Air Fryer Pizza Bombs – Cheesy, Gooey, and Ready in 20 Minutes
Few things in life are as satisfying as biting into a warm, golden snack and discovering molten cheese inside. Air Fryer Pizza Bombs deliver exactly that experience — crisp on the outside, irresistibly gooey on the inside, and packed with classic pizza flavor.
These pizza bombs are the ultimate quick snack, party appetizer, or fun family dinner idea. They’re made with simple ingredients, cook in under 20 minutes, and require zero oven time. The air fryer creates perfectly crisp dough while keeping the cheese stretchy and indulgent.
If you love pizza, finger foods, or easy air fryer recipes, this is one dish you’ll make again and again.
Why Air Fryer Pizza Bombs Are So Popular
Pizza bombs combine everything people love about pizza into a compact, handheld bite. Using the air fryer takes them to the next level by making them faster, lighter, and crispier than oven-baked versions.
Here’s why this recipe works so well:
- Ready in 20 minutes or less
- Perfectly crisp without deep frying
- Gooey cheese center
- Customizable fillings
- Kid-friendly and party-approved
They’re ideal for game nights, movie marathons, after-school snacks, or casual entertaining.
What Makes These Pizza Bombs Extra Cheesy
The secret is sealing the dough tightly around the filling and using low-moisture mozzarella. As the pizza bombs cook, steam builds inside, melting the cheese into a stretchy, gooey core while the outside turns golden and crisp.
The air fryer circulates hot air evenly, preventing soggy bottoms and ensuring consistent browning.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Mini pepperoni slices
- Marinara or pizza sauce
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut each biscuit into halves or quarters, depending on size.
- Flatten each dough piece into a small circle.
- Place a small spoonful of marinara sauce in the center.
- Add mozzarella cheese and a few mini pepperoni slices.
- Carefully gather the dough edges and pinch tightly to seal.
- Roll into a smooth ball, seam side down.
- Lightly brush each pizza bomb with olive oil.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Place pizza bombs in the air fryer basket, spaced apart.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden brown.
- Remove and immediately sprinkle with parmesan cheese and parsley.
- Serve warm with extra marinara for dipping.
Air Fryer Pizza Bombs – Cheesy, Gooey, and Ready in 20 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Flatten biscuit dough pieces.
- Fill with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
- Seal dough into balls.
- Brush with olive oil and season.
- Air fry until golden and crisp.
Notes
Texture & Flavor Experience
Each bite delivers a satisfying contrast: crisp, lightly seasoned dough on the outside and a rich, cheesy pizza center on the inside. The pepperoni adds savory depth, while the marinara keeps everything balanced and classic.
They’re indulgent without being heavy — exactly what you want from an air fryer snack.
Tips for Perfect Pizza Bombs Every Time
- Don’t overfill – too much cheese can cause leaks
- Seal tightly – pinch seams firmly to trap the filling
- Avoid overcrowding – cook in batches if needed
- Serve immediately – cheese pull is best when hot
If a little cheese escapes, don’t worry — crispy cheese bits are a bonus.
Fun Variations to Try
Once you master the base recipe, experiment with fillings:
- Cheese Lover’s Bombs – mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar
- Veggie Pizza Bombs – mushrooms, olives, bell peppers
- Pepperoni & Jalapeño – spicy and bold
- Chicken Alfredo Bombs – chicken, mozzarella, alfredo sauce
- Hawaiian Style – ham and pineapple
Pizza bombs are endlessly customizable.
Serving Suggestions
Serve air fryer pizza bombs with:
- Warm marinara or pizza sauce
- Ranch or garlic dipping sauce
- A fresh green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Soup for a cozy meal combo
They also work beautifully on appetizer platters.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover pizza bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
- Air fryer: 350°F for 3–4 minutes
- Oven: 375°F for 6–8 minutes
Avoid microwaving — it softens the dough and ruins the crispness.
Air Fryer Pizza Bombs Fun Fact
Pizza bombs are inspired by stuffed breads and calzones, but the air fryer version cooks faster and creates a crisp exterior without added oil — making them lighter than traditional fried versions.
