There's something magical about biting into a warm, cheesy, golden-brown pizza bomb fresh from the air fryer. The crispy outer layer gives way to a gooey, flavorful center packed with melty cheese, savory sauce, and your favorite toppings—all in a bite-sized package.

I first made these on a whim when I had leftover biscuit dough and some pizza fixings in the fridge. What started as a quick experiment quickly became a family favorite, requested on busy weeknights and game days alike.

These pizza bombs are incredibly easy to make and cook in just 8 minutes in the air fryer. Whether you're making them for a snack, appetizer, or quick dinner, you’ll love how simple and fun they are to customize.

Why You'll Love These Air Fryer Pizza Bombs

Get ready for your new favorite go-to snack. These pizza bombs combine the flavors of classic pizza with the convenience of an easy, mess-free air fryer recipe.

First, they’re unbelievably quick and easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have hot, fresh pizza bombs in under 15 minutes.

They’re also perfect for kids and adults alike. Whether you need a lunchbox surprise, an after-school snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these bite-sized delights never disappoint.

You’ll love how customizable they are. Use your favorite pizza toppings—pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, or even a veggie-loaded version—to make them your own.

And best of all? No oven required! The air fryer crisps them up perfectly in minutes, so you can enjoy delicious homemade pizza bites without heating up the whole kitchen.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these air fryer pizza bombs is that they require just a few pantry-friendly ingredients, but each one plays an important role in making them irresistible.

Biscuit dough is the perfect shortcut for a soft, flaky crust. You can use store-bought refrigerated biscuit dough or make your own. Crescent roll dough also works for a slightly different texture.

Mozzarella cheese is key for that gooey, stretchy center. String cheese works perfectly—just cut it into small pieces for easy stuffing. Shredded mozzarella also works but might be messier when melting.

Pepperoni slices add a classic pizza flavor with a touch of spice. Feel free to swap them out for cooked sausage, ham, or even a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.

Pizza sauce ties everything together with a rich, tangy tomato base. Use your favorite store-bought sauce or make a simple homemade version with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning.

A garlic butter topping elevates these pizza bombs to the next level. Brushing them with melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning before air frying gives them that irresistible golden-brown finish.

How To Make These Air Fryer Pizza Bombs

Making these pizza bombs is as easy as assembling, sealing, and air frying. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to create these cheesy bites.

Start by prepping your biscuit dough. If using refrigerated biscuits, separate them and flatten each piece slightly to create space for the filling. If making homemade dough, roll out small rounds about 3 inches in diameter.

Next, assemble the pizza bombs by adding a teaspoon of pizza sauce, a piece of mozzarella cheese, and a slice or two of pepperoni to the center of each dough round. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult.

Now, seal the edges by pulling the dough around the filling and pinching it closed. Make sure the seams are completely sealed to prevent cheese from leaking out during cooking. Roll them gently between your hands to form smooth balls.

Place the pizza bombs seam-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not touching. Lightly brush the tops with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 7-8 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crisp. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Once done, let them cool for a minute before serving—the cheese inside will be piping hot! Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping and enjoy.

Storage Options

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

To freeze, place the cooked pizza bombs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.

For reheating, pop them back into the air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 3-4 minutes until warm and crispy again. You can also reheat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, though they may lose some crispiness.

Variations and Substitutions

These air fryer pizza bombs are super versatile, and you can easily switch things up based on your preferences or dietary needs.

For a vegetarian version, skip the pepperoni and use sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or spinach for a delicious meat-free alternative.

If you love extra cheesy bites, try stuffing them with a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a rich, gooey center. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top before air frying also adds a great flavor boost.

For a spicy kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the filling or mix some hot sauce into the pizza sauce.

If you’re avoiding store-bought dough, use homemade pizza dough instead of biscuit dough. Just roll out small rounds and follow the same assembly and cooking instructions.

Want to make them sweet instead of savory? Swap out the pizza fillings for Nutella and marshmallows, then dust them with powdered sugar after air frying for a dessert version!

No matter how you customize them, these air fryer pizza bombs are guaranteed to be a hit. Try different fillings, play with flavors, and most importantly—enjoy every cheesy bite!