Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Mozzarella Bombs Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for a snack that’s crispy on the outside, ooey-gooey on the inside, and bursting with garlic and cheesy flavor, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Mozzarella Bombs. I first made these one cozy evening when I was craving something indulgent but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The air fryer made them come out perfectly golden and crunchy, with melted mozzarella cheese melting in every bite. Since then, they’ve become a staple snack in my home—perfect for sharing with family, serving as party appetizers, or simply enjoying when you want a little cheesy comfort food.

This recipe is so simple, uses just a handful of ingredients, and comes together in under 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, quick gatherings, or whenever you want a warm, savory bite without any fuss. Plus, the air fryer means no deep frying or greasy mess—just crispy, flavorful mozzarella bombs that taste like a dream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Super Quick and Easy
One of the biggest reasons I love this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Mozzarella Bombs recipe is how fast it comes together. Using refrigerated biscuit dough means no mixing or kneading dough, which saves so much time and effort. Just flatten, wrap the cheese, brush on garlic butter, and air fry. In less than 20 minutes, you have fresh, homemade snacks that taste like they took way longer.

2. Delicious Flavor Explosion
The combination of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and savory flavor profile. The garlic butter coats the outside of each mozzarella bomb, giving it a flavorful crunch, while the Parmesan adds that perfect salty, nutty finish. And inside? Warm, gooey mozzarella cheese that melts perfectly every time. It’s the kind of snack that’s hard to stop eating once you start.

3. Crispy Outside, Gooey Inside
Thanks to the air fryer, you get a crispy golden-brown crust on the outside while the mozzarella cheese inside turns into a gooey, melty center. This texture contrast is one of the most satisfying things about this recipe. Plus, the air fryer cooks them evenly and quickly, so no greasy oil or deep frying mess.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a casual party, want a game-day appetizer, or just need a snack to satisfy those cheesy cravings, these mozzarella bombs are perfect. Kids love them too, making them an excellent option for family gatherings. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping, and you have an instant crowd-pleaser.

5. Customizable and Adaptable
This recipe is very versatile. You can easily adjust seasonings, add different cheeses, or swap ingredients to fit your dietary preferences. It’s great as-is or as a base for your own creative twists.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Choosing the right ingredients is key to making these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Mozzarella Bombs shine. Here’s a closer look at why each ingredient is included and some substitutions you can try.

• Refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits):
  I use canned biscuit dough because it’s super convenient and yields a tender, fluffy crust. The dough browns nicely in the air fryer and seals the cheese well. If you want, you can swap this with crescent roll dough for a flakier texture or pizza dough for a chewier crust. For gluten-free diets, look for gluten-free biscuit dough in your grocery store.
• Mozzarella cheese cubes (8 cubes):
  The mozzarella is the star of this dish. I prefer fresh mozzarella cut into cubes because it melts evenly and has a mild flavor. You can also use mozzarella sticks cut into smaller pieces or even shredded mozzarella mixed with a bit of cream cheese for extra gooeyness. For a sharper flavor, try adding a bit of provolone or fontina.
• Butter (2 tablespoons, melted):
  Butter adds richness and helps the seasonings stick to the dough, creating a golden, flavorful crust. If you prefer a dairy-free option, olive oil works well and adds a nice depth of flavor. You could also try melted vegan butter.
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon) and Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon):
  These seasonings give the bombs their signature flavor. Garlic powder is convenient and evenly coats the dough, while Italian seasoning adds herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, mix your own with dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons):
  Parmesan adds a salty, nutty crunch on top. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results. Pecorino Romano is a great alternative if you want a sharper, tangier cheese.
• Chopped parsley (optional):
  Parsley adds freshness and a pop of color, making the mozzarella bombs look as good as they taste.
• Marinara sauce (for dipping):
  A warm marinara sauce pairs beautifully with these mozzarella bombs. Use your favorite store-bought jar or homemade sauce for dipping.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Mozzarella Bombs is simple and fun. Here’s the detailed step-by-step guide:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
   Preheating ensures even cooking and that your mozzarella bombs turn golden and crispy. Most air fryers take about 3-5 minutes to preheat.
2. Separate and flatten the biscuit dough.
   Take the refrigerated biscuits and separate each one carefully. Flatten each biscuit slightly with your fingers or a rolling pin to about 4-5 inches in diameter. This gives enough room to wrap the cheese cubes securely.
3. Add mozzarella cubes.
   Place one mozzarella cube in the center of each flattened biscuit. Make sure it’s centered so you can wrap the dough evenly around it.
4. Seal the dough tightly around the cheese.
   Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the mozzarella and pinch the seams together to seal tightly. This step is crucial—if you don’t seal well, the cheese can leak during cooking.
5. Mix the garlic butter.
   In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir until well blended.
6. Brush each dough ball with the garlic butter.
   Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat each mozzarella bomb with the butter mixture. This will help them brown beautifully and infuse with garlic flavor.
7. Arrange the bombs in the air fryer basket.
   Place the bombs in a single layer with space between each to allow hot air to circulate for crispiness. Avoid overcrowding.
8. Air fry for 7 to 9 minutes.
   Cook until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. The cheese inside should be melted and gooey.
9. Brush with remaining garlic butter and sprinkle Parmesan.
   Right after cooking, brush the bombs again with any leftover butter mixture and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
10. Garnish and serve warm.
    Add chopped parsley for color and freshness if desired. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Additional Tips & Variations

• Add heat: Sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
• Cheese blends: Mix mozzarella with shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or fontina inside for varied cheesy flavors.
• Herb toppings: Use fresh chopped basil, oregano, or chives for different herbal notes.
• Make them vegan: Use vegan biscuit dough, dairy-free cheese, and olive oil instead of butter.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness and melt the cheese.
• Dill Pickle Cheese Balls
  If you’re a fan of bold, tangy flavors, these Dill Pickle Cheese Balls are a must-try. They’re creamy, zesty, and perfect for any gathering.
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FAQs

Can I prepare these mozzarella bombs ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and seal the bombs, then refrigerate for up to 4 hours before air frying. This is great for parties or busy days.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake them in a conventional oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
You can, but minced fresh garlic can burn quickly during cooking. I recommend mixing fresh garlic into the melted butter and brushing after cooking for the best flavor.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking?
Make sure to seal the dough edges tightly and avoid overfilling with cheese.

Are these mozzarella bombs kid-friendly?
Absolutely! They’re mild, cheesy, and loved by kids and adults alike.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a warm, cheesy snack that’s crispy on the outside and packed with garlic and Parmesan flavor, these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Mozzarella Bombs are exactly what you need. Easy to make, quick to cook, and endlessly delicious, this recipe is a must-try for snack lovers everywhere. Perfect for cozy nights, game days, or parties, these mozzarella bombs will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.

Try making this recipe today and enjoy that gooey, crispy, garlicky goodness with every bite!

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