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Air Fryer Pizza Bombs

Air Fryer Pizza Bombs are little pockets of pizza heaven, ready in a flash thanks to the magic of your air fryer. They are golden, crispy bites filled with melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and tangy pizza sauce, all brushed with a glorious garlic butter.
Cook Time 8 minutes

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Small bowl
  • Rolling Pin (optional)
  • Baking Sheet (for oven method)

Ingredients
  

Hauptzutaten

  • 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8 pieces)
  • 0.75 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 24 slices pepperoni (3 per bomb)
  • 0.5 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, optional)

Instructions
 

  • First things first, open up that can of biscuit dough. Separate each biscuit into its own little circle. Now, you need to flatten each biscuit out. You can use your hands or a small rolling pin. Aim for a circle about 4-5 inches across. Don't worry if they're not perfect circles, they're going to be little balls soon anyway!
  • Now, time for the good stuff! Spoon about 1 tablespoon of your pizza sauce right in the center of each flattened biscuit. Don't overfill, or they'll be harder to seal. Pile about 1/3 of your shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. Then, layer 3 slices of pepperoni over the cheese.
  • Here's the slightly tricky but fun part: becoming a bomb-builder! Carefully gather the edges of the dough up and around the filling. Bring all the sides together at the top and pinch them really, really well to seal it closed. You want to make sure there are no little holes or gaps where the cheese can escape while cooking. Roll it gently in your hands to make it a nice round ball. Repeat this for all eight biscuits.
  • While your bombs are ready, let's make that glorious topping. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese until it's all combined.
  • Now, brush each pizza bomb liberally with this amazing garlic butter mixture. Get all sides! This is what gives them that fantastic golden crust and extra flavor.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) if your model requires preheating. Carefully place your pizza bombs in the air fryer basket. This is important: make sure they are in a single layer and are not touching each other! Overcrowding will make them cook unevenly and they won't get that nice crispy exterior. You'll likely need to cook them in two batches.
  • Air fry for 7-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They're done when they are beautifully golden brown and look cooked through. The time can vary a bit depending on your air fryer, so start checking around 7 minutes.
  • Carefully remove the hot pizza bombs from the air fryer. If you're feeling fancy, sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley over them right away.
  • Serve them immediately while they are hot and the cheese is super melty! Don't forget that extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Trust me, you'll want it!

Notes

Substitutions & Additions: Swap mozzarella for a blend of mozzarella and provolone, or add cheddar. Add finely chopped cooked mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions. Add cooked crumbled sausage, bacon, or ham. Add red pepper flakes for a kick. You could use canned pizza dough cut into squares, but biscuits are easier.
Tips for Success: Don't overfill to make sealing easier. Seal the edges tightly to prevent leaks. Don't crowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for crispy results. Air fryers cook fast, start checking around 7 minutes to avoid burning. Can assemble and brush with butter up to an hour ahead before air frying.
Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes, or microwave (will not be crispy).
FAQs: Can bake in a regular oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Yes, you can use different fillings as long as they aren't too wet and you don't overstuff. Cheese leakage is usually due to not sealing the seams tightly or dough not being flattened enough initially. Using refrigerated pizza dough is possible but more work than biscuits.