Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs

Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are bite-sized pastries filled with warm, spiced apple filling, wrapped in golden biscuit dough, and coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for that classic apple pie taste. These little treats are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of a homemade apple pie without the need for a rolling pin or an oven. With their crispy exterior, gooey apple filling, and satisfying cinnamon-sugar coating, these Apple Pie Bombs are as fun to make as they are to eat.

These apple pie bombs are made in an air fryer, so you get a crispy texture without needing to deep-fry or bake them. Perfect for a quick dessert, holiday treat, or even a breakfast surprise, they are easy to whip up and use just a few ingredients. This recipe walks you through each step, from making the filling to shaping and air-frying, and will also share tips, variations, and serving ideas to make this dish your new favorite fall treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs deliver all the comforting flavors of apple pie in a portable, easy-to-make format. By using the air fryer, you achieve a deliciously crisp texture on the outside while keeping the interior warm and gooey. Plus, they’re customizable: you can make them with homemade or canned apple pie filling, use biscuit dough, or even create your own pastry. With only a few basic ingredients and minimal prep, these apple pie bombs are perfect for both novice and experienced cooks who want a quick, satisfying dessert.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 apple pie bombs
• Serving Size: 1 apple pie bomb

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g

Ingredients

For the Apple Pie Bombs

• 1 can of refrigerated biscuit dough (12 oz; 8 biscuits) or homemade biscuit dough
• 1 cup apple pie filling (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

For Homemade Apple Pie Filling (Optional)

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

Optional Toppings

• Caramel sauce for drizzling
• Whipped cream for serving
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling

If you’re using store-bought apple pie filling, proceed to Step 2. If you’re making your own, follow these instructions:

1. Cook the Apples: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Simmer: Cook the apples, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and the mixture becomes syrupy.
3. Thicken the Filling: Add the cornstarch-water mixture and stir well. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Dough

1. Separate the Biscuits: Open the can of biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. If using homemade dough, divide it into 8 equal pieces.
2. Flatten the Dough: Using your hands, flatten each biscuit into a disk about 3-4 inches in diameter. This gives enough room to hold the apple filling while still sealing the edges.

Step 3: Assemble the Apple Pie Bombs

1. Add the Filling: Place about 1 tablespoon of apple pie filling in the center of each biscuit round. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult.
2. Seal the Bombs: Gather the edges of the dough around the filling and pinch them together to form a sealed ball. Make sure to pinch the seams tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
3. Shape into Smooth Balls: Gently roll each filled dough ball between your palms to ensure a smooth, round shape.

Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

1. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
2. Brush with Butter: Brush each dough ball lightly with melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 5: Air Fry the Apple Pie Bombs

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Arrange in the Basket: Place the apple pie bombs in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
3. Cook: Air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Depending on your air fryer, you may want to check them halfway and shake the basket slightly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Cool Slightly: Allow the apple pie bombs to cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling will be very hot.
2. Serve: Enjoy as-is, or drizzle with caramel sauce, dust with powdered sugar, or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Ingredient Background

Each ingredient in Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs contributes to the dish’s overall flavor and texture. Biscuit dough provides a soft yet flaky outer layer that bakes up golden and slightly crisp in the air fryer. Apples are a classic filling, with Granny Smith apples offering a tart contrast and Honeycrisp adding natural sweetness. Cinnamon and nutmeg provide warmth and depth to the filling, while a coating of melted butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture adds a caramelized finish to each pie bomb. The optional caramel sauce or whipped cream toppings enhance the dessert’s decadence, making each bite even more indulgent.

Technique Tips

• Seal Tightly: Be sure to pinch the edges of the dough tightly to prevent any filling from escaping. This keeps the bombs intact during air frying.
• Flatten the Dough Evenly: Flattening the dough evenly ensures that each pie bomb cooks uniformly and holds a good amount of filling.
• Use the Right Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best, as they hold their shape well and provide a nice balance of tart and sweet flavors.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary to allow for proper airflow in the air fryer, which ensures the bombs turn out crispy and golden.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Mini Apple Pies: Instead of forming balls, place the filled dough rounds in mini muffin tins for a more traditional apple pie shape.
• Apple Pie Sticks: Shape the dough around the apple filling in a cylindrical shape to create dippable apple pie sticks. These are perfect for serving with caramel sauce.
• Cinnamon Apple Doughnut Holes: Roll smaller pieces of dough with the apple filling into smaller balls for bite-sized treats that resemble doughnut holes.
• Apple Hand Pies: Instead of balls, form them into flat rounds and seal the edges with a fork, creating small hand pies.

