Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are little pockets of warm, sweet apple filling wrapped in crispy, golden dough. They have a wonderful mix of soft, cinnamon-spiced apples inside and a perfectly crunchy outside, all made quickly with the help of the air fryer. If you love apple pie but want something quick and fun to eat, these are a great choice.
I really enjoy making these because they’re super easy and don’t require a lot of time or special skills. I usually sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar or cinnamon on top right after they come out of the air fryer — it makes them look extra tempting. One tip I’ve learned is to not overfill them so they don’t burst while cooking.
These apple pie bombs are perfect for a cozy snack or a simple dessert after dinner. I love how they pair so well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They remind me of fall afternoons spent baking with family, but without the long wait for the pie to bake in the oven.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith or Fuji are great because they hold their shape well and have a nice balance of sweet and tart. If you prefer a softer bite, go for Golden Delicious or Gala apples.
Crescent Roll Dough: This dough is soft and easy to work with. You can also use puff pastry for a flakier texture. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free dough in your store’s freezer section.
Butter: Melted butter helps the sugar and cinnamon stick and adds rich flavor. You can swap with melted coconut oil for a dairy-free version—it still gives a nice coating.
Cinnamon and Sugar Coating: This classic combo brings the familiar apple pie taste to the outside. If you want to cut down on sugar, try using a cinnamon-sweetener blend or less sugar.
How Do You Seal Apple Pie Bombs So They Don’t Leak in the Air Fryer?
Sealing the dough well is key to keeping the sweet apple filling inside during cooking. Here’s how I do it:
- Place the filling in the center but don’t overfill. About 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons is perfect.
- Fold the dough carefully over the filling, matching edges evenly.
- Pinch the edges together firmly with your fingers. For extra security, use the tines of a fork to press around the edges tightly.
- Make sure no gaps or holes remain, as the warm apple mixture can bubble out.
- Dipping in butter and rolling in sugar afterwards helps seal and adds a tasty crust.
Taking these steps means your pie bombs stay intact and cook evenly without messy leaks.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – It cooks the bombs evenly and creates a crispy outside without using much oil.
- Mixing bowls – For combining the apple filling ingredients and tossing the bombs in butter and cinnamon.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – To cut the crescent roll dough into smaller squares easily.
- Silicone brush or spoon – For spreading melted butter over the bombs.
- Measuring spoons and cups – To measure sugar, spices, and apple quantities.
- Spatula or tongs – To handle hot bombs safely when removing from the air fryer.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different fruits like pear or blueberry filling for a different flavor twist.
- Add a few chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) to the apple filling for crunch.
- Sprinkle a bit of lemon zest into the filling to enhance freshness and flavor.
- Glaze with caramel or icing drizzle instead of cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness.
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced small
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch
For the Dough & Coating:
- 1 sheet refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry sheet
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the filling and assemble the bombs, plus 8-10 minutes for air frying. In total, plan for around 20 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and tasty treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir well until the apples are evenly coated. Set this aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Cut and Fill the Dough:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Unroll the crescent dough on a clean surface, separate into triangles, and cut each triangle into smaller squares roughly 3 inches by 3 inches. Place about 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of the apple filling in the center of each square.
3. Seal and Coat the Bombs:
Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges firmly to seal, making sure no filling can escape during cooking. Dip each sealed pie bomb into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
4. Air Fry to Perfection:
Arrange the bombs in the air fryer basket without touching, so they cook evenly. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the apple pie bombs and let them cool slightly. For an extra sweet touch, dust with powdered sugar if you like. Serve warm, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle of caramel sauce for a cozy dessert.
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 using. This helps prevent the dough from getting soggy while cooking.
Can I Make These Apple Pie Bombs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bombs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying. Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until warm and crispy again.
What Can I Substitute for Crescent Roll Dough?
Puff pastry works great as a substitute if you want a flakier texture. Just thaw it before cutting and assembling. Gluten-free dough options can also work if needed.
