I love a good pizza bite as a snack, especially on game day. Instead of reaching into the freezer, sometimes I like to customize my own! Start with canned biscuit dough to get a leg up on prep, and these air fryer pizza bombs cook up in about 10 minutes. Easy and delicious, my favorite combination!
Imagine your favorite pizza toppings that, instead of a slice, are stuffed inside of a biscuit to create a portable pocket of pizza goodness. That’s what you get with these amazing air fryer pizza bombs!
I’m making mine with pepperoni and cheese (after all, it’s a classic), but the beauty is that you can use any of your favorite pizza toppings you like! Throw in some olives, peppers, onions, cooked sausage, mushrooms – your creativity knows no bounds.
Thanks to the air fryer, these pizza bombs cook up in just about 10 minutes. They’re a perfect snack to serve for game day and your Super Bowl parties, but they make a fun meal as well if you pair them with a side or two.
If you want to make a pretzel bun option, check out my Pretzel Bacon Cheeseburger Air Fryer Biscuit Bombs recipe! You can use the same method to “pretzel” these pizza bombs, or you can make multiple flavors of biscuit bombs for your party food table!
Ingredients List
16-ounce can jumbo biscuit dough (8 count)
32 slices pepperoni
4 slices mozzarella cheese, cut into quarters
¼ cup salted butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp parsley
Pizza sauce (about ¼ – ½ cup)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
I use jumbo biscuit dough because I find the small ones hard to work with. I usually use butter or buttermilk flavored dough. You can also substitute crescent rollsor pizza dough instead, though cooking times may vary slightly
Any pizza toppings are totally fine, so feel free to swap the pepperoni for something else, or split it 50/50 with other toppings (and you can add more as well, if you prefer a heartier filling)
I find that sliced mozzarella is easier to work with when rolling the biscuit bombs, as shredded cheese goes everywhere. Cut up blocks or string cheese sticks would work well too
You can use olive oil in place of the butter if preferred, and all the seasonings are adjustable to taste
I prefer to serve pizza sauce on the side for dipping so it doesn’t create a soggy pizza bomb, but you can put a dollop inside before cooking if you prefer. Alternative dipping sauce options include pesto, alfredo, garlic parmesan, or garlic butter sauces
Step By Step Instructions
Open the can of biscuits and separate them. Using your hand or a rolling pin, flatten each one to about ¼” thickness
In the center of each flattened dough round, add ¼ slice of mozzarella, 4 slices pepperoni, and then another ¼ slice of mozzarella
Bring the edges of the biscuit up around the filling and pinch to seal it into a ball shape
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (usually 2-3 minutes depending on your air fryer). While it heats, combine the butter, garlic powder, parsley, and oregano in a small bowl and mix to combine
Spray your air fryer’s basket or rack with nonstick spray or line with a sheet of perforated parchment to prevent sticking. Then, place the pizza bombs into the air fryer in a single layer, allowing about ½” of space between them for expansion during cooking
Brush the tops of the pizza balls with the garlic butter mixture
Cook on the air fry setting at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping after 6 minutes (you can apply any excess butter mixture you have as well) until the dough is golden brown on all sides. Times may vary slightly between air fryers and brand/flavor of dough, so adjust as needed
Serve with pizza sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy
What to Serve With Pizza Bombs
Pizza sauce
Marinara sauce
Alfredo sauce
Garlic parmesan sauce
Pesto sauce
Wings
Green salad
Italian soup
Antipasto salad
Mac and cheese
Caprese salad
Red wine
Sparkling rose
Beer (various)
Aperol cocktails
Sangria
Paloma
Bellini
There are lots of great dippers, sides, and drinks to pair with your pizza bombs depending on the meal and occasion!
What Ingredients Do I Need for Air Fryer Pizza Bombs?
For classic pizza bombs, you’ll need dough, marinara sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings.
The dough is typically biscuit, pizza, or crescent, depending what you like. Mozzarella is the most common cheese used as well, but you can vary it to your liking.
Can I Use Store Bought Dough?
Absolutely! Store bought refrigerated doughs are a convenient option which helps to cut down on recipe time.
However, you can also make your own if you prefer. If you want to use ingredients not usually found in store options, such as gluten free or whole wheat, then this is a good choice.
How Long Do I Cook Pizza Bombs in the Air Fryer?
Cooking times may vary, but generally, around 8-10 minutes at 350°F (177°C) should result in golden-brown and delicious pizza bombs.
Add additional time in small increments as needed, as time can vary between brands and models of air fryer, as well as the dough and fillings used.
Can I Freeze Pizza Bombs for Later?
Yes, you can freeze them before or after cooking. They keep well for 2-3 months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Add about 2 minutes extra to cooking time if you are cooking your pizza bites from frozen.
