Air Fryer Pizza Bombs (Crispy Outside, Gooey Inside)

Quick Description

These Air Fryer Pizza Bombs are the ultimate combination of crispy and gooey. With a golden, crispy crust on the outside and a cheesy, saucy, pepperoni-filled center, they’re perfect for a quick snack, appetizer, or dinner. Made in the air fryer, these pizza bombs are ready in under 15 minutes and customizable with your favorite pizza toppings.

Servings & Timing

• Serves: 4–6 servings (depending on portion size)
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
• Total Time: ~15 minutes

Ingredients List

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
• ½ cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup pepperoni, chopped or mini
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Prep the Dough:
   Separate the biscuit dough and flatten each piece into a small circle using your hands or a rolling pin.
2. Fill:
   Place a spoonful of pizza sauce in the center of each dough circle. Add a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and top with chopped pepperoni.
3. Seal:
   Carefully fold the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to seal, forming a ball. Ensure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
4. Air Fry:
   Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the pizza bombs seam-side down in the basket. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the outside is golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve:
   Let the pizza bombs cool for a minute before serving. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Nutrition (per serving, assuming 6 servings)
(Approximate values per pizza bomb)

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 7g
• Carbs: 16g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Benefits

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or late-night cravings.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun, hands-on recipe that’s perfect for kids to help with. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers to create your own unique pizza bomb.
• Air-Fried: A healthier alternative to deep frying, with the same crispy texture and less oil.

Additional Notes

• Make It Vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni and add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a veggie version.
• Add More Cheese: For extra gooeyness, add more mozzarella or a mix of cheeses like cheddar and provolone.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free biscuit dough for a gluten-free version.

Dietary Info

• High-Protein: Yes (with mozzarella and pepperoni)
• Low-Carb: Moderate (using biscuit dough)
• Vegetarian Option: Yes (without pepperoni)
• Gluten-Free Option: Yes (with gluten-free dough)

Brief Introduction

These Air Fryer Pizza Bombs are the perfect blend of crispy and gooey. They’re quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making them a great option for dinner, a snack, or even a party appetizer. With a customizable filling, these pizza bombs can suit any taste, and they cook up quickly in the air fryer, making them a family favorite!

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Prep the Dough: Flatten the biscuit dough into circles.
2. Fill the Dough: Add pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
3. Seal the Dough: Pinch the edges to form a ball.
4. Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer and cook for 8–10 minutes.
5. Serve: Let cool slightly before serving with pizza sauce for dipping.

Ingredient Details & Substitutions

• Biscuit Dough: The base of the pizza bombs, providing the soft, chewy exterior. You can use any refrigerated biscuit dough, or for a homemade touch, use pizza dough.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers a creamy, melty center. You can substitute with other cheeses like cheddar or a blend for extra flavor.
• Pepperoni: A classic topping, but feel free to use cooked sausage, bacon, or even plant-based alternatives for a different flavor.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

• For a Sweet Version: Swap the pizza sauce with Nutella and the pepperoni with marshmallows for a dessert-style pizza bomb.
• Dip It: Serve with extra pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter for dipping.
• Make It Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pizza bombs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to maintain crispiness.
• Freeze: You can freeze the assembled pizza bombs (before cooking). Simply freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, cook straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

FAQs

• Can I make these without an air fryer?
  Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
• Can I use different fillings?
  Absolutely! Try using cooked chicken, veggies, or even a mix of different cheeses for endless variations.
• How can I make these pizza bombs lower in calories?
  Use reduced-fat cheese and skip the pepperoni or choose a leaner topping for a lighter option.

Optional Personal Story

I created these Air Fryer Pizza Bombs for a quick snack to enjoy while watching movies with my family. The crispy exterior and gooey cheese always bring smiles, and they’re so easy to make. The best part? They cook up in no time and are completely customizable to suit everyone’s tastes!