Air Fryer Pizza Bombs: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish

Imagine biting into a warm, crispy crust to reveal a burst of gooey cheese and savory toppings. That’s the magic of air fryer pizza bombs! These delightful bite-sized snacks are perfect for parties, game nights, or even a quick and easy dinner. In this recipe guide, I’ll show you how to make these irresistible treats in your air fryer. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this fun and delicious twist on a classic dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I make these air fryer pizza bombs whenever I need a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a tasty snack. My family goes crazy for them because they combine all the flavors of a traditional pizza in a bite-sized package. Plus, they’re so easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you can whip up a batch of these delicious pizza bombs in no time.

Ingredients

For the pizza bombs:

– 1 package of refrigerated pizza dough

– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

– 1/2 cup of mini pepperoni slices

– 1/4 cup of pizza sauce

– Optional: additional toppings like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives

For the garlic butter topping:

– 3 tablespoons of melted butter

– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

– 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley

– A pinch of salt

Directions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into small squares, about 2 inches in size.

3. Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce in the center of each dough square.

4. Top the sauce with shredded mozzarella cheese and mini pepperoni slices. If desired, add any additional toppings you like.

5. Carefully fold the corners of the dough square over the filling, pinching the edges together to seal the pizza bomb.

6. Repeat with the remaining dough squares and filling.

7. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, and salt to make the garlic butter topping.

8. Brush the tops of the pizza bombs with the garlic butter mixture.

9. Place the pizza bombs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

10. Air fry the pizza bombs for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

11. Remove the pizza bombs from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes and Variations

– If you don’t have mini pepperoni slices, you can use regular-sized pepperoni and chop them into smaller pieces.

– Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or any other pizza toppings you enjoy.

– If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can omit the pepperoni and use vegetables as the main filling.

– Don’t worry if the pizza bombs look a bit weird before cooking – they will puff up and turn into delicious bite-sized treats in the air fryer!

Storage Information

These air fryer pizza bombs are best enjoyed fresh and warm. However, if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture.

Though honestly, in my house, they never last more than a day!

Serving Suggestions

I love serving these air fryer pizza bombs with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible! They also make a great addition to a party platter alongside other finger foods. Trust me, your guests will be coming back for seconds!

Pro Tips

1. When rolling out the pizza dough, make sure to dust your surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking.

2. If you want to add a crispy touch to the pizza bombs, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before air frying.

3. If you’re in a hurry, you can use store-bought pizza sauce instead of making your own.

4. Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends or add herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.

FAQ

Q: Can I freeze the pizza bombs?

A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pizza bombs for later use. Simply assemble them as instructed but instead of air frying, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, air fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q: Can I use a different type of dough?

A: Absolutely! While refrigerated pizza dough works well for this recipe, you can also use homemade pizza dough or even puff pastry for a flakier texture.

Q: Can I make these in the oven instead of an air fryer?

A: Yes, you can! Simply preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pizza bombs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Q: Can I make these pizza bombs ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the pizza bombs up to the point of air frying and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking. This is a great time-saving option if you’re hosting a party or want to have them ready for a quick snack.

So there you have it – a delicious and fun recipe for air fryer pizza bombs! I hope you enjoy making and devouring these tasty treats as much as I do. Get creative with your toppings and have fun experimenting with different flavors. Happy cooking!