There's something undeniably fun about bite-sized, cheesy, and golden-brown pizza bombs fresh from the air fryer. These little pockets of joy are crispy on the outside, loaded with gooey melted cheese and flavorful toppings on the inside, making them a perfect snack or party appetizer.

I first made these when I was craving pizza but wanted something quick and easy without the hassle of rolling out a full pizza dough. The result? A crispy, cheesy, and totally irresistible bite that my family now asks for all the time.

Why You'll Love These Air Fryer Pizza Bombs

Get ready to fall in love with this easy, mess-free way to enjoy pizza in a fun, handheld form.

First off, they’re incredibly quick and easy. You only need about 15 minutes from start to finish, making them a fantastic last-minute snack or meal.

They're also versatile! Use your favorite pizza toppings, different cheeses, or even switch up the dough for endless possibilities.

Plus, they’re budget-friendly. With just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, you can create a delicious snack that costs far less than takeout.

Finally, they’re kid-friendly. If you have little ones who love pizza, these are a great way to get them involved in the kitchen while making something they'll devour.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these pizza bombs is in their simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Each element plays an important role in bringing together that perfect balance of crispy, cheesy goodness.

Refrigerated biscuit dough serves as the perfect base. It’s soft, flaky, and crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. You can also use pizza dough if you prefer a more traditional texture.

Mozzarella cheese is a must for that classic gooey, stretchy texture. However, feel free to experiment with cheddar, provolone, or even a mix of cheeses for extra flavor.

Pepperoni slices add a savory, slightly spicy kick. If pepperoni isn't your thing, swap it out for sausage, ham, or even veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers.

Pizza sauce brings everything together with its rich, tangy tomato base. A good-quality store-bought sauce works well, or you can make your own for a homemade touch.

A final brushing of garlic butter gives these pizza bombs a golden, flavorful finish. A mix of melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning adds that irresistible touch that takes them to the next level.

How To Make These Air Fryer Pizza Bombs

Making these delicious pizza bombs is as simple as assembling, sealing, and air frying. Let’s walk through it step by step.

Start by flattening each piece of biscuit dough into a small round. You don’t need to roll it out completely—just enough to wrap around the fillings.

Next, place a teaspoon of pizza sauce in the center, followed by a generous pinch of mozzarella cheese and a couple of pepperoni slices. Be careful not to overfill, or they may burst open during cooking.

Carefully gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together tightly to form a sealed ball. Make sure there are no openings so the cheese stays inside while it melts.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the pizza bombs seam-side down in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.

Cook for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Once done, brush with garlic butter for a mouthwatering finish.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

For longer storage, freeze the pizza bombs before cooking. When ready to eat, air fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some fun variations to try:

Swap out the biscuit dough for crescent roll dough or even homemade pizza dough for a different texture.

Use different cheeses like gouda, parmesan, or feta for a unique flavor twist.

For a vegetarian version, skip the pepperoni and fill with mushrooms, olives, or roasted peppers.

Turn these into BBQ chicken pizza bombs by using shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and red onion instead of traditional pizza ingredients.

No air fryer? No problem! You can bake these at 375°F in the oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

However you make them, these Air Fryer Pizza Bombs are guaranteed to be a hit! Try them once, and you'll find yourself making them again and again.