Additional Tips for Success

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer helps achieve a crisp exterior from the start, giving the dough a better texture.
• Use Cold Dough: Cold biscuit dough holds its shape better when forming the bombs. If your dough gets too soft, refrigerate it for a few minutes.
• Experiment with Other Fillings: Try other fillings, such as cherry, blueberry, or pumpkin pie filling, for a different flavor twist.
• Serve Warm: These pie bombs are best enjoyed fresh and warm, as the filling is soft and gooey.

Recipe Variations

• Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bombs: Add a sprinkle of sea salt to the filling and serve with caramel sauce for a sweet and salty twist.
• Cream Cheese Apple Pie Bombs: Add a small dollop of sweetened cream cheese to the apple filling for a creamy layer.
• Pumpkin Spice Apple Pie Bombs: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired flavor.
• Nutty Apple Pie Bombs: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a nutty crunch.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Store cooled apple pie bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F for 3-4 minutes to bring back the crispy texture.
• Freezing: To freeze, allow the apple pie bombs to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 325°F until warmed through.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the apple pie bombs and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 1 day. Air fry just before serving for the best results.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use Whole Wheat Dough: Use whole wheat biscuit dough for added fiber and nutrients.
• Reduce the Sugar: Adjust the cinnamon-sugar coating to taste or skip it altogether for a less sweet version.
• Make a Lighter Filling: Use a mixture of apples and diced pears or cranberries for a slightly lighter, fruit-forward filling.
• Add Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for added nutrients and healthy fats.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Holiday Brunch: Serve warm with a variety of toppings such as whipped cream, caramel sauce, and powdered sugar for a holiday brunch.
• Kids’ Party: Serve these apple pie bombs with a selection of dipping sauces like caramel, chocolate, and cream cheese icing.
• Dessert Bar: Include these pie bombs on a dessert bar alongside other mini treats, such as brownies, cookies, and cupcakes.
• Picnic or Potluck: Transport in an airtight container and serve at room temperature as a handheld dessert at picnics and potlucks.

Special Equipment

• Air Fryer: A basket-style air fryer is ideal for this recipe, allowing airflow around each pie bomb for a crispy exterior.
• Rolling Pin (Optional): For those using homemade dough, a rolling pin can help achieve the right thickness.
• Pastry Brush: Use a pastry brush to coat the bombs in melted butter, ensuring an even cinnamon-sugar coating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use puff pastry instead of biscuit dough?
Yes, puff pastry works well, although the texture will be lighter and flakier. Follow the same steps and adjust air-frying time as needed.

2. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the apple pie bombs in a conventional oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free biscuit dough or make a homemade gluten-free pastry dough.

4. Can I use fresh apples without cooking them?
While possible, it’s best to cook the apples first to soften them and allow the flavors to meld. Raw apples may not cook through in the air fryer.

5. Do these taste good cold?
They’re best enjoyed warm, but they’re still tasty when cooled. Reheat in the air fryer to regain some crispness.

6. What other fruits can I use?
Peaches, pears, blueberries, and strawberries work well as alternative fillings.

7. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Ensure the dough is sealed tightly around the filling. Pinch the edges well, and avoid overfilling.

8. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs bring the cozy flavors of apple pie into a compact, air-fried treat that’s easy to make and fun to eat. With a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating and warm apple filling, these pie bombs are a delightful dessert or snack for any occasion. The air fryer keeps the texture light and crispy, while the buttery biscuit dough encases the gooey apple filling perfectly. This recipe offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures in each bite, making it a wonderful treat for all ages. Try these apple pie bombs with your favorite dipping sauces or toppings, and savor every delicious, fall-inspired bite!

Print