Air Fryer Pizza Bombs – Cheesy, Gooey, and Ready in 20 Minutes
Some recipes are impressive.
Others are comforting.
And then there are recipes like Air Fryer Pizza Bombs — the kind that disappear five minutes after hitting the table.
These little pockets of joy are everything people love about pizza, wrapped up into bite-sized form. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy in the middle, and bursting with melted cheese and savory fillings, pizza bombs are pure snack magic.
The best part?
They’re made in the air fryer, which means less oil, faster cooking, and that perfect golden finish — all in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, hosting game night, or just craving something warm and cheesy, these air fryer pizza bombs are the kind of recipe you’ll make once… then memorize.
Why Air Fryer Pizza Bombs Are So Popular
Pizza bombs hit a sweet spot between comfort food and convenience.
They’re:
- Faster than homemade pizza
- Easier than calzones
- More fun than plain pizza slices
And thanks to the air fryer, they cook evenly with a crisp exterior and melty center — no soggy bottoms, no oven babysitting.
They’re also endlessly customizable, which makes them perfect for picky eaters and creative cooks alike.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough
- Mozzarella cheese (cubed)
- Pepperoni slices
- Marinara or pizza sauce
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder (optional)
- Grated parmesan (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Simple, familiar ingredients that come together fast.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the dough. Separate biscuit dough and flatten each piece into a 4-inch circle.
- Fill the center. Place a cube of mozzarella, a few pepperoni slices, and 1 teaspoon marinara sauce in the middle.
- Seal the bomb. Pull dough edges up and pinch tightly to seal completely.
- Oil and season. Lightly brush each pizza bomb with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Air fry. Place seam-side down in air fryer basket and cook for 8–10 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly. Let rest 2 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with extra marinara for dipping.
Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
- Flatten biscuit dough rounds.
- Fill center with cheese, pepperoni, and sauce.
- Seal dough completely into balls.
- Brush with olive oil and season.
- Air fry until golden and cooked through.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
The Secret to Gooey, Cheesy Centers
The magic is all in the seal.
Make sure:
- Dough is fully pinched closed
- Sauce stays in the center, not near edges
- Cheese is cubed, not shredded
Cubed cheese melts slower and stays gooey instead of leaking out too fast.
Best Cheese for Pizza Bombs
Mozzarella is the classic choice, but you can mix things up.
Great options include:
- Low-moisture mozzarella
- Mozzarella + cheddar blend
- Mozzarella + provolone
Avoid very soft cheeses — they melt too quickly and escape.
Fun Filling Variations
Once you master the classic version, the possibilities are endless.
Meat Lovers
Pepperoni, cooked sausage, mozzarella
Veggie
Mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, mozzarella
Hawaiian
Ham, pineapple, mozzarella
Buffalo
Cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, mozzarella
Each version uses the same base method — just swap the fillings.
Why the Air Fryer Works So Well
Traditional ovens can overbake the outside before the inside melts. The air fryer circulates hot air evenly, which gives you:
- Crispy exterior
- Fully cooked dough
- Melted cheese without leaks
Plus, it preheats fast and keeps your kitchen cool.
Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Pizza Bombs shine as:
- Game-day snacks
- Party appetizers
- After-school snacks
- Easy weeknight dinners
Serve them with:
- Warm marinara sauce
- Garlic butter
- Ranch dressing
- Alfredo sauce
They’re also great alongside a simple salad to balance things out.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking
- Reheat: Air fry at 325°F for 3–4 minutes
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days
They reheat beautifully and stay crispy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling (leads to leaks)
- Not sealing dough completely
- Crowding the air fryer basket
- Using shredded cheese
A little patience during assembly makes all the difference.
Why These Pizza Bombs Beat Frozen Snacks
Frozen snacks are convenient — but they lack freshness and flavor.
Homemade pizza bombs offer:
- Better texture
- Custom fillings
- Fewer preservatives
- Fresh, melty cheese
And they take almost the same amount of time.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Pizza Bombs are the ultimate comfort snack — cheesy, golden, and irresistibly fun to eat. They deliver everything people love about pizza in a form that’s faster, cuter, and arguably more satisfying.
Once you make them, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your air fryer rotation.
