For best results use Certified Angus Beef^® brand

Air Fryer Pizza Bombs

Serves 12

Cuisine: Italian

Category: Appetizers, Sandwiches & Salads, Air Fryer

Pizza pocket or mini calzone? No matter what you call it, you’re in for a treat. This recipe combines the classic flavors of peppers, onions and ground beef for homemade sausage. Throw in some gooey cheese and wrap in a pizza crust for a bomb of delicious flavors you won’t be able to get enough of!

Prep Time

25 mins

Other Time

30 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

1 hr 10 mins

Ingredients:

1 pound Certified Angus Beef^® ground beef, 85% lean
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon canola oil (light olive oil works too)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cups (8 ounces) finely shredded Italian cheese blend
2 tubes (13.8 ounces) pizza dough (like Pillsbury)
Non-stick spray (olive oil preferred)
1 (16 ounce) jar pizza sauce

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, combine beef, 1-teaspoon salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, garlic powder and onion powder. Mix quickly by hand to combine.
Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium high. Spread beef in even layer; sear 3 to 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, break up beef into smaller chunks, continuing to sear until no pink remains. Remove beef with a slotted spoon; place in a clean bowl, leaving oil in pan.
Add peppers and onions to pan, season with 1/2-teaspoon salt and sauté, stirring occasionally until onions are translucent, 6 minutes. Transfer peppers and onions to bowl with beef, mix to combine and allow to cool while working on dough.
Preheat air fryer to 350°F and warm marinara sauce. Open pizza dough and lay it across a cutting board. Split dough in half once lengthwise, creating two long strips. Cut each strip into 3 squares; repeat with second dough, creating 12 total squares. Take a square and stretch it by hand into about a 5x5 inch square. Place 1/4-cup of cheese in the middle of square and top with a heaping 1/3-cup meat mixture.
Fold each corner of square to the top center and pinch corners together. Fold and pinch remaining side edges of dough until meat and cheese is entirely encased by dough.
Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Evenly place 3 beef bombs into basket, allowing plenty of room for air flow between each. Spray well with non-stick spray and air fry 6 to 9 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping.