Air Fryer Pizza Bombs

Air fryer pizza bombs are my go to when I want a cheesy party snack but do not want to fuss with pizza dough from scratch. Each bite is packed with bubbling mozzarella pepperoni and tangy sauce wrapped in golden biscuit dough—making them perfect for quick family dinners or game day spreads.

My whole family gathers in the kitchen when I make these. The smell of garlic butter hits the air fryer and suddenly no one can wait for dinner.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated biscuit dough: gives a soft pillowy wrap for the filling stick to flaky style brands for best texture
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts into creamy stretchy pools try to use whole milk mozzarella for richness
• Pepperoni slices: bring classic pizza flavor look for thicker cut deli style if you can find it
• Pizza sauce: adds tang and keeps everything moist choose a thick flavorful sauce without too much sugar
• Melted butter: helps all the flavors soak in use unsalted for better control
• Garlic powder: infuses loads of aroma look for freshly opened jars for punchiest flavor
• Italian seasoning: gives herb notes find blends with oregano basil and marjoram
• Grated Parmesan: delivers savory finish freshly grated tastes best
• Fresh parsley: brings a pop of color and freshness always choose bright green leafy bunches

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Biscuit Circles:

Flatten each refrigerated biscuit into an even circle about four inches wide using your palms or a rolling pin to create more surface area for filling

Fill and Seal:

Spoon one teaspoon of pizza sauce into the center of each dough round then layer on three slices of pepperoni and a generous pinch of mozzarella cheese being mindful not to overfill or they may split open as they cook

Shape the Bombs:

Gather the edges of each dough circle up over the filling and firmly pinch together to completely seal the filling inside then roll gently between your hands to create a smooth ball with no holes

Garlic Butter Mixture:

In a small bowl combine the melted butter with garlic powder Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese stirring well so every bit of butter is flavorful

Brush Before Cooking:

Using a pastry brush coat each dough ball with half of the garlic butter mixture making sure to cover evenly for extra taste

Arrange in Air Fryer:

Lay each dough bomb seam side down spaced slightly apart in the preheated air fryer basket so the heat can circulate and cook them evenly

Air Fry to Perfection:

Cook at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for eight to ten minutes until each bomb is puffed up and deeply golden with melted cheese peeking through just a bit

Finish with Butter and Parsley:

After cooking brush the hot bombs with the remaining garlic butter then finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a fragrant touch

Save

My favorite part is the crispy garlicky bottom after that second brush of butter—the Parmesan nearly crackles as it cools. My kids still argue over who gets the cheesiest one every single time.

How to Store Leftovers

Let the bombs cool completely then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat place back in the air fryer at three hundred fifty degrees for three to four minutes to bring back the crispy outside. You can also freeze the uncooked sealed bombs on a tray then bag and keep in the freezer for quick snacks.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

If you do not have pepperoni try chopped ham cooked sausage or sautéed mushrooms. Any melting cheese works like fontina or provolone. For a lighter touch use turkey pepperoni and part skim mozzarella.

Fun Ways to Serve

Set out with little bowls of warm pizza sauce ranch or pesto for dipping. Kids love adding their own fillings before you seal up the bombs. They are also great packed into school lunches still tasty at room temperature.

Where Pizza Bombs Came From

Pizza bombs blend American stuffed bread traditions with classic pizzeria flavors. The air fryer twist is perfect for busy cooks looking for speed. In my house these have taken the place of the old pepperoni bread loaf from my childhood more portable and a whole lot quicker.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade dough instead of biscuit dough?

Yes, homemade dough works well, but keep portions similar for even cooking and a fluffy texture.

→ What other fillings can I use?

Try cooked sausage, sauteed vegetables, or extra cheeses like provolone or cheddar for variety.

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Pinch the dough edges tightly and avoid overfilling. Make sure seams are well sealed before air frying.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

Assemble the bombs ahead and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Air fry just before serving for the best texture.

→ Is it possible to bake these in a regular oven?

Yes, bake at 375°F until golden, usually 12-15 minutes. The crust will be slightly less crisp than the air fryer version.

→ What dipping sauces go well with these?

Classic marinara is ideal, but ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy sauce are delicious alternatives.