Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Bombs are a fun twist on pizza! They’re stuffed with gooey cheese and your favorite toppings, all nestled in a golden, crunchy shell.
These little bites are perfect for snacking or game day. I love making them with extra pepperoni, and I always forget how many I make— they disappear quickly!
What’s great is how easy they are! Just roll, stuff, air fry, and enjoy. They are crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside— definitely a crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Refrigerated pizza dough is super convenient, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own or use puff pastry for a flakier texture. Store-bought dough is usually easier, though!
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives that classic stretchy cheese experience. You could swap it for provolone or even a dairy-free cheese alternative if you need it lactose-free.
Pepperoni: While pepperoni is popular, feel free to exchange it for cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or any toppings you love! Even veggies can add great flavor.
Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning: These seasonings boost the flavor. If you don’t have them, you can use fresh minced garlic and a mix of dried herbs like oregano and basil. Just adjust the amounts to taste!
Egg Wash: This gives the pizza bombs a golden finish. If you’re vegan or allergic to eggs, you can use a mixture of non-dairy milk with a bit of flour as a substitute.
What’s the Best Way to Shape the Pizza Bombs?
Shaping the pizza bombs properly is key to getting the perfect stuffed treats. Here’s how you can do it successfully:
- First, make sure your dough squares are even; they should be about 3×3 inches.
- After placing the cheese and toppings in the center, fold the dough up from each corner to meet in the middle, pinching the seams tightly so the filling doesn’t escape.
- Roll it gently in your hands to ensure it’s sealed properly, before placing it seam-side down in the air fryer. This keeps the filling inside while it cooks!
By following these tips, you’ll have crispy pizza bombs that are bursting with flavor inside and out! Enjoy making them!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza Bombs:
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough (16 oz)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or other preferred toppings)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Olive oil spray
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
For Dipping:
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total time for this recipe is about 25 minutes. You will need around 5 minutes to prep and cut the dough, then about 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer, and a few minutes to let them cool. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps the pizza bombs cook evenly and get that crispy texture we love!
2. Prepare the Dough:
While the air fryer is heating up, take the refrigerated pizza dough and roll it out on a clean surface. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 10 equal squares, each about 3×3 inches. Get ready to fill them!
3. Fill the Dough Squares:
In the center of each square, place about a tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese and a few slices of pepperoni. Feel free to get creative with other toppings you love!
4. Shape the Pizza Bombs:
Now, carefully fold the edges of the dough square over the filling to create a ball. Pinch the seams together to seal them well. Make sure there are no gaps so the cheese doesn’t ooze out while cooking!
5. Ready for the Air Fryer:
Place the pizza bombs seam-side down in the air fryer basket. Give them some space to breathe; they will expand while cooking!
6. Season the Pizza Bombs:
Lightly spray the tops of the pizza bombs with olive oil. Then, brush them with the beaten egg for a nice golden color. Sprinkle the tops with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to add flavor!
7. Air Fry Them:
Air fry the pizza bombs for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Check them halfway through to make sure they’re cooking evenly. Adjust the time a little based on your air fryer model, if needed.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once they are done cooking, carefully remove the pizza bombs from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a plate. They will be hot and cheesy!
9. Enjoy with Marinara:
Serve the crispy pizza bombs warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the melty goodness!
Get ready to share these tasty snacks or keep them all to yourself—they’re that good! Enjoy your delicious crispy air fryer pizza bombs!
Can I Use Homemade Pizza Dough Instead of Refrigerated?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade pizza dough, go ahead and use that. Just make sure to roll it out to a similar thickness as the refrigerated dough for even cooking. You’ll want to cut it into the same size squares (3×3 inches) for the best results.
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
The beauty of pizza bombs is their versatility! Feel free to get creative with your fillings; you can use cooked sausage, veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, or even different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a kick. Just keep the total amount of filling similar to ensure they cook evenly.
How Should I Store Leftover Pizza Bombs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, which will help restore their crispy texture!
Can I Freeze Uncooked Pizza Bombs?
Yes! You can prepare the pizza bombs, place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook them, simply air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
