Air Fryer Pizza Bombs

By: Casey Updated on Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:23:09 GMT Tasty Snacks
Casey, recipe creator at Cooking with Casey
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Updated on Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:23:09 GMT

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A plate of pepperoni and cheese balls. Pin it
A plate of pepperoni and cheese balls.

There is something irresistible about these Air Fryer Pizza Bombs they combine all the fun and ease of air frying with cheesy pepperoni flavor wrapped in a golden pocket of biscuit dough making them a must make for family nights and casual gatherings alike. The simple prep and amazing taste have quickly made this one of my go to recipes when snack cravings hit or we want a dinner everyone cheers for.

My kids beg for these on movie nights and the first time I brought them to a potluck they disappeared before anything else could even be served

Ingredients

  • Refrigerated biscuit dough: Use a good quality brand for a fluffier bite and ease of sealing the filling
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: Classic pizza melt and stretch Always buy a fresh block and shred yourself for the best melt
  • Pepperoni: Pre sliced works well and offers that signature bold tang
  • Pizza sauce: Choose a thicker one so it does not leak out Go for your family favorite or a homemade version if you have time
  • Butter: Melting fresh butter gives the tops a golden color and extra flavor
  • Garlic powder: Adds that toasty pizzeria note to every bite
  • Italian seasoning: Brings an herby fragrance and ties the flavors together Dried or fresh is fine
  • Grated Parmesan: Choose finely grated for a lovely crusty topping
  • Fresh parsley: Gives freshness and color right at the end

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:
Let your air fryer heat for three to five minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit so the dough starts cooking immediately when placed inside
Prepare the Dough Rounds:
Flatten each biscuit into a circle about four inches across using your hands or a rolling pin This helps them hold the filling without ripping
Fill with Toppings:
Spoon one teaspoon pizza sauce onto the center of each dough round Top with three slices of pepperoni and a generous pinch of mozzarella cheese Take care not to overstuff or the bombs might leak during cooking
Seal Each Bomb:
Pinch all the edges together tightly then roll gently into a ball making sure there are no open seams This keeps the cheese and sauce safely tucked inside
Mix the Garlic Butter:
Combine melted butter with garlic powder Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl This mixture gives the bombs their pizzeria style finish
Brush Before Cooking:
Coat each ball lightly with half of the garlic butter mixture This helps with color and flavor as they cook
Air Fry to Perfection:
Arrange the bombs seam side down in your air fryer basket leaving some space around each one Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for eight to ten minutes until golden and puffed
Finish and Garnish:
Once cooked brush again with the rest of the garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and color
A plate of food with pepperoni and cheese.
A plate of food with pepperoni and cheese.

Mozzarella is the showstopper of every batch The way it melts and stretches out when you bite in makes them so satisfying My favorite memory is watching my son’s face light up the first time he pulled one open and saw that gooey cheese string

How to Store Leftovers

Cool any extras completely then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days If you want to freeze wrap each pizza bomb tightly and keep in a freezer bag To reheat pop them in the air fryer or regular oven until piping hot and the outside returns to its crispy golden color

Ingredient Swaps to Try

No pepperoni No problem Try chopped cooked sausage or finely diced veggies Substitute the mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for a twist If biscuit dough is not available pizza dough or crescent roll dough also works just increase cooking time a minute or two

How to Serve

Serve fresh and hot with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping I love adding a green salad or raw veggie platter for a fuller meal These also shine on a game day spread or as a fun weekend lunch

Origins and Inspiration

These snacks are inspired by classic pizza pockets and calzones but made simpler for modern home kitchens The air fryer cuts down the mess of frying or baking and seals each bite in a crispy little package which makes them ideal for busy homes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade biscuit dough?

Yes, you can substitute homemade biscuit dough for canned. Just ensure the dough is rolled evenly and seals well after filling.

What other fillings can I add?

You can add cooked sausage, diced vegetables, or your favorite pizza toppings to the cheese and sauce for extra flavor.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Pinch dough edges tightly and roll carefully so no fillings are exposed. Avoid overfilling to prevent bursting during cooking.

Can I bake these in the oven instead?

Yes, bake on a parchment-lined tray at 375°F for 12-15 minutes or until golden and puffed.

How should I store leftovers?

Store cooled pizza bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Crisp up in the air fryer before serving.

4.60 from 117 votes

Air Fryer Pizza Bombs

Prep Time:
15 Minutes
Cook Time:
10 Minutes
Total Time:
25 Minutes
Servings:
8
A plate of pepperoni and cheese balls.

Pillowy biscuit dough filled with mozzarella, pepperoni, and sauce, finished with a savory garlic butter.

Ingredients

  • Dough and Filling

  • 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8 pieces)
  • 90 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 24 thin slices pepperoni
  • 120 millilitres pizza sauce, plus extra for serving
  • Garlic Butter Topping

  • 45 millilitres unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1.

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 175°C and allow it to preheat for 3 to 5 minutes while preparing the ingredients.

2.

2. Prepare Dough Discs: Flatten each biscuit dough piece into a 10-centimetre round using your hands or a rolling pin.

3.

3. Fill and Shape Bombs: Spoon 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce into the centre of each dough round, add 3 slices of pepperoni, and a generous sprinkling of mozzarella cheese. Pinch edges together to seal and roll gently into a tight ball, ensuring the filling is fully enclosed.

4.

4. Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese.

5.

5. Brush Bombs Before Cooking: Brush each filled dough ball with half of the garlic butter mixture.

6.

6. Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the sealed dough balls seam-side down in the air fryer basket, allowing space between each for even cooking.

7.

7. Cook: Air fry at 175°C for 8 to 10 minutes or until the dough is puffed and golden brown.

8.

8. Finish and Serve: Brush the cooked bombs with the remaining garlic butter and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  1. Avoid overfilling the dough to prevent leaks during cooking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer
  • Rolling pin
  • Pastry brush
  • Small bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten, milk, and may contain egg and soy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 7 g