Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are little pockets of warm, gooey apple filling wrapped in crispy, golden dough. They’re like mini apple pies that cook up fast and come out perfectly flaky and delicious from the air fryer. You get that sweet apple cinnamon flavor with just the right touch of buttery crust that makes every bite so satisfying.
I love making these because they’re quick to put together and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, using the air fryer means you get that wonderful crunch without the mess of deep frying, which is a win in my book. I often sneak a couple when they’re fresh off the heat — the filling is warm and fragrant and feels like a cozy little treat for any day.
These apple pie bombs are perfect for sharing at a party or as a fun dessert after dinner. I like to serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of yum. They’re such a fun twist on classic apple pie that everyone, from kids to adults, can enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great for this recipe. They hold their texture well when cooked, and their tart-sweet balance is just right. If you prefer a softer bite, Fuji or Gala apples can work, too.
Dough: I like using crescent roll dough for its buttery flavor and easy handling. Puff pastry is a great alternative if you want a flakier crust. For a gluten-free option, use pre-made gluten-free dough, but be gentle as it can be more fragile.
Spices: Cinnamon is the star here, with nutmeg adding warmth. Don’t skip the nutmeg—even just a pinch adds depth. You can also add a little ground ginger for a slight kick or swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for a fall twist.
Sugar Coating: Simple granulated sugar mixed with cinnamon makes a lovely crunchy finish. If you want a sugar-free option, sift a small amount of powdered erythritol and cinnamon instead.
How Can I Make Sure My Apple Pie Bombs Don’t Leak Filling?
Sealing the dough well is key to keeping the filling inside. Here’s what helps:
- Don’t overfill—stick to about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of filling to avoid spills.
- Moisten the edges of the dough with water or beaten egg before pressing them together; this acts like glue.
- Pinch edges tightly and press firmly to seal, making sure there are no gaps.
- Use your finger or a fork to crimp the edges for extra security.
- Place bombs seam-side down in the air fryer basket to reduce risk of leaks while cooking.
Taking these steps will help your apple pie bombs stay intact and perfect after air frying.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I find it ideal because it crisps the bombs evenly without deep frying.
- Skillet – useful for cooking the apple filling on the stovetop until tender and thickened.
- Kitchen knife and cutting board – for peeling, coring, and chopping apples easily.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to keep your ingredients just right.
- Pastry cutter or spoon – for dividing dough and sealing edges.
- Pastry brush – helps brush the egg wash to get that golden finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different fruits like pears or peaches for a fresh twist on filling.
- Add a spoonful of caramel or peanut butter inside the bombs for extra richness.
- Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or streusel on top before air frying for crunch and extra flavor.
- Mix in some raisins or chopped nuts into the apple filling for added texture and taste.
Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Dough and Topping:
- 1 package (about 8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry sheets
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Optional for Serving:
- Caramel sauce
- Vanilla ice cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation, 10 minutes cooking in the air fryer, and a few minutes to cool. Overall, it’s a quick and delightful dessert you can enjoy in around 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally and cook for about 8-10 minutes until the apples are soft and the mixture thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat and let it cool a bit.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the crescent dough on a clean surface and separate it into triangles, or cut puff pastry into roughly 3×3 inch squares.
3. Assemble the Bombs:
Place 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the apple filling in the center of each piece of dough. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal it well into a ball or pouch, making sure no filling can escape.
4. Add the Coating and Cook:
Brush each dough ball lightly with beaten egg to help it brown. In a small bowl, mix the coating sugar and cinnamon. Roll or sprinkle each ball in this sugary cinnamon mix until coated evenly.
Arrange the apple pie bombs in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving some space between them. You may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the bombs carefully and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, with optional caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture before cooking. This helps prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
Can I Make These Apple Pie Bombs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the bombs, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying. Just add an extra minute or two to the cook time if cooking straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover apple pie bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven to restore crispness before serving.
Can I Use a Regular Oven Instead of an Air Fryer?
Yes, bake the bombs on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown, turning once halfway through to ensure even cooking.
