Air Fryer Pizza Bombs: Crispy, Cheesy, Irresistible Bites Everyone Loves

Few snacks can compete with the universal appeal of pizza. Now imagine all that classic pizza flavor—gooey cheese, savory sauce, and bold toppings—wrapped into perfectly crisp, bite-sized bundles made effortlessly in the air fryer. Air Fryer Pizza Bombs are the ultimate answer to quick cravings, party appetizers, after-school snacks, and game-day wins.

These little pockets of joy combine convenience, flavor, and fun. They’re fast enough for busy weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and customizable enough to please even the pickiest eaters. Best of all, the air fryer gives you that golden, bakery-style finish without deep frying or heating up the oven.

Whether you’re new to air frying or already obsessed, this recipe will quickly earn a permanent spot in your rotation.

Why Air Fryer Pizza Bombs Are a Must-Make

Air fryer recipes have exploded in popularity, and for good reason. They deliver crispy results using less oil, less mess, and less time. Pizza bombs are especially perfect for this method because the circulating heat cooks the dough evenly while melting the cheese inside without leaking.

Here’s what makes this recipe a standout:

• Ready in under 20 minutes
• Uses simple, store-bought ingredients
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
• Customizable with endless fillings
• Perfectly portioned and mess-free

From family movie nights to party platters, these bites disappear fast.

Ingredients

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup mini pepperoni slices
• ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Separate the biscuit dough and flatten each piece into a 4-inch circle using your fingers or a rolling pin.
3. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of marinara sauce into the center of each dough circle.
4. Add shredded mozzarella and a few mini pepperoni slices on top of the sauce.
5. Carefully gather the edges of the dough and pinch tightly to seal, forming a ball. Roll gently between your hands to smooth the seam.
6. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
7. Lightly brush each pizza bomb with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle with grated parmesan.
8. Place the pizza bombs seam-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
9. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with extra marinara for dipping.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pizza Bombs

• Seal tightly: Any gaps will cause cheese to leak. Pinch firmly.
• Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches for even browning.
• Use low-moisture cheese: Prevents soggy dough and blowouts.
• Flip gently: Use tongs to keep the shape intact.

Flavor Variations to Try

One of the best things about Air Fryer Pizza Bombs is how adaptable they are.

Pepperoni Classic:
Pepperoni and mozzarella with marinara—always a winner.

Veggie Lovers:
Mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and mozzarella.

Meat Lovers:
Cooked sausage crumbles, bacon bits, and pepperoni.

Four Cheese:
Mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and ricotta.

Buffalo Chicken:
Cooked shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and mozzarella.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Air Fryer Pizza Bombs as:

• A party appetizer platter
• A fun lunchbox addition
• A game-day snack
• A quick dinner paired with salad
• A late-night comfort snack

Add dipping sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy marinara for extra flair.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
• Freeze: Freeze uncooked pizza bombs on a tray, then store in freezer bags for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Air fry at 320°F for 3–4 minutes until warm and crisp.

Fun Food Fact

Stuffed breads and filled doughs exist in nearly every cuisine—from Italian calzones to Middle Eastern fatayer. Pizza bombs are the modern, bite-sized evolution of that timeless idea, optimized for today’s air fryer kitchens.

Air Fryer Pizza Bombs

Golden, cheesy pizza-filled dough bites cooked quickly in the air fryer for a perfect snack or appetizer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pizza Bomb Dough

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup mini pepperoni
• 0.5 cup marinara sauce plus more for dipping

Topping

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Flatten biscuit dough and add sauce, cheese, and pepperoni to the center.
3. Seal dough tightly to form a ball.
4. Brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with parmesan.
5. Air fry 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with marinara sauce.

Notes

Seal dough well to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.