Get ready for the ultimate crowd-pleaser: Air Fryer Cheese Bombs! These golden, buttery biscuits are stuffed with a gooey trio of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella cheeses—and thanks to the magic of the air fryer, they’re perfectly crisp outside with a molten cheese center in just minutes. If you love a craveable, cheesy snack or appetizer that everyone will compete to grab first, you’re in for a treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Gooey Center: Every bite delivers a burst of warm, stringy cheese that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can whip up these Air Fryer Cheese Bombs in less than half an hour—perfect for last-minute guests!
- Customizable to Your Cravings: Swap in your favorite cheeses or sprinkle on extra seasoning to make them uniquely yours every single time.
- Perfect Party Snack: These cheese bombs fly off the plate at game nights, family gatherings, or as a fun after-school snack that’ll spark delight in everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a handful of basic ingredients transform into oozy, pull-apart perfection. Each one is crucial: from buttery biscuits turning crisp and flaky, to three types of cheese that melt together in the most delicious way.
- Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers Biscuits (16.3 oz can): These giant, flaky biscuits are surprisingly easy to split—no knife needed!—and form the perfect base for your cheese bombs.
- Cheddar Cheese (16 small cubes): Bold, tangy, and sharp, cheddar brings a punch of flavor and gorgeous color to the cheesy filling.
- Monterey Jack Cheese (16 small cubes): Buttery and smooth, this cheese melts beautifully and balances the sharpness of cheddar.
- Mozzarella Cheese (16 small cubes): The secret to that classic, irresistible cheese pull—don’t skip this one!
- Butter (1 tablespoon, melted): Brushed on top for that signature golden sheen and extra flavor.
- Dried Italian Seasoning (1-2 teaspoons): A sprinkle adds herby aroma and savory depth to your cheese bombs. Feel free to adjust to taste.
Variations
The magic of Air Fryer Cheese Bombs is how adaptable they are! With just a little creativity, you can tweak the filling, the seasonings, or even the dough to fit your crowd, dietary needs, or flavor obsessions.
- Spicy Cheese Bombs: Toss in some pepper jack cheese cubes or a pinch of red chili flakes for an extra kick.
- Garlic Lovers: Mix a little garlic powder with the melted butter before brushing, or add minced garlic for intense savory flavor.
- Veggie-Filled: Slip in tiny pieces of sautéed spinach or roasted peppers alongside the cheese for a surprise pop of color and flavor.
- Dough Swap: Try pizza dough or crescent roll dough if you want a slightly different texture—soft and bready, or light and flaky.
How to Make Air Fryer Cheese Bombs
Step 1: Split and Prep the Dough
Pop open the can of biscuits—always a little thrilling, right? Grab each biscuit and gently separate it into two flat halves using your fingers. Thanks to those flaky layers, it comes apart easily, and you’ll double the number to end up with 16 pieces, each the right size to cradle that cheesy goodness.
Step 2: Fill with Cheese
Take a dough piece, flatten it slightly in your palm, and nestle in three cheese cubes—a cheddar, a Monterey Jack, and a mozzarella for the ultimate melt. Pull up the edges and pinch everything tightly closed around the cheese, making sure there are no gaps for leaks. Repeat with all your dough pieces!
Step 3: Arrange and Season
Place about nine cheese bombs in your air fryer basket, leaving space between each so they can get that crispy, golden finish—don’t overcrowd, or they’ll steam! Brush them generously with melted butter and sprinkle on Italian seasoning (and any extra herbs or spices you’re feeling).
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 5–6 minutes. Peek at the 5-minute mark—when the tops are beautifully golden and just crisping, they’re ready! Repeat with the remaining cheese bombs if needed. Give them a minute or two to cool before taking that first (gooey!) bite.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Cheese Bombs
- Seal the Dough Completely: Make sure to pinch the biscuit edges tightly, so your luscious cheese stays inside and doesn’t leak out during cooking.
