serving contains 284 calories, 17g fat, 26g carbs, and 9g protein. In this guide, I’ll walk you through our foolproof air fryer pizza bombs recipe that’s perfect for parties, tailgating, or whenever you need a convenient bite.
What You Need to Make Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
Creating perfect air fryer pizza bombs starts with gathering the right ingredients. Let’s dive into everything you’ll need to make these irresistible treats.
Biscuit dough or homemade dough
The foundation of any good pizza bomb is the dough. Most recipes call for refrigerated biscuit dough, with Pillsbury Grands! being a popular choice. These larger biscuits puff up beautifully in the air fryer and provide a fluffy texture. For a more authentic pizza experience, refrigerated pizza dough works equally well. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade dough is another excellent option. Additionally, some recipes suggest using frozen raw dinner rolls, which can save prep time while still delivering great results.
Mozzarella cheese options
The right cheese makes all the difference in pizza bombs. For that perfect cheese pull, whole milk mozzarella is essential—avoid part-skim varieties as they lack the richness. You have several options: cubed mozzarella from a block (which many find superior to shredded), string cheese cut into pieces, or mozzarella balls. Furthermore, room temperature cheese melts more thoroughly during the short cooking time, ensuring that gooey center everyone craves.
Pepperoni and other fillings
Mini pepperoni slices are ideal for these compact treats, but regular pepperoni cut into quarters works just as well. Beyond pepperoni, you can customize with:
- Cooked meats like Italian sausage, ground beef, or ham
- Vegetable options such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or olives
- Pre-cooked vegetables work best given the short cooking time
Just remember not to overfill, as this can cause leakage during cooking.
Seasoned butter topping
The exterior seasoning elevates these pizza bombs from good to extraordinary. A basic mixture includes melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. For added flavor, many recipes incorporate grated Parmesan cheese. Brush this mixture onto the pizza bombs before air frying for a golden, flavorful crust.
Dipping sauces to serve
No pizza bomb is complete without dipping options. Warm marinara or pizza sauce is the classic choice, but there are many alternatives. Ranch dressing offers a creamy contrast to the savory bombs. Moreover, some enthusiasts enjoy pesto, alfredo sauce, or even barbecue sauce depending on your filling choices. Melted garlic butter makes another excellent dipping option for those who enjoy extra richness.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Pizza Bombs in the Air Fryer
Now that I’ve assembled my ingredients, it’s time to make these delicious air fryer pizza bombs. The process is straightforward, yet each step is crucial for achieving that perfect combination of crispy exterior and gooey, flavorful filling.
1. Flatten and prep the dough
First, I open my can of biscuits and separate them. For larger biscuits like Pillsbury Grands, I pull each biscuit in half to make thinner pieces. Using a rolling pin or my hands, I flatten each piece to approximately 1/8-inch thickness, creating circles about 4-6 inches in diameter. For best results, I lightly flour my work surface to prevent sticking as I press the dough into thin disks.
2. Add sauce, cheese, and toppings
Next, I spoon 1-2 teaspoons of pizza sauce into the center of each flattened biscuit, making sure to leave about 1/4-inch around the edges bare. Subsequently, I add about 1-2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella or a cube of cheese on top of the sauce. Then I place 4 quarter-slices of pepperoni (equivalent to 1 whole slice) on top of the cheese. Obviously, I’m careful not to overfill, as this could cause leakage during cooking.
3. Seal and shape the bombs
Once filled, I lift opposite sides of the biscuit and pinch the edges together firmly, sealing in all ingredients. I make sure there are no gaps or holes where cheese might escape. After sealing, I roll the dough gently between my palms to form a ball shape, placing it seam-side down in my prepared air fryer basket.
4. Brush with butter and seasonings
In a small bowl, I whisk together 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Using a pastry brush, I generously coat each pizza bomb with this flavorful mixture right before cooking. For extra flavor, I sometimes sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Air fry until golden and crispy
Finally, I preheat my air fryer to 350-375°F for about 3 minutes. I place the pizza bombs in a single layer in the basket, making sure they’re not touching. I cook them at 350°F for 5-8 minutes until golden brown. Importantly, I flip them halfway through cooking for even browning. I always check that they’re completely cooked through before serving – the outside should be crispy and golden while the inside remains hot and gooey.
Tips for Perfect Pizza Bombs Every Time
Mastering air fryer pizza bombs comes down to a few crucial techniques that prevent common problems. After making hundreds of these tasty treats, I’ve discovered some foolproof strategies that guarantee perfect results every time.
Avoid overfilling the dough
Less is truly more when filling pizza bombs. I stick to approximately 1 teaspoon of sauce and 1 tablespoon of cheese per bomb. Consequently, this prevents frustrating leaks that can ruin your air fryer experience. Overstuffing creates too much pressure inside as the cheese melts, causing the dough to rupture. For best results, place fillings in the center, leaving plenty of clean dough around the edges for a proper seal.
Use room temperature cheese
Despite the short cooking time, cheese temperature matters significantly. Room temperature cheese melts more thoroughly during air frying, creating that perfect gooey center everyone loves. In contrast, cold cheese might remain partially unmelted by the time the outside is golden brown. I typically let my cheese sit out for about 20 minutes before assembling my pizza bombs.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket
Proper spacing is essential for crispy, evenly cooked pizza bombs. In essence, the hot air needs to circulate freely around each piece. Place the bombs in a single layer with space between them—never stack or allow them to touch. Depending on your air fryer size, you’ll likely need to cook in batches rather than trying to fit all bombs at once.
