Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs Recipe

Introduction

Did you know that air fryer desserts can reduce added fat by up to 70% compared to traditional deep-frying? This incredible efficiency makes our Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs not just a delicious treat, but a smarter choice for your sweet cravings. Imagine the warm, gooey comfort of classic apple pie, but transformed into adorable, single-serving packages with a golden, doughy exterior and a fraction of the effort. These bombs are the perfect fusion of nostalgic flavor and modern kitchen convenience.

Perfect for game day, a cozy family dessert, or a last-minute potluck contribution, these handheld delights are guaranteed to disappear fast. The magic lies in the contrast: the flaky, buttery biscuit dough gives way to a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, all finished with a crackly cinnamon-sugar shell that shatters with every bite. Let’s dive into how you can create this crowd-pleasing dessert in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients List

Gather these simple ingredients for your apple pie bomb adventure. I’ve included sensory notes and substitutions to ensure success no matter what’s in your pantry.

• 1 can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers Biscuits or Country Biscuits: The doughy foundation. The “Grands” size creates a more substantial bomb, while the smaller biscuits are perfect for bite-sized treats. Substitution: Any refrigerated flaky biscuit dough will work, or use homemade pie dough for a from-scratch feel.
• 1 (21 oz) can Apple Pie Filling: The sweet, spiced heart of the bomb. Look for a filling with a good balance of tender apple chunks and thick, glossy syrup. Substitution: For a fresher taste, make your own quick filling: sauté 2 cups of diced apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) with 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1 tbsp butter until softened.
• 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted: Creates the essential glue for the cinnamon-sugar coating, adding a rich, toasty flavor and golden color.
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar: For the signature sweet, crunchy shell.
• 1 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon: The warm, aromatic spice that defines “apple pie” flavor. For a deeper spice profile, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the sugar mixture.
• Optional: 1 tsp Vanilla Extract mixed into the melted butter for an extra layer of fragrance.

Timing

Compared to baking a full apple pie, which can take over an hour from prep to cool-down, these Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs deliver that same iconic flavor in less than half the time. The air fryer’s rapid circulation cooks them evenly and quickly, giving you a hot, fresh dessert faster than preheating a conventional oven.

A batch of perfectly golden Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs, ready to delight.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Open your can of apple pie filling. I like to give it a rough chop right in the can or on a cutting board to break the larger apple slices into smaller, more manageable pieces. This ensures every bite of your bomb gets plenty of filling and makes sealing the dough much easier. If you’re using homemade filling, ensure it has cooled slightly so it’s safe to handle.

Step 2: Assemble the Bombs

Separate the biscuit dough. On a lightly floured surface, gently press or roll each biscuit into a circle about 4-5 inches in diameter—you want it thin enough to seal but thick enough to hold the filling without tearing. Place a heaping tablespoon of the chopped apple pie filling in the center of each dough circle. Now, the crucial part: gather the edges of the dough up and over the filling, pinching them firmly at the top to create a sealed pouch. Roll it gently between your palms to form a smooth ball. A good seal is key to preventing messy leaks in the air fryer!

Step 3: Coat and Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, set up your coating station. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon thoroughly. In another bowl, have your melted butter (and vanilla, if using) ready. Working one at a time, dip each dough ball first into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated, then immediately roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until completely covered. Place the coated bombs in the air fryer basket, leaving about an inch of space between them for air circulation (you may need to cook in batches). Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until they are puffed up and a deep, golden brown.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the bombs from the air fryer using tongs—they will be very hot! Let them cool on a wire rack or plate for just 2-3 minutes. This short rest allows the molten filling to settle slightly, preventing burnt tongues, but they are best served warm. The exterior will be delightfully crisp from the sugar coating, giving way to the soft, steamy interior.

Nutritional Information

(Approximate values per bomb, recipe makes 8)

• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Sugar: 24g
• Protein: 3g

Note: Values can vary based on specific brands of biscuits and pie filling used.

Healthier Alternatives

You can easily tweak this recipe for a lighter version without sacrificing the core “apple pie” experience:

• Dough: Use whole-wheat or reduced-fat biscuit dough.
• Filling: Opt for a “no sugar added” apple pie filling, or make your own with diced apples, a touch of maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener, and spices.
• Coating: Brush the dough balls with a light egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water) instead of melted butter, then roll in a mixture of cinnamon and a zero-calorie sweetener like erythritol.
• Butter: Substitute with a light butter spread or even coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

Serving Suggestions

While divine on their own, these bombs become legendary with a few simple accompaniments:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting over the warm bomb (à la mode style!).
• A drizzle of salted caramel sauce for a sweet-and-salty kick.
• A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or mulled cider for the ultimate cozy dessert experience.

Common Mistakes

• Overfilling: This is the #1 cause of leaks. Stick to a heaping tablespoon. If filling oozes out during sealing, simply remove a little.
• Poor Sealing: Pinch the dough firmly and ensure no filling is caught in the seam. Roll the sealed ball gently to smooth any weak spots.
• Crowding the Basket: Air needs to circulate for even browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Skipping the Preheating: A hot air fryer ensures the dough starts cooking immediately, leading to a better rise and texture.

Storing Tips

• Room Temperature: Best enjoyed fresh. They can be kept in an airtight container for up to 1 day but will lose their crisp exterior.
• Refrigerating: Store cooled bombs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncoated, assembled bombs on a parchment-lined tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To cook, do not thaw—coat in butter and sugar while frozen, then air fry, adding 2-4 minutes to the cook time.
• Reheating: Re-crisp in the air fryer at 320°F for 3-4 minutes. A microwave will make them soft.

Serve your bombs warm with a classic scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect finish.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are a testament to how simple ingredients and smart cooking technology can create something truly special. They capture the soul-warming essence of homemade apple pie in a fun, shareable, and incredibly quick format. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed for guaranteed success and smiles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)