Air Fryer Pizza Bombs – Cheesy, Gooey, and Ready in 20 Minutes

If you love pizza (and honestly, who doesn’t?), these Air Fryer Pizza Bombs are about to become your new obsession. They’re golden on the outside, cheesy and gooey on the inside, and ready in just 20 minutes. No yeast dough. No complicated steps. Just simple ingredients and big, bold flavor.

These cheesy pizza bombs are perfect for busy weeknights, after-school snacks, game day spreads, or whenever that pizza craving hits hard and fast.

Let’s make them.


Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Pizza Bombs

There’s something wildly satisfying about biting into a soft, golden crust and hitting that stretchy mozzarella center. It’s like a mini calzone — but faster, crispier, and way easier.

Here’s why this pizza bombs recipe works so well:

  • Ready in 20 minutes
  • Kid-friendly and crowd-approved
  • Crispy outside, gooey inside
  • Perfect for dipping
  • Easy to customize
  • Made with simple ingredients

Plus, using the air fryer means you get that golden crust without deep frying or heating up the entire kitchen.


Ingredients

  • 1 can (8-count) refrigerated biscuit dough
  • ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup mini pepperoni slices
  • ½ cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Why the Air Fryer Is Perfect for Pizza Bombs

The air fryer circulates hot air around each pizza bomb, creating an evenly golden crust with a slightly crisp exterior and soft interior. Unlike the oven, it cooks them faster and gives that beautiful browning without drying them out.

And because they’re small and round, the air fryer cooks them evenly on all sides.

It’s basically the perfect method for easy air fryer snacks like this.


Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Dough

Open the biscuit can and separate each biscuit. Flatten each one into a 3–4 inch circle using your hands or a rolling pin.

2. Add the Filling

Spoon about 1 teaspoon of marinara sauce into the center of each flattened biscuit. Add a small handful of shredded mozzarella and a few mini pepperoni slices.

Be careful not to overfill — too much filling makes sealing difficult.

3. Seal the Bombs

Bring the edges of the dough up and around the filling, pinching tightly to seal. Roll gently in your hands to form a smooth ball. Make sure seams are fully closed to prevent leaking.

4. Season

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush each pizza bomb with the mixture. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

5. Air Fry

Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place pizza bombs seam-side down in the basket, leaving space between them.

Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

6. Cool Slightly & Serve

Let them cool for 2–3 minutes (the inside will be very hot). Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Air Fryer Pizza Bombs

Cheesy, gooey pizza bombs made in the air fryer and ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect appetizer or snack.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

Base
  • 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
  • 0.75 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup mini pepperoni slices
  • 0.5 cup marinara sauce plus extra for dipping
  • 1 tbsp melted butter
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry brush
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Flatten each biscuit into a circle.
  2. Add marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni to center.
  3. Seal tightly into a ball.
  4. Brush with seasoned butter and sprinkle Parmesan.
  5. Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until golden.
  6. Cool slightly and serve with marinara.

Notes

Seal edges well to prevent cheese from leaking.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesy Pizza Bombs

Don’t Overfill

Too much sauce or cheese can cause bursting.

Seal Tightly

Pinch the dough firmly so cheese doesn’t leak out.

Cook in Batches

Avoid overcrowding for even browning.

Check Early

Air fryers vary — check at the 8-minute mark.


Flavor Variations

This recipe is super adaptable.

Hawaiian Style

Add diced ham and pineapple chunks.

Supreme

Include cooked sausage, diced peppers, and onions.

Buffalo Chicken

Replace pepperoni with shredded buffalo chicken and add a little blue cheese crumble.

Veggie Lover’s

Spinach, mushrooms, olives, and bell peppers work beautifully.


Make-Ahead & Storage

To Store

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To Reheat

Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness.

To Freeze

Freeze unbaked pizza bombs on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry directly from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.


Serving Ideas

Air fryer pizza bombs are incredibly versatile:

  • Game day appetizer
  • After-school snack
  • Party finger food
  • Easy weeknight dinner with salad
  • Movie night treat

Pair them with ranch dressing, garlic butter, or spicy marinara for extra flavor.


Common Questions

Can I use homemade dough?

Yes! Pizza dough works great — just portion evenly.

Can I bake instead?

Absolutely. Bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes until golden.

Why did my cheese leak out?

The seams likely weren’t sealed tightly enough.


Nutritional Benefits (Per Serving Approximate)

  • Good source of protein
  • Portion-controlled snack
  • Lower oil than deep-fried versions

While these aren’t exactly “diet food,” they’re homemade, customizable, and better than greasy takeout alternatives.


Why These Pizza Bombs Go Viral

People love recipes that are:

  • Fast
  • Cheesy
  • Comforting
  • Shareable

And this one checks every box.

That cheese pull alone? Instant crowd-pleaser.


Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Pizza Bombs – Cheesy, Gooey, and Ready in 20 Minutes deliver big pizza flavor in bite-sized form. They’re easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for guests.

Once you make them, don’t be surprised if they disappear in minutes.

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