Name: Air Fryer Steelhead Pizza Bombs You’ll Crave Every Time
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 19 min
Ingredients: 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices; 1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus more for dipping); 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon melted butter; Grated parmesan and parsley for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Let’s get this out of the way—pizza bombs might sound intense, but these little flavor grenades are soft, cheesy, and ridiculously fun to make. This Air fryer steelhead recipe isn’t about fish this time. Nope, we’re turning classic pizza cravings into handheld bites of happiness. No complicated dough tossing, no smoky ovens. Just you, a tube of biscuit dough, and your trusted air fryer. I threw these together one afternoon when I didn’t feel like making a full dinner, and wow. My kitchen smelled like Pizza Hut pan pizza heaven, and my family ate them faster than I could say ‘more marinara, please.’ These are perfect if you’re obsessed with Instant Pot Air Fryer recipes or always Googling things like Air Fryer Tempeh or Air Fryer Swordfish Recipes and want something, well, less healthy and way more gooey. If you’ve got a Pampered Chef Air Fryer or any other, this is your moment. They’re golden, crispy, stretchy, and warm—the kind of bite that makes you pause, close your eyes, and whisper, ‘Oh yeah.’

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Air Fryer Pizza Bombs Recipe
3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
4) How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
6) Making Air Fryer Pizza Bombs Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
8) Try these Appetizers next!
9) Air Fryer Pizza Bombs
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

These pizza bombs are easy, cheesy, and air-fried in minutes.
You only need biscuit dough, cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce.
They make the perfect appetizer or snack for kids and adults.
The air fryer creates a golden crisp outside with gooey inside.

2) Easy Air Fryer Pizza Bombs Recipe

I’d love to pretend I made these pizza bombs for a party. Truth is, I made them for myself—on a Tuesday. I’d run out of ideas, and let’s face it, the idea of rolling out dough or firing up the oven wasn’t high on my list.

This recipe uses an air fryer steelhead method, quick and crisp without deep frying. The dough puffs, the cheese melts, and the pepperoni tucks itself into each bite like it belongs there. You get the crusty edge of a Pizza Hut pan pizza but without the hassle.

If you enjoy Steelhead Trout Recipe Air Fryer tutorials, you’ll feel right at home making this. I used ingredients I already had, which made this feel like an Instant Pot Air Fryer Recipes kind of win. If you’ve tried Air Fryer Tempeh, you already know how handy the appliance is. Same goes for those who swear by Pampered Chef Air Fryer Recipes—they just work.

3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Pizza Bombs

Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: These are the shortcut heroes. They puff up perfectly in the air fryer, giving you that soft-but-golden shell without kneading or rising.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The stretchier, the better. This is what makes the middle gooey and the bite comforting. Use freshly grated if possible—it melts better.

Mini Pepperoni Slices: Regular pepperoni works too, but mini ones tuck into the dough better and stay put. You get meat in every bite, which is the goal.

Pizza Sauce: Just a spoonful goes inside each bomb, and trust me, that tiny amount packs a punch. Reserve more for dipping afterward, too.

Garlic Powder: A little sprinkle in the butter mix turns up the flavor without stealing the show.

Italian Seasoning: Adds aroma and ties all the pizza flavors together. Use dried or crushed if you want a stronger note.

Melted Butter: Brushing this on top makes everything golden. It also helps the seasoning stick right to the surface.

Grated Parmesan and Parsley: Optional, but they add that extra oomph and visual appeal when sprinkled on top before serving.

4) How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Bombs

Step 1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for a few minutes. You want it warm before the dough goes in so they puff fast and cook evenly.

Step 2. Flatten each biscuit using your fingers. No rolling pin needed—just press them into small circles on a clean surface.

Step 3. Spoon some pizza sauce into the center of each round. Add cheese and mini pepperoni. Keep the filling light to avoid leaks.

Step 4. Fold the dough around the filling. Pinch the edges tight and roll into a ball. If you don’t seal it well, they may pop open in the fryer.

Step 5. Mix melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture on the dough balls before placing them in the basket.

Step 6. Load them in the air fryer basket with space between each. Don’t overcrowd or they won’t crisp properly.

Step 7. Cook for 8 to 9 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Let them sit for a few minutes before serving.

5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Pizza Bombs

Seal them well. The trick with any stuffed dough is sealing it tight. If you rush this, the cheese will ooze out, and while that’s tasty, it’s messy.

Don’t overfill. I’ve learned this the hard way. A small amount of sauce and cheese goes a long way when things heat up and expand inside the dough.

Rotate halfway if needed. Some air fryers have hotspots. Peek at the bombs halfway through and rotate them if you notice uneven browning.

6) Making Air Fryer Pizza Bombs Ahead of Time

You can make these ahead and keep them chilled. Just form the bombs, place them on a tray, and cover. Pop them in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

When ready, brush with butter and go straight into the air fryer. No need to bring them to room temp. They’ll puff and crisp right out of the fridge.

This air fryer steelhead method really handles prep ahead beautifully. Perfect for when guests arrive hungry and you want to seem like you had it all under control.

7) Storing Leftover Air Fryer Pizza Bombs

Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F for a few minutes. They come back to life with their crispiness intact.

Avoid the microwave if you can—it makes them soft and sometimes soggy. Air fryer reheats are where it’s at for these.

If you love Pizza Hut Pan Pizza Recipe results, reheat with a brush of butter on top and maybe a pinch of parmesan. You’ll thank me later.

8) Try these Appetizers next!

9) Air Fryer Pizza Bombs