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Air Fryer Pizza Bombs give you that cheesy gooey pizza fix in bite-sized form without turning on the oven. They are exceptionally easy for busy weeknights or game days and always vanish shockingly fast at parties or around hungry kids.
The first time I made these, my house smelled like a pizza parlor and everyone hovered near the air fryer until the last one disappeared. Now they’re the most requested snack for movie nights.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: Delivers fast fluffy results and is easy to separate into thinner pieces for stuffing. Look for larger biscuits such as Grand’s Flaky Layers for best results.
- Pepperoni: Brings classic pizza flavor. Use your favorite brand and check that it folds easily so each bomb gets plenty of meaty bits.
- Mozzarella cheese: The key to that molten cheese pull. Choose whole milk mozzarella at room temperature for the smoothest melt.
- Melted butter: Makes a golden flavorful crust. Use good quality butter for richer taste.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the dough with savory flavor. Fresh garlic is too harsh so powder works best.
- Italian seasoning: Lends a familiar pizzeria aroma. Check the blend has oregano and basil for the perfect pizza vibe.
- Pizza sauce: Ideal for dipping. Use a thick, zesty sauce and heat it gently before serving for best flavor.
Instructions
- Open and Separate Biscuits:
- Open the can of biscuits and split each one in half horizontally using your fingers. You will have 16 thinner rounds perfect for stuffing.
- Prep the Fillings:
- Quarter the pepperoni slices so they fit easily. Chop the mozzarella into 16 cubes. Room temperature cheese melts better.
- Stuff the Biscuits:
- Lay a biscuit round in your hand. Add about 8 bits of pepperoni in the center along with one cheese cube. Carefully stretch the dough edges up and over the fillings to cover completely. Pinch and roll so the bomb is sealed tight and shaped into a smooth ball.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer:
- Place each bomb seam-side down into the air fryer basket leaving a little space all around. The dough will expand so avoid crowding.
- Mix and Brush Garlic Butter:
- Whisk melted butter garlic powder and Italian seasoning together in a small bowl. Gently brush this mixture over each dough ball to coat every side for ultimate flavor and browning.
- Air Fry:
- Cook at 350 degrees for 5 to 6 minutes. Check at 5 minutes and go an extra minute if you want deeper color. The outsides should be golden and crisp and the dough cooked through.
- Warm and Serve Pizza Sauce:
- Heat the pizza sauce in the microwave or on the stove until just hot. Serve it alongside the finished pizza bombs for dunking.
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Watching my kids sneak extra cheese into the centers always makes me laugh and reminds me that these snacks are about fun as much as flavor. Mozzarella is my favorite part and when that cheese stretches for miles everyone cheers.
Storage Tips
Once cooled store leftover pizza bombs in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes at 350 degrees until warmed and crisp again. You can also freeze pizza bombs after cooking just let them cool completely and place in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to swap the pepperoni for cooked sausage bits chopped cooked veggies or try mini meatballs for a twist. Cheddar or provolone work instead of mozzarella if that is what you have on hand. For a spicy kick add red pepper flakes to the butter mixture or toss in some diced jalapenos with the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
These make a great appetizer for a party or game day. Add a side salad or cut veggies and you have a fun lunch or easy dinner. Sometimes I set out bowls of pizza sauce ranch or marinara so everyone can choose their favorite dip. Pesto is also delicious for a fresh herby twist.
Cultural Context
Stuffed bread snacks pop up in every cuisine from Italian stromboli to Indian stuffed breads. Pizza bombs put an all-American spin on this idea mixing pizza shop flavors with convenient store-bought dough. You get melty goodness in a fraction of the time of the originals which is probably why they are such a runaway favorite wherever they appear.
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Once you try these pizza bombs you’ll want to make them again and again. They are the ultimate party bite whether you serve them hot or pack them for a tasty on-the-go treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Seal the biscuit dough edges tightly around the filling to prevent cheese from melting out during air frying.
- → Can I use different cheese types?
Yes, try provolone or cheddar for a flavor twist, but mozzarella melts best for that classic stretch.
- → What's a good substitute if I don’t have refrigerated biscuits?
Pizza dough or crescent roll dough can work as a substitute, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- → Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps the dough cook evenly and achieve a golden crust, but some air fryers may not require it.
- → How do I serve these snacks?
Serve hot with warm pizza sauce for dipping. They’re great as appetizers or a quick snack.