Name: Air Fryer Pizza Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 16.3 ounce (8 count) Southern Homestyle Buttermilk Biscuits; 1 cup pizza sauce (divided use, plus more for serving); ½ cup mini pepperoni slices; 4 mozzarella string cheese sticks (cut into fourths, then sliced vertically, yielding 8 pieces per stick); ¼ cup unsalted butter (can use salted); ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh minced or dried parsley flakes (optional)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 49 reviews

If you’re craving a snack that combines all the gooey, cheesy goodness of pizza in a playful bite-sized form, you’re going to love this Air Fryer Pizza Balls Recipe. Imagine warm, golden dough pockets bursting with savory pepperoni, melted mozzarella, and rich pizza sauce, all perfectly crisped by the air fryer for a quick, mess-free treat. This recipe turns simple biscuit dough into a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s perfect for parties, weeknight snacks, or anytime you want a fun twist on classic pizza flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Five golden brown, round baked rolls with a slightly shiny surface are arranged closely in a grey textured tray lined with light brown parchment paper. The rolls have a light sprinkle of grated cheese and small green herb bits on top. In the corner of the tray is a small white ramekin bowl filled with thick, smooth, deep red tomato sauce garnished with a bit of green herbs. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering a handful of straightforward but vital ingredients sets you up for success with this Air Fryer Pizza Balls Recipe. Each component plays a key role, from the fluffy biscuit dough creating the perfect casing, to the melty mozzarella that delivers irresistible stretchiness and the flavorful butter seasoning that adds a golden finish.

16.3 ounce (8 count) Southern Homestyle Buttermilk Biscuits: These provide the soft yet sturdy dough base, essential for wrapping the filling perfectly.
1 cup pizza sauce (divided use, plus more for serving): The tangy sauce brings authentic pizza flavor right inside each ball.
½ cup mini pepperoni slices: Adds a spicy, meaty punch that pairs beautifully with cheese.
4 mozzarella string cheese sticks (cut into pieces): The star cheese that melts to ooey-gooey perfection in every bite.
¼ cup unsalted butter (can use salted): Used to create a savory garlic butter glaze for a golden crust and extra flavor.
¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle, aromatic kick that complements the butter and cheese.
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Offers a hint of classic herbs to elevate the taste.
2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan: Adds nuttiness and depth to the garlic butter coating.
Fresh minced or dried parsley flakes (optional garnish): A fresh, colorful touch to finish your pizza balls beautifully.

How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Balls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough Circles

Start by removing your buttermilk biscuits from the can. Using a rolling pin, gently press each biscuit into a circle about 1/8 inch thick, roughly the size of a large grapefruit. This gives the dough enough surface area to fold over the fillings neatly without getting too thick or tough.

Step 2: Add Pizza Sauce

Place one tablespoon of pizza sauce in the center of each flattened biscuit. This little pool of sauce is what turns the dough pockets into mini pizza wonders. Resist the urge to add too much; you want just the right amount to infuse flavor without leakage.

Step 3: Layer the Cheese and Pepperoni

Top the sauce with two pieces of your cut mozzarella string cheese, then scatter a tablespoon of those mini pepperoni slices over the cheese. Finish by adding two more mozzarella pieces on top to ensure an extra cheesy, luscious interior that stretches beautifully with every bite.

Step 4: Seal the Pizza Balls

Now comes the fun part: carefully pull the edges of the biscuit dough up and pinch tightly to seal your pizza balls closed. Keep the pinch area minimal to avoid doughy lumps in the center, ensuring the dough cooks evenly all the way through.

Step 5: Preheat and Air Fry

Heat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray the basket with nonstick spray. Place your sealed pizza balls seam side down, making sure they aren’t touching so hot air can circulate freely. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size. Spray the tops lightly as well.

Step 6: Cook Until Golden Brown

Air fry the pizza balls for 6 to 8 minutes until they are deeply golden on the bottom and cooked through. Check occasionally to avoid any doughy centers. Every air fryer cooks a bit differently, so it’s best to monitor closely toward the end.

Step 7: Make the Garlic Butter Glaze

While your pizza balls cook, melt your butter with the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Microwave in short bursts and stir until smooth and fragrant. This glaze is the magic touch that elevates these bites beyond ordinary.

Step 8: Brush and Garnish

When your pizza balls are perfectly cooked, remove them and immediately brush with the warm garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle with parsley flakes to brighten the look and offer a hint of freshness.

How to Serve Air Fryer Pizza Balls Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with six golden brown stuffed buns sitting on a white marbled surface. One bun is being pulled apart by a woman's hand, revealing a stretchy layer of melted white cheese mixed with small, round slices of red pepperoni inside. The buns have a soft, slightly shiny crust sprinkled with some green herbs and a light dusting of white flour on top. The inside dough looks fluffy, with the cheese stretching from the pulled bun to the plate. The warm lighting highlights the cheesy texture and the golden color of each bun. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly minced parsley or a dusting of dried flakes adds a dash of color and a subtle fresh note that perfectly complements the rich, cheesy filling. If you want an extra indulgence, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Side Dishes

Serve these pizza balls alongside a crisp green salad or crunchy veggie sticks for balance. A simple Caesar salad or broccoli with lemon zest pairs beautifully without overpowering the savory, cheesy crescents.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party platter, arrange the pizza balls in a circle around small bowls of pizza sauce for dipping. Or skewer a few to create cheesy pizza ball kabobs that are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place leftover air fryer pizza balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They stay surprisingly fresh and remain gooey inside while crisping back up beautifully with reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked assembled pizza balls on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month. When ready, cook straight from frozen in the air fryer by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover pizza balls in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes to restore their crispy, golden exterior and melty interior. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can turn the dough soggy and the cheese rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?

Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough can work wonderfully; just make sure to roll it out to a similar thickness as the biscuits to ensure a soft yet sturdy crust that cooks evenly in the air fryer.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these in the oven?

Yes, you can bake the pizza balls at 375°F for about 12 to 15 minutes on a greased baking sheet until golden and cooked through, though they won’t have quite the same crispy finish that the air fryer gives.

Can I customize the fillings? What about veggies or different cheeses?

Feel free to get creative! Spinach, mushrooms, olives, or even cooked sausage all work well. Likewise, substitute mozzarella with other melty cheeses like provolone or cheddar to keep things interesting.

How do I prevent the dough from getting soggy inside?

Be mindful of the amount of pizza sauce you use, and make sure to roll the dough thin enough but not too thin to seal tightly. Cooking long enough for the dough to brown evenly helps avoid any doughy texture.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love the fun, bite-sized nature of pizza balls, and the mild flavors. Plus, the cheesy, pepperoni-filled pockets make for a hands-on snack that’s great for lunchboxes or after-school treats.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Air Fryer Pizza Balls Recipe enough if you’re looking for a quick, fun snack that tastes like a little celebration in every bite. This recipe effortlessly transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort and maximum yum. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a go-to treat for game days, movie nights, or anytime your pizza craving hits hard. So roll up those biscuits, stuff them with cheese and pepperoni, and let your air fryer do the magic!