Experience the ultimate in quick and cheesy indulgence with Air Fryer Pizza Bombs. These delightful bites, crafted from simple biscuit dough, burst with classic pizza flavors and are ready to enjoy in mere minutes. Perfect for any occasion, they’re set to become your new go-to snack!
Effortless & Fast: Ready in Under 15 Minutes
Imagine a delicious, piping-hot pizza snack or a fun, easy dinner that comes together in less time than it takes to preheat your oven for a traditional pizza. That’s the magic of these Air Fryer Pizza Bombs! Made with readily available refrigerated biscuit dough, savory pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and flavorful pepperoni, these bombs are an absolute game-changer for busy households and impromptu gatherings. I frequently whip up a batch when friends drop by and I need a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer, or on those evenings when a simple yet satisfying dinner is in order. They’re also an absolute touchdown for game day snacking, ensuring everyone stays fueled and happy without you being stuck in the kitchen.
“Made these for my kids and it was rave reviews all around! They were able to help make them too so that was fun. Perfect timing and solid recipe! – Paul”
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
My recipes are consistently tested using a 6-quart air fryer basket, as this size is widely popular among home cooks. While the specific style and capacity of your air fryer might lead to slight variations in cooking time, the recipe is adaptable for almost any model. Just remember to monitor your pizza bombs closely and adjust the cooking duration as needed. You may also need to cook them in smaller batches to ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness, especially with smaller air fryers.
For the longevity and optimal performance of your air fryer, it’s generally recommended to use cooking sprays made from avocado oil or olive oil. These types of sprays help prevent the accumulation of sticky residue and “gunk” over time, which can be challenging to clean and potentially damage your air fryer’s non-stick coating. You might even find specialized air fryer-safe sprays available in stores, which are also an excellent choice.
Absolutely! While refrigerated biscuit dough offers unparalleled convenience, you can certainly use homemade pizza dough or store-bought pre-made pizza dough. If you opt for homemade dough, keep in mind that its thickness, moisture content, and specific ingredients might necessitate adjustments to the cooking time in the air fryer. Since I haven’t personally tested this recipe with every type of homemade dough, I recommend starting with the suggested cooking time and closely observing the pizza bombs, adding more time until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Layering the cheese, as suggested in the recipe, is a technique to ensure that the mozzarella is evenly distributed throughout each pizza bomb. This method helps create a consistent, melty cheese pull in every bite, preventing all the cheese from pooling in one spot. While you could technically just stuff it in, layering will give you a superior cheesy experience.
Air fryers vary significantly in wattage, heating elements, and internal airflow design, leading to different cooking efficiencies. This variation means that a recipe’s exact cooking time might differ from one air fryer model to another. To achieve perfectly cooked pizza bombs, it’s best to start with the minimum recommended cooking time (e.g., 5 minutes) and then check for doneness. Continue cooking in small increments (e.g., 1-2 minutes) until the dough is no longer raw or “doughy” in the center and the exterior is beautifully golden brown and crispy.
Absolutely! These pizza bombs are incredibly versatile, offering a blank canvas for your favorite pizza toppings. Feel free to get creative and customize them to your heart’s content. Consider adding finely diced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, cooked sausage, or ham. For harder vegetables or meats like sausage, it’s often a good idea to sauté or pre-cook them slightly before stuffing them into the dough. This ensures they soften adequately and cook through at the same rate as the biscuit dough, preventing any crunchy surprises.
While these pizza bombs are undeniably at their best when enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored and reheated. Properly stored in an airtight container or a sealed zip-top bag, they will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, the air fryer is your best friend! A quick few minutes in the air fryer will bring them back to a wonderfully crispy exterior and a melted, cheesy interior. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a conventional oven until warmed through.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pizza Bomb Creation
Crafting the perfect Air Fryer Pizza Bomb starts with a select few, readily available ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful notes for substitutions and enhancements:
- Southern Homestyle Buttermilk Biscuits (16.3 oz / 8 count): These provide the ideal flaky, buttery base for our pizza bombs. Their convenient pre-portioned nature makes preparation a breeze.
- Substitution Tip: For a different texture or if you prefer to make your own, homemade pizza dough or store-bought pre-made pizza dough are excellent alternatives. Just remember to account for potential variations in cooking time.
- Pizza Sauce (1 cup, divided use, plus more for serving): Choose your favorite canned pizza sauce for convenience, or elevate the flavor with a batch of Homemade Pizza Sauce. The extra sauce for dipping makes these even more irresistible.
- Mini Pepperoni Slices (½ cup): These small, flavorful disks are perfect for stuffing into the bombs, ensuring a burst of spicy-savory goodness in every bite.
- Substitution Tip: If mini pepperonis aren’t available, simply take regular-sized pepperoni slices and chop them into smaller, more manageable pieces.
- Mozzarella String Cheese Sticks (4 sticks): String cheese is incredibly convenient for this recipe. Cut each stick into fourths, then slice each fourth vertically, yielding 8 small pieces per stick. This ensures an even distribution of melty cheese.
- Substitution Tip: While string cheese simplifies portioning, shredded mozzarella cheese or a blend of Italian cheeses can also be used. Aim for about 1 cup of shredded cheese for the recipe.
- Unsalted Butter (¼ cup, melted): This forms the base of our savory garlic-herb glaze, adding a rich, golden finish.
- Substitution Tip: Salted butter works perfectly fine if that’s what you have on hand; simply adjust any added salt if necessary, though it’s usually not required.