What Variations Can I Try with Pizza Bombs?
You can experiment with different fillings like pepperoni, veggies, or even dessert variations with Nutella or fruit.
Feel free to vary the dough, using different flavors of biscuit, pizza, or crescent dough, and top with sweet or savory toppings to compliment your choice.
How Do I Prevent Pizza Bombs from Getting Soggy?
To prevent your pizza bombs from getting soggy, make sure to preheat the air fryer, don’t put sauce inside the balls, and pre-cook all vegetables to remove excess moisture.
If necessary, you can flip them during cooking to get more browning on the bottom of the rolls if needed.
Are Pizza Bombs Kid-Friendly?
Definitely! Kids often love the small size and flavorful nature of pizza bombs.
Make sure to let them cool slightly before serving to kids, as the insides may be hot.
Recipe Pro Tips
Try to keep the filling to the center when you’re making these. Clean edges make for a better seal, which keeps the filling in during cooking
I made this recipe in a Ninja air fryer. Note that other brands and models of air fryer may vary slightly, so adjust your times as needed!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover pizza bombs in an airtight container or zippered bag in the refrigerator for 4-5 days
To reheat pizza bombs, air fry at a lower temperature of 320°F – 325°F (depending on available settings) for 4-5 minutes, until warmed through
I love these easy air fryer pizza bombs as a savory snack! They take under 10 minutes to cook up perfectly, with a golden brown crust and melty cheese inside.
Fill them with classic pepperoni and mozzarella like I am, or choose your own favorite pizza toppings as filling. Dunk them in pizza sauce, garlic sauce, or another of your choosing for the perfect bite!
Biscuit pizza bombs are a perfect snack or appetizer, and I love putting them out for game day and the Super Bowl! They’re easy to grab and eat, and they’re both kid and adult friendly, so you can’t go wrong!
Air Fryer Biscuit Pizza Bombs
These easy air fryer pizza bombs use biscuits for the dough to make prep a breeze! Stuff with your favorite pizza toppings and they cook up in about 10 minutes for a savory snack anytime.
Open the can of biscuits and separate them. Using your hand or a rolling pin, flatten each one to about ¼” thickness
16 Ounce can jumbo biscuit dough
In the center of each flattened dough round, add ¼ slice of mozzarella, 4 slices pepperoni, and then another ¼ slice of mozzarella
4 Slices mozzarella cheese, 32 Slices pepperoni
Bring the edges of the biscuit up around the filling and pinch to seal it into a ball shape
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (usually 2-3 minutes depending on your air fryer). While it heats, combine the butter, garlic powder, parsley, and oregano in a small bowl and mix to combine
¼ Cup salted butter, 1 Tsp garlic powder, ½ Tsp dried parsley, ½ Tsp dried oregano
Spray your air fryer’s basket or rack with nonstick spray or line with a sheet of perforated parchment to prevent sticking. Then, place the pizza bombs into the air fryer in a single layer, allowing at least ½” of space between them for expansion during cooking
Brush the tops of the pizza balls with the garlic butter mixture
Cook on the air fry setting at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping after 6 minutes (you can apply any excess butter mixture you have as well at this time) until the dough is golden brown on all sides. Time may vary slightly between air fryers and brand/flavor of dough, so adjust as needed
Serve with pizza sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy
Pizza sauce
Notes
I use jumbo biscuit dough because I find the small ones hard to work with (but you can make smaller ones if you prefer). I usually use butter or buttermilk flavored dough. You can also substitute crescent rollsor pizza dough instead, though cooking times may vary slightly
Any pizza toppings are totally fine, so feel free to swap the pepperoni for something else, or split it 50/50 with other toppings (and you can add more as well, if you prefer a heartier filling)
I find that sliced mozzarella is easier to work with when rolling the biscuit bombs, as shredded cheese goes everywhere. Cut up blocks or string cheese sticks would work well too
You can use olive oil in place of the butter if preferred, and all the seasonings are adjustable to taste
I prefer to serve pizza sauce on the side for dipping so it doesn’t create a soggy pizza bomb, but you can put a dollop inside before cooking if you prefer. Alternative dipping sauce options include pesto, alfredo, garlic parmesan, or garlic butter sauces
Try to keep the filling to the center when you’re making these. Clean edges make for a better seal, which keeps the filling in during cooking
I made this recipe in a Ninja air fryer. Note that other brands and models of air fryer may vary slightly, so adjust your times as needed!
Store any leftover pizza bombs in an airtight container or zippered bag in the refrigerator for 4-5 days
To reheat pizza bombs, air fry at a lower temperature of 320°F – 325°F (depending on available settings) for 4-5 minutes, until warmed through
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
