Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are a fun and easy way to enjoy a classic dessert with a crispy, golden outside and a warm, gooey apple pie filling inside. These little bites are packed with spiced apples and wrapped in flaky pastry that cooks up perfectly in the air fryer, giving you a quick treat without heating up the whole kitchen.
I love making these because they’re simple to whip up whenever I’m craving something sweet but don’t want to go through the fuss of a full pie. The best part is that the air fryer gives them just the right amount of crispiness while keeping the filling tender and juicy. Plus, you can customize the spices however you like—adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg makes all the difference!
My favorite way to serve these is warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They make a great snack or dessert that everyone usually asks for again. If you’re like me and love a quick, cozy treat, these apple pie bombs are a winner every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices because they hold their texture when cooked. If you want a sweeter bomb, try Fuji or Gala apples. Avoid very soft apples as they can turn mushy.
Dough: Crescent roll dough or puff pastry both work well here. Puff pastry gives a flakier finish, while crescent dough is softer and easier to work with. For a gluten-free option, gluten-free puff pastry can be used.
Spices: Cinnamon brings warm flavor, and nutmeg adds a nice hint of spice. You can swap nutmeg for allspice or cloves if you like. Feel free to adjust spice amounts to your taste.
Coating: The cinnamon-sugar mix makes these bombs extra tasty and gives a nice crunch. If you prefer less sugar, reduce the coating amount or skip it and just brush with butter after cooking.
How Do I Get the Apple Filling Just Right Without It Being Too Watery?
Making the apple filling is key to keeping your bombs from getting soggy. Here are some tips:
- Cook the apple mixture over medium heat until the apples are soft but not mushy, and most juices evaporate.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help the liquid reduce.
- Let the filling cool completely before filling the dough; warm filling can make the dough soggy or hard to seal.
- Use small, uniform pieces of apple so they cook evenly and fit nicely inside the dough balls.
These steps help keep the filling thick and flavorful while ensuring the outside stays crisp and golden.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I prefer this because it cooks the bombs evenly and gives a perfect crispy exterior without using much oil.
- Skillet – used to cook the apple filling; it’s quick and easy for softening the fruit and blending the spices.
- Rolling pin – helps to roll out the dough smoothly and evenly.
- Small spoon or cookie scoop – makes filling the dough quick and mess-free.
- Pastry brush – used to brush the egg wash for a shiny finish.
- Mixing bowls – handy for preparing the apple filling and coating mixtures.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Adding a splash of caramel sauce to the apple filling makes it extra rich and sweet.
- Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch and extra flavor.
- Replace the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice or allspice for a warm flavor twist.
- Use cream cheese in the filling for a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet apples.
Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Dough and Coating:
- 1 package (about 8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry dough
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Optional glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar mixed with 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the apple filling and assemble the bombs, plus an additional 8-10 minutes to air fry them until golden and delicious. Cooling and optional glazing add a few more minutes. Overall, plan for about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Apple Filling:
Start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Cook this mixture, stirring every now and then, until the apples become tender and some of the liquid evaporates, around 5-8 minutes. When done, set it aside to cool completely before using.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Lightly sprinkle flour on your work surface. Unroll your crescent roll or puff pastry dough, then separate it into individual triangles or squares, depending on what shape your dough comes in.
3. Fill and Shape the Apple Pie Bombs:
Place 1 to 2 teaspoons of the cooled apple filling in the center of each dough piece. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to form a round ball, making sure none of the filling leaks out. These are your “bombs”!
4. Coat and Prepare for Air Frying:
Mix the 1/4 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush each bomb with the beaten egg to help it get a shiny finish and to make the coating stick. Then, roll each bomb in the cinnamon sugar mix until well coated.
5. Cook in the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the bombs in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each so air can circulate freely. Cook them for 8 to 10 minutes or until they turn golden and puff up nicely. Keep an eye on them starting at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
6. Cool and Add Glaze (Optional):
After removing the bombs from the air fryer, let them cool just a bit. If you like, drizzle the optional powdered sugar glaze over the top for extra sweetness and a pretty finish.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
These apple pie bombs are best served warm. They taste wonderful on their own, or paired with some vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for a special treat. Enjoy your cozy, bite-sized dessert!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry for These Apple Pie Bombs?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the puff pastry fully in the refrigerator before using it. Working with cold but pliable dough makes it easier to shape the bombs without tearing.
Can I Prepare 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 and cook straight from the fridge when ready.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Pie Bombs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven to regain crispiness before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Adjust Sweetness or Spice?
Feel free to adjust the sugar or cinnamon amounts to your taste. For less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the filling or coating. You can also experiment with adding nutmeg, allspice, or cloves for different warm spice notes.
