Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are little pockets of crispy, golden pastry filled with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples that taste just like homemade apple pie. They’re bite-sized, fun to eat, and have that perfect mix of flaky crust and gooey filling that makes them irresistible.
I love how quick and easy these bombs come together, especially when you want a cozy dessert without turning on the oven. I usually make a bunch and keep some in the freezer, so I can pop them in the air fryer whenever I need a sweet treat. The smell of cinnamon and apples cooking just makes the whole kitchen feel like fall all year round.
My favorite way to enjoy these is right out of the air fryer, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special touch. They’re great for sharing with friends or as a fun surprise at a party, since everyone loves something bite-sized and delicious. These apple pie bombs are a little piece of comfort that’s easy to make and even easier to eat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great for their balance of tartness and sweetness. If you want a softer bite, try Golden Delicious. Avoid super juicy apples to keep the filling from getting soggy.
Crescent Roll Dough: This dough gives a flaky, buttery crust. If you can’t find crescent rolls, puff pastry sheets are a good alternative. Just keep an eye on cooking time since puff pastry can brown faster.
Butter & Sugars: Butter helps make the filling rich and the dough golden. Brown sugar adds a warm molasses flavor, but you can swap it with coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option. Granulated sugar mixed with cinnamon creates a delicious outer coating.
How Do I Make Sure the Apple Pie Bombs Don’t Leak?
Sealing is key! Here’s what works best:
- Press the perforations in the crescent dough firmly before filling to prevent tears.
- Don’t overfill—about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of apple filling keeps it manageable.
- Pinch all edges tightly after folding, making sure there are no gaps.
- If your dough feels dry, brush a little water on the edges to help seal them better.
- Use a gentle touch when placing bombs in the air fryer to keep the seals intact.
Following these tips helps keep the filling inside while you get a perfect golden crust on the outside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I prefer it because it cooks quickly and makes the bombs crispy without extra oil.
- Skillet – for cooking down the apples; a non-stick skillet makes cleaning easier.
- Small spoon or cookie scoop – helps fill each dough piece evenly with apple mixture.
- Brush – a pastry brush works great for applying melted butter for coating.
- Shallow bowl – for cinnamon-sugar coating, making it easy to roll the bombs.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apples for pears or berries for a different fruit flavor, adding a fresh twist.
- Mix in chopped nuts or raisins into the apple filling for texture and extra flavor.
- Use different spices like ginger or allspice to customize the warmth of the filling.
- Add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce after baking for extra sweetness.
Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced small
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Dough and Coating:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the apple filling and assemble the bombs, plus 8-10 minutes for air frying. Overall, you can enjoy these delicious treats in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Apple Filling:
In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally and cook until the apples become tender and syrupy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. Press the perforations on each triangle firmly to seal them, preventing leaks.
3. Assemble the Pie Bombs:
Spoon about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of the cooled apple filling into the center of each dough triangle. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal, forming a ball or “bomb.”
4. Coat the Bombs:
Mix the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Brush each pie bomb with melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
5. Air Fry the Bombs:
Place the bombs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each for good air circulation. You may need to do this in batches. Air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the bombs and allow them to cool slightly. If you like, dust them with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy warm for the best taste and texture!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess moisture making the dough soggy.
Can I Make These Apple Pie Bombs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bombs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying, or freeze them unbaked and cook straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bombs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
What’s a Good Alternative to Crescent Roll Dough?
Puff pastry sheets work great as a substitute and will give you a flaky crust, but watch them closely in the air fryer as they may brown faster than crescent dough.