Flip halfway for even cooking
Turning the pizza bombs halfway through cooking ensures both sides turn golden brown and cook evenly. I set a timer for half the cooking time as a reminder to flip each bomb. This simple step prevents the common problem of having one side perfectly cooked while the other remains pale.
Check for doneness before serving
To clarify, visual cues aren’t always reliable for determining if pizza bombs are fully cooked. They should be well-risen, firm to the touch, and golden brown all over. If unsure, take one test bomb and cut it open—the dough should be completely cooked with no raw sections in the middle.
Variations and Customizations to Try
The beauty of air fryer pizza bombs lies in their versatility—they’re perfect for customizing to suit any taste preference. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s time to get creative with these delicious variations.
Using different cheeses
While mozzarella is the traditional choice, experimenting with cheese can transform your pizza bombs. Low-moisture mozzarella remains the gold standard as it melts beautifully without creating a watery mess. Nevertheless, try mixing in provolone or Monterey Jack for an extraordinary cheese pull moment. First and foremost, consider creating an all-cheese bomb with a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar for a sharper, richer flavor. For those with dietary restrictions, dairy-free mozzarella alternatives work remarkably well—brands like Follow Your Heart offer options that melt convincingly.
Vegetarian and meat-lover options
For vegetarians, omit the pepperoni and focus on vegetables. Accordingly, add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or spinach for flavor and texture. Indeed, sautéing veggies beforehand ensures they’re properly cooked, since the air fryer time is brief. Uniquely, you can create veggie pizza bombs with a pesto base instead of tomato sauce.
Meanwhile, meat-lovers can explore beyond pepperoni. Specifically, try cooked Italian sausage, crumbled bacon, diced ham, Canadian bacon, or mini meatballs. Regardless of your choice, ensure meats are pre-cooked and well-drained to prevent soggy bombs.
Making it spicy or kid-friendly
Spice enthusiasts can upgrade their pizza bombs by using spicy pepperoni or adding crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. Undoubtedly, mixing jalapeños into the filling creates a heat-lover’s dream. Buffalo chicken bombs—using buffalo sauce and shredded chicken instead of pepperoni—offer another fiery variation.
Alternatively, kid-friendly versions might feature milder cheese blends, simple toppings, and perhaps a cheesy garlic Parmesan exterior that appeals to younger palates.
Using pizza dough instead of biscuits
Although biscuit dough provides convenience, pizza dough delivers a more authentic experience. Whole wheat dough offers a heartier texture, whereas gluten-free options accommodate dietary needs. Crescent roll dough represents another excellent alternative that’s easy to work with. Interestingly, some bakers prefer homemade dough for complete control over texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Air fryer pizza bombs truly stand out as one of the most versatile and crowd-pleasing snacks you can make at home. These delicious little pockets take minimal effort yet deliver maximum flavor, making them perfect for any occasion. My journey through this recipe reveals how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with just a few minutes in the air fryer.
After mastering the basic technique, you’ll find endless possibilities for customization. Whether you prefer classic pepperoni and mozzarella or want to experiment with different cheeses and fillings, these pizza bombs adapt to your taste preferences. Families particularly love this recipe because everyone can create their own version – spicy options for heat-seekers and milder combinations for kids.
The air fryer makes these treats especially appealing. Unlike deep-fried alternatives, these bombs cook quickly without excess oil while still achieving that perfect golden exterior and gooey center. Additionally, their portion-controlled size helps prevent overindulgence while satisfying pizza cravings.
Remember those key tips – avoid overfilling, leave space between bombs, and flip halfway through cooking. These simple steps guarantee success every time. Furthermore, the prep work can become a fun activity for gatherings, where guests assemble their own customized bombs before you air fry them to perfection.
Air fryer pizza bombs deserve a permanent spot in your recipe collection. They combine convenience, flavor, and fun in equal measure – certainly worth the minimal effort they require. Next time you need a quick snack, game day appetizer, or creative dinner option, these pizza bombs will undoubtedly become your go-to solution. Your friends and family will thank you!
FAQs
Q1. How long does it take to cook pizza bombs in an air fryer? Air fryer pizza bombs cook quickly, typically taking 5-8 minutes at 350°F (175°C). For best results, flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Q2. Can I use different types of dough for pizza bombs? Yes, you can use various types of dough for pizza bombs. While refrigerated biscuit dough is common, you can also use pizza dough, crescent roll dough, or even homemade dough for a more authentic pizza experience.
Q3. What are some vegetarian options for pizza bomb fillings? Vegetarian pizza bombs can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or spinach. You can also use pesto instead of tomato sauce for a different flavor profile.
Q4. How can I prevent my pizza bombs from leaking during cooking? To prevent leaking, avoid overfilling the dough. Use about 1 teaspoon of sauce and 1 tablespoon of cheese per bomb. Place fillings in the center, leaving plenty of clean dough around the edges for a proper seal.
Q5. What are some creative variations I can try with pizza bombs? You can experiment with different cheese blends, add spicy elements like jalapeños or buffalo sauce, or create meat-lover versions with various pre-cooked meats. For a twist, try using different sauces like alfredo or BBQ instead of traditional pizza sauce.