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Air fryer pizza bombs are my secret for weeknight fun and family smiles. They turn classic pizza flavors into gooey golden bites ready in minutes and make even picky eaters excited for dinner.
My kids beg for these on movie nights and the first time I made them for a sleepover they disappeared in five minutes flat. Now they are always on my party snack shortlist.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: gives you effortless pillowy bases for the bombs Seek the kind with real butter for the best flavor
- Pizza sauce: provides tang and moisture I reach for jarred marinara or homemade tomato sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully and turns gooey fresh block mozzarella will have the meltiest pull
- Pepperoni slices: pack in classic pizza flavor Swap for cooked sausage or veggie toppings if desired
- Italian seasoning: adds herby flavor Use a blend with oregano and basil for the most pizza-like taste
- Unsalted butter: adds rich flavor to the crust Melt it fully for easy brushing
- Garlic powder: infuses the butter with punchy savory notes Always choose garlic powder with no additives
- Grated Parmesan cheese: for nutty salty finish Freshly grated has the best texture
- Olive oil: keeps the crust golden and helps crisp in the air fryer Select extra virgin for fruity depth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Open your can of biscuit dough and gently peel each round apart. Flatten each piece just slightly with your hand or rolling pin to make a surface for toppings. Letting the dough rest for a minute helps avoid shrinkage.
- Fill and Fold:
- Spoon about one teaspoon of pizza sauce into the middle of each dough round. Layer on two slices of pepperoni and scatter a loose pinch of mozzarella cheese for each one. Fold the dough edges carefully over the filling, bringing them up and pressing firmly to seal any seams. Pinch well so there is no cheese leaking during cooking.
- Season the Tops:
- In a small dish whisk together the melted butter garlic powder and Italian seasoning until it is fully combined. Place your dough bombs seam side down and generously brush each with the flavored butter. This builds the addictive savory crust.
- Air Fry:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or around 175 Celsius for best results. Arrange the pizza bombs in the basket giving them a bit of space so air can flow. Lightly brush or mist them with olive oil for max crispiness. Cook for eight to ten minutes watching after the eight minute mark. Look for deep golden color and an even firm crust.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the finished pizza bombs and immediately sprinkle with grated Parmesan The cheese will stick to the hot surface for a salty finish. Let them cool just enough to handle and serve right away with more pizza sauce or ranch for dunking.
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Pizza bombs are always the first game day food gone at my house The mozzarella always steals the show since it gets extra gooey If your family loves cheese as much as mine double the amount for even more melt
Storage Tips
These keep in the fridge sealed for up to three days Warm in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the golden crust If freezing let them cool completely then bag and freeze for up to two months When ready to eat cook straight from frozen in the air fryer adding a few extra minutes
Ingredient Substitutions
Biscuit dough swaps for pizza dough crescents or even homemade bread dough Mozzarella is classic but Monterey Jack provolone or a vegan cheese for dairy free all work Pepperoni can be switched with chopped ham roasted veggies or even cooked bacon for different flavors
Serving Suggestions
They are perfect lunch box treats when cut in half and packed warm Serve alongside a green salad for dinner or pile them on a platter as appetizers for parties and holidays Kids love them plain adults like them dipped in warm marinara garlic butter or spicy ranch
Cultural Context
Mini stuffed breads like these have roots in Italy but American pizza bombs really took off thanks to home gadgets like the air fryer The concept combines nostalgic pizza rolls and festive pull apart bread for a snack with cross generational appeal
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different fillings besides pepperoni?
Absolutely! Try cooked sausage, diced vegetables, or even extra cheese for a tasty variation.
- → How do I keep the dough from leaking?
Be sure to firmly pinch all edges of the dough to seal the filling completely before air frying.
- → What sauces pair well for dipping?
Marinara, ranch, or garlic butter sauces complement these savory bites perfectly.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, assemble ahead and refrigerate until ready to air fry, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if chilled.
- → What temperature is best for air frying?
Cook at 350°F (175°C) for even browning and a crispy exterior without burning.
- → Can I bake instead of air fry?
Yes, bake on a lined sheet at 375°F (190°C) until golden, about 12-15 minutes.