- Garlic Powder (¼ teaspoon): Infuses the butter glaze with an aromatic, classic pizza-flavor boost.
- Italian Seasoning (¼ teaspoon): A blend of dried herbs that adds authentic Italian zest to the pizza bombs.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (2 Tablespoons): Adds a salty, umami kick to the butter glaze and a beautiful crust on the finished bombs.
- Fresh Minced or Dried Parsley Flakes (for garnish, optional): A sprinkle of green not only adds visual appeal but also a fresh, herbaceous note.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Craft Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly golden, cheesy, and utterly delicious pizza bombs:
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Dough
Begin by carefully removing the biscuits from their can. On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to flatten each biscuit into a circular shape, roughly the size of a large grapefruit, aiming for about 1/8 inch thickness. This thin base is crucial for easily encasing your fillings and ensuring even cooking.
Step 2: Add the First Layer of Filling
Spoon one tablespoon of your chosen pizza sauce into the center of each flattened biscuit circle. Be sure to leave a border around the edge for easy sealing.
Step 3: Layer the Cheese and Pepperoni
Place two pre-cut pieces of mozzarella string cheese on top of the pizza sauce. Follow this with one tablespoon of mini pepperoni slices, scattering them evenly over the cheese. The layering helps ensure cheese and pepperoni in every bite.
Step 4: Add More Cheese and Seal the Bomb
Top the pepperoni with two more pieces of mozzarella string cheese. Now, carefully gather the edges of the biscuit dough circle and pinch them firmly together at the top to completely enclose the filling. The goal is to create a well-sealed ball. Try to avoid having a thick knot of dough at the pinch point, as this can make it harder for the center to cook through without overcooking the rest of the bomb.
Step 5: Repeat and Prepare for Air Frying
Continue this filling and sealing process with the remaining biscuits until all your pizza bombs are assembled. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease the bottom of your air fryer basket with a nonstick spray (preferably avocado or olive oil spray) to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Air Fry the Pizza Bombs
Carefully place the assembled pizza bombs into the greased air fryer basket, ensuring the seam side is facing down. Allow ample space between each bomb for proper airflow; overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook them in multiple batches. Lightly spray the tops of the pizza bombs with nonstick spray. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until they are a beautiful dark golden brown and cooked through on the bottom. To prevent a doughy center, check for doneness by carefully inserting a toothpick or small knife—it should come out clean, and the dough should feel firm. Continue cooking in short intervals if needed.
Step 7: Prepare the Garlic Butter Glaze
While your pizza bombs are air frying, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-30 second intervals until the butter is fully melted, then stir well to combine all the ingredients into a fragrant glaze.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Once the pizza bombs are thoroughly cooked, remove them from the air fryer. Immediately brush each one generously with the melted garlic butter mixture. For an added touch of freshness and color, sprinkle with fresh minced or dried parsley flakes. Serve these irresistible Air Fryer Pizza Bombs hot with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping!
Craving More Easy Air Fryer Recipes?
If you loved these Air Fryer Pizza Bombs, you’re in for a treat! The air fryer is a versatile appliance that can transform countless dishes into crispy, delicious masterpieces with minimal effort. Explore more of our favorite quick and simple air fryer recipes:
- Biscuits and Gravy Bombs
- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
- Air Fryer Halloumi
- Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites
- Air Fryer Potato Skins
- Air Fryer Meatballs
- Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread
- Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
- Texas Toast Pizza
Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
5 minutes
8 minutes
13 minutes
8
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 16.3 ounce (8 count) Southern Homestyle Buttermilk Biscuits
- 1 cup pizza sauce (divided use, plus more for serving)
- ½ cup mini pepperoni slices
- 4 mozzarella string cheese sticks (cut into fourths, then slice again vertically. Each cheese stick will be divided into 8 pieces.)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (can use salted)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan
- fresh minced or dried parsley flakes (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Remove the biscuits from the can and with a rolling pin, flatten each biscuit into a circle approximately the size of a large grapefruit, about 1/8” thick.
- Add one Tablespoon pizza sauce to the center of the biscuit circle.
- Add 2 pieces mozzarella cheese sticks to top of the pizza sauce.
- Then add 1 Tablespoon mini pepperonis to the top of the cheese.
- Then add two more pieces mozzarella sticks.
- Grab the edges of the circle and pinch to close. Try not to have a large amount of dough in the pinch as it’ll be harder to make sure it is cooked through without overcooking the rest of it.
- Continue this process with the remaining biscuits.
- Preheat a 6-8 quart air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray the bottom of the basket with nonstick spray.
- Add the pizza bombs to the basket, seam side down, giving them plenty of space for airflow. You may need to do this in batches.
- Spray the pizza bombs with nonstick spray and cook for 6-8 minutes or until dark golden brown and cooked through on the bottom. NOTE: You will want to check to make sure so you don’t end up with a doughy middle. Keep cooking until thoroughly cooked.
- While cooking, add ¼ cup unsalted butter, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning and 2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan to a small bowl.
- Melt in the microwave (I usually do 15-30 second intervals until melted.) Stir to combine.
- Once the pizza bombs are cooked through, remove them from the Air Fryer and brush with the melted garlic butter.
- Sprinkle with fresh minced or dried parsley flakes and serve with more pizza sauce if you prefer.
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Appetizer, Lunch, Snack
American
Nutrition
Calories:
238
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
16
g
|
Protein:
7
g
|
Fat:
17
g
|
Sodium:
644
mg
|
Fiber:
1
g
|
Sugar:
2
g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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