Air Fryer Bacon Onion Bombs
If you love bold, smoky flavors and crispy bacon, then these Air Fryer Bacon Onion Bombs are about to become your new favorite recipe! Imagine juicy, cheesy meatballs wrapped in layers of onion and crispy bacon, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer. These little flavor bombs are the ultimate appetizer, game-day snack, or even a fun dinner idea that’s packed with savory goodness. Plus, they’re super easy to make with just a handful of ingredients!
Air Fryer Bacon Onion Bombs
Looking for more air fryer recipes to try? These bacon onion bombs pair perfectly with Air Fryer Potato Wedges or Crispy Air Fryer Green Beans for a complete meal. If you’re a fan of hearty, meat-packed dishes, check out my Air Fryer Meatloaf Bites or Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers for another crowd-pleasing favorite. Once you try these, you’ll definitely want to add them to your list of go-to air fryer recipes!
Not only are these bacon onion bombs bursting with flavor, but they also come together in no time! The air fryer does all the hard work, crisping up the bacon while keeping the inside juicy and cheesy. Whether you’re serving them for a backyard BBQ, a fun weeknight meal, or a party appetizer, these will be a guaranteed hit!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Super crispy bacon – The air fryer gives the bacon the perfect crunch without the mess of frying.
- Juicy, cheesy center – The melty cheddar inside the meatball takes these to the next level.
- So much flavor – With BBQ sauce, garlic, onion, and bacon, every bite is packed with deliciousness.
- Great for any occasion – Whether you’re making these for a party, game day, or a fun dinner, they’re always a hit!
Ingredients:
- 1 Pound Ground Beef
- 3/4 Cup Bread Crumbs, plain
- 1 Egg, beaten
- 1/2 Cup Milk
- 1/2 Cup BBQ Sauce
- 1 TSP Salt
- 1/2 TSP Black Pepper
- 1/2 TSP Garlic Powder
- 3-4 Medium Yellow Onions
- 1 Package Bacon
- 3-4 Small Cheddar Cheese Cubes
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Onion Bombs
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, milk, BBQ sauce, salt, pepper, & garlic powder. Mix together well.
- Cut the bottom and the top off of the onions. Peel the outer skin and throw it away.
- Cut the onion in half and carefully peel off the outer two layers.
- Form a meatball for each onion. Place a piece of cheddar cheese in the middle of your meatball.
- Place your meatball inside of the onion shell.
- Using toothpicks to help, wrap each onion with 3 pieces of bacon.
- AIR FRY at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.
- Check at the 23 minute mark to make sure your bacon is not cooking too quick.
- Remove your toothpicks and ENJOY!
What Type Of Onion To Use For Onion Bombs
Yellow or sweet onion is what I would recommend for this recipe. If you favor a white onion you could use that as well.
You will find most onion varieties can work for this recipe.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Bacon Onion Bombs
- Use medium-sized onions – If they’re too big, the meatballs may not fit snugly inside.
- Don’t skip the cheese cube – It melts into the meatball, making it even more flavorful.
- Secure the bacon well – Use toothpicks to hold the bacon in place while air frying.
- Check the bacon at the 23-minute mark – Some air fryers cook faster, so keep an eye on it!
- Let them rest for a few minutes – This helps the cheese set and keeps everything nice and juicy.
FAQ’s
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them a few hours in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just pop them in the air fryer when you’re ready to eat.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic choice, you can try mozzarella, pepper jack, or even smoked gouda for a different twist.
What should I serve with these bacon onion bombs?
They’re amazing on their own, but they also go great with a side of Garlic Parmesan Fries, a simple salad, or even some roasted veggies for a full meal!


Air Fryer Bacon Onion Bombs
Air Fryer Bacon Onion Bombs are the ultimate air fryer recipe. A juicy meatball that is wrapped in onion, bacon and air fried till golden brown and cooked perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Ground Beef
- 3/4 Cup Bread Crumbs, plain
- 1 Egg, beaten
- 1/2 Cup Milk
- 1/2 Cup BBQ Sauce
- 1 TSP Salt
- 1/2 TSP Black Pepper
- 1/2 TSP Garlic Powder
- 3-4 Medium Yellow Onions
- 1 Package Bacon
- 3-4 Small Cheddar Cheese Cubes
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, milk, BBQ sauce, salt, pepper, & garlic powder. Mix together well.
- Cut the bottom and the top off of the onions. Peel the outer skin and throw it away..
- Cut the onion in half and carefully peel off the outer two layers.
- Form a meatball for each onion. Place a piece of cheddar cheese in the middle of your meatball.
- Place your meatball inside of the onion shell.
- Using toothpicks to help, wrap each onion with 3 pieces of bacon.
- AIR FRY at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.
- Check at the 23 minute mark to make sure your bacon is not cooking too quick.
- Remove your toothpicks and ENJOY!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 536Total Fat: 34gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 142mgSodium: 1071mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 34g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!