Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are little pockets filled with sweet apple filling and warm spices, wrapped in crispy, golden dough. They’re perfect for anyone who loves the cozy flavors of apple pie but wants a fun, bite-sized treat. Cooking them in the air fryer means they get nice and crispy without needing much oil, which makes them a bit easier to whip up anytime.
I love making these when I want something quick and sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven. The smell of cinnamon and baked apples fills the kitchen, making it feel like fall all year round. Plus, they’re super fun to eat—each bomb bursts open with gooey apple goodness inside. One little tip: adding a tiny bit of caramel sauce on the side makes dipping an extra special experience.
These apple pie bombs are great for casual get-togethers or just a simple dessert at home. I’ve found that serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream puts them over the top. They always bring smiles and sometimes a few happy sighs too. Whenever I make them, I end up sneaking a few before anyone else even gets to try them!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape and have a nice balance of tart and sweet. If you want softer filling, try Fuji or Gala apples. Fresh is best, but you can use canned apples in a pinch.
Dough: Crescent roll dough is easy and buttery, giving a flaky crust. Biscuit dough is a great alternative if you want something more tender. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free crescent or biscuit dough in the store.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg bring the classic apple pie flavor. You can add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a different twist. Adjust sugar to taste if you prefer it less sweet.
Coating Sugar Mix: The cinnamon-sugar coating adds a lovely crunch and sweetness on the outside. Brown sugar can work too for a richer flavor, and sprinkling a bit of coarse sugar adds crunch.
How Do I Seal the Dough So Apple Pie Bombs Don’t Leak?
Sealing the dough well is key to keeping the filling inside during air frying. Here’s how:
- Use your fingers or a fork to pinch the dough edges tightly around the filling.
- If using crescent dough, press the seams together firmly, even slightly dampen edges with water to help stick.
- Don’t overfill – about 1 to 1.5 tbsp of filling per piece works well.
- If you notice any cracks or small openings, patch them with a tiny extra piece of dough.
- Once sealed, give the bombs a gentle squeeze to make the round shape and check for leaks.
These steps help keep the filling inside and create a nice round bomb that cooks evenly without spills.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love it because it crisps up the outside without needing lots of oil.
- Medium skillet – perfect for cooking the apple filling until soft and flavorful.
- Small bowl – handy for mixing the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Teaspoon or small scoop – helps measure the filling so each bomb is just right.
- Preparation surface – a clean countertop or cutting board for rolling and sealing the dough.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Caramel drizzle or dip – adding caramel makes each bite even more indulgent.
- Cheese filling – try adding a small piece of cream cheese or caramelized sugar inside for a richer surprise.
- Spice mix – sprinkle a pinch of ginger or allspice with the cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Different fruits – swap apples for pears or peaches for a different fruity twist.
Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Dough and Coating:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough or biscuit dough (about 8 oz)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
Optional Toppings:
- Caramel sauce
- Cream cheese glaze or icing for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the filling and assemble the bombs, plus 8-10 minutes cooking time in the air fryer. Overall, you should set aside around 25-30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Apple Filling:
In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally while cooking until the apples soften and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Unroll the crescent or biscuit dough and separate into individual pieces. If using crescent rolls, press the seams together to make solid rectangles.
3. Assemble the Apple Pie Bombs:
Place about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of cooled apple filling in the center of each dough piece. Fold and pinch the edges tightly to seal completely, forming a round “bomb.” Make sure there are no openings to prevent filling from leaking.
4. Coat the Bombs:
Mix 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush each apple pie bomb with melted butter, then roll and coat thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, covering evenly.
5. Air Fry the Bombs:
Place the bombs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Leave a little space around each for proper air circulation. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the apple pie bombs from the air fryer. For extra flavor, drizzle with caramel sauce or cream cheese glaze, if desired. Serve them warm for that gooey, cinnamon-sugared apple filling surprise inside.
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before cooking. This helps prevent the filling from becoming too watery and keeps the dough from getting soggy.
Can I Make These Apple Pie Bombs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bombs and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before air frying. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover apple pie bombs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 325°F for a few minutes to restore crispiness before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Crescent Roll Dough?
Biscuit dough works great as a substitute and offers a slightly different texture. You can also try puff pastry for an extra flaky crust, but adjust cooking time as needed since it cooks faster.