Air Fryer Cheesy Garlic Bombs
The Ultimate Melt-in-Your-Mouth Snack
Few things can compare to the bliss of biting into a soft, golden dough ball filled with hot, oozing cheese and infused with garlic butter. These Air Fryer Cheesy Garlic Bombs are the ultimate comfort snack—crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and bursting with molten cheese and aromatic herbs.
They are quick, easy, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding kids, looking for a side dish for pasta, or just need something sinfully good, these cheesy garlic bombs are guaranteed to please every palate.
🧾 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Crispy yet soft: The air fryer gives the perfect texture—golden brown outside, fluffy inside.
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Cheese pull magic: The gooey cheese center makes them unforgettable.
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Garlicky goodness: Brushed with rich garlic butter for irresistible flavor.
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Air-fried: No need for deep frying, making them lighter and less greasy.
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Quick & easy: Made with store-bought dough or a simple homemade version.
📝 Ingredients
For the Dough (Choose One):
Option 1: Store-Bought (Quick & Easy)
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1 can refrigerated biscuit dough, crescent rolls, or pizza dough
Option 2: Homemade Dough (For Scratch Enthusiasts)
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2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
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¾ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
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1 tablespoon sugar
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2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
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1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes (or use shredded mozzarella and pack it tightly)
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Optional mix-ins: cream cheese, cheddar, or pepper jack cubes
For the Garlic Butter:
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
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¼ teaspoon salt
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Optional: 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan for extra flavor
🍳 Equipment Needed
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Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
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Pastry brush
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Mixing bowl
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Rolling pin (if making your own dough)
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Knife or pizza cutter
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Measuring spoons & cups
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Optional: parchment paper or silicone liner
⏲️ Time Required
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Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
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Rise Time (if making dough): 45–60 minutes
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Cook Time: 8–10 minutes per batch
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Total Time: ~30 minutes with pre-made dough / ~90 minutes with homemade dough
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
✨ Step 1: Make the Dough (Skip if Using Store-Bought)
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In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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Stir in the olive oil, salt, and gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
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Knead on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 45–60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
🔪 Step 2: Prep the Cheese Bombs
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Divide the dough into 12–16 small balls. If using pre-made dough, cut biscuit or crescent roll dough into similar portions.
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Flatten each piece into a small circle about 3 inches across.
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Place a cube of cheese (or a mix of cheeses) in the center.
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Bring the edges up and around the filling, pinching to seal completely.
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Gently roll into a ball. Make sure it’s tightly sealed to prevent cheese from leaking during air frying.
💡 Tip: Chill the cheese cubes slightly before stuffing to reduce melt-through during cooking.
🧄 Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
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Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave.
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Add minced garlic, parsley, and salt.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese, if using.
Set aside half for brushing before cooking and the rest for after.
🍽️ Step 4: Air Fry the Garlic Bombs
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Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for about 3 minutes.
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Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil or line with parchment.
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Place the balls seam-side down, leaving space between them to allow air circulation.
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Brush lightly with garlic butter.
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Air fry in batches at 360°F for 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
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After cooking, immediately brush with more garlic butter while hot for maximum flavor.
🧀 Tip: If cheese leaks, don’t worry! It’ll crisp up and add even more cheesy texture.
🌿 Serving Suggestions
These cheesy garlic bombs are great on their own but even better with:
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Warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping
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Ranch or garlic aioli
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Served alongside soup (especially tomato or broccoli cheddar)
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As a side to pasta or salad
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On a party platter with olives, charcuterie, and more dips
They make excellent appetizers, snacks, or even a savory breakfast bite!
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
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Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
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Air fryer: 350°F for 3–4 minutes
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Oven: 375°F for 5–6 minutes
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Microwave: 20–30 seconds (may soften the texture)
Freezing:
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Freeze raw or baked bombs. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
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To cook from frozen: air fry at 340°F for 12–14 minutes.
🔄 Recipe Variations
Get creative with fillings and flavors!
Filling Ideas:
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Pepperoni & Mozzarella: Mini pizza bombs!
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Cream Cheese & Jalapeño: Like poppers in bread form.
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Ham & Swiss: Great for brunch.
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Spinach & Feta: Mediterranean-inspired snack.
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Buffalo Chicken & Cheddar: Spicy and savory.
Topping Variations:
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Sprinkle with Everything Bagel seasoning before air frying.
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Add shredded cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
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Brush with herbed olive oil for a lighter version.
💡 Tips for Success
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Don’t overfill: Too much cheese = explosions!
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Seal well: Pinch the seams tight to avoid leaks.
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Work quickly with biscuit or crescent dough to prevent it from drying out.
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Brush generously with garlic butter right after air frying for ultimate flavor.
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Let them cool slightly before eating—filling will be HOT!
✅ Nutrition Information (Approx. per bomb with mozzarella)
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Calories: 180
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Fat: 9g
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Carbs: 18g
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Protein: 6g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 1g
(May vary depending on dough and cheese used.)
❤️ Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Cheesy Garlic Bombs are more than just a snack—they’re a sensory experience. From the moment you pull them out of the air fryer, golden and glistening with garlic butter, to the satisfying pull of molten cheese with each bite, they deliver on every level. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to customize, kid-friendly, and addictive in the best way possible.
Whether you serve them as a quick weeknight treat, a party crowd-pleaser, or a side dish that steals the show, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