- Cheese Cube Size Matters: Keep your cheese cubes a little smaller than sugar cubes; too big and the dough won’t seal, too small and you’ll miss that oozy effect!
- Don’t Crowd the Air Fryer: Give your cheese bombs space to expand so each one turns out crispy and evenly golden on all sides.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Play with flavors—add a dash of smoked paprika or even a sprinkle of grated parmesan to the tops before air frying for extra flair.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cheese Bombs
Garnishes
Give your Air Fryer Cheese Bombs a glamorous finish with a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning or a dusting of grated parmesan while they’re hot, so it just melts in. Fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and irresistible aroma right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair these cheese bombs with a side of zesty marinara, creamy Alfredo, or even a classic ranch dip—trust me, everyone will love dunking them! For a heartier snack table, set them out with a fresh salad, veggie platter, or a cozy bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Air Fryer Cheese Bombs high on a platter for a “cheese mountain,” or serve them in a lined basket for a rustic, homey vibe. For parties, arrange them around a bowl of dip or skewer each bomb with a party pick—easy to grab and so much fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (and that’s a big if) you have leftovers, let your cheese bombs cool, then pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They’ll still be delicious and melty when reheated!
Freezing
Want to make a batch ahead for future cravings? Assemble and freeze the raw, unbaked cheese bombs on a tray until solid, then store in a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the air fryer time.
Reheating
To warm them up, the air fryer is your best friend again: 2–3 minutes at 350°F will make them crisp and molten-cheesy again. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll miss out on the signature crunch.
FAQs
-
Can I use different types of cheese in Air Fryer Cheese Bombs?
Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible—try Swiss, pepper jack, or even brie for a fun twist. Just stick to block cheese and cut small cubes so they fit and melt evenly in the dough.
-
What if I don’t have flaky-layer biscuits?
If you can’t find the flakey style, any canned Grands biscuit dough or even crescent roll dough will work. Just make sure to adjust the splitting method as needed.
-
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out while cooking?
The most important trick is pinching the dough together tightly around the cheese to seal. Also, avoid overstuffing or leaving any gaps in the biscuit dough before air frying.
-
Can I make Air Fryer Cheese Bombs ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the cheese bombs, refrigerate them for a few hours, or even freeze them before cooking. Just air fry directly from the fridge or freezer as needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about watching everyone’s faces light up as they pull apart these Air Fryer Cheese Bombs—crispy, buttery, and packed full of gooey, melty cheese. Give them a try, share them with friends or family, and let yourself get swept up in the cheesy goodness. I can’t wait for you to discover how addictive these little bombs really are!
PrintAir Fryer Cheese Bombs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 16 cheese bombs 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Cheese Bombs are the perfect combination of flaky biscuits filled with gooey melted cheese and savory Italian seasoning, all cooked to golden perfection in an air fryer. A quick and easy snack or appetizer that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers Biscuits
- 16.3 oz
Cheddar Cheese Cubes
- 16 small cubes
Monterey Jack Cheese Cubes
- 16 small cubes
Mozzarella Cheese Cubes
- 16 small cubes
Butter
- 1 tablespoon, melted
Dried Italian Seasoning
- 1–2 teaspoons
Instructions
- Split Biscuits: Open the can of biscuits, split each biscuit in half lengthwise to create two flat pieces from each.
- Fill with Cheese: Flatten a biscuit, place 3 cheese cubes in the center, wrap the biscuit around the cheese, pinching the ends to seal. Repeat.
- Air Fry: Arrange cheese bombs in the air fryer, ensuring they do not touch. Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Cook at 350°F for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool briefly before serving plain or with desired dipping sauces.
Notes
- Small Cheese Cubes: Aim for sugar cube-sized cheese cubes to fit 3 in each biscuit. 16 small cubes equal about 6 oz of cheese.
- Cheese Varieties: Use any cheese variety; other options include Pepper Jack, Swiss, Muenster, or a mix of cheddar cheeses.
- Italian Seasoning: Adjust seasoning to taste, consider adding garlic powder or red chili flakes for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese bomb
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg