Are you craving classic apple pie flavor but want it in a fun, bite-sized form? Look no further than these air fryer apple pie bombs! With their handheld size and crispy flaky crust, these sweet treats put a fun new twist and creative spin on traditional apple pie that's perfect for Fall.
In this easy recipe, you'll learn how to assemble apple pie bombs that are bursting with warm cinnamon apple filling and cook them to golden brown perfection in your air fryer. Whether you want to impress guests or just satisfy your own apple pie craving, these bombs will not disappoint. So let's get started and make some apple pie magic in your air fryer!
Looking for more easy holiday desserts? Give our Cast Iron peach Cobbler a try!
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Reasons Why You'll Love Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs
So easy to make: Air fryer apple pie bombs only require a few simple ingredients.
They're quick to cook: Because you're using an air fryer, these tasty bombs cook in a matter of minutes. They're also healthier. With less butter and oil needed when air frying, apple pie bombs are a lighter alternative to deep-fried apple pies.
Customizable: You can play around with different apple fillings like caramel apples, spiced apples, or apple pie filling.
They're nostalgic: Apple pie bombs are a classic Fall dessert that’s full of cozy, heartwarming flavors.
They taste like apple pie: They contain all the flavors of an apple pie - cinnamon, sugar, butter, flaky crust - but in little bombs.
Key Ingredients
Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers Biscuits - These give the the bombs a soft, flaky, buttery exterior (see more in the substitutions section below).
Apple Pie Filling - Sweet apple filling provides fruity flavor and texture inside your bombs.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon and apple pie spice (or the mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice). Mix the ingredients really well and set aside. This will be your sugar coating.
Open a can of Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers biscuits and separate the biscuit dough into individual biscuits.
Roll each of the grand biscuits out into a 4-inch circle using your hands or a rolling pin and then spoon about 1-1 ½ tablespoons of chopped apple pie filling into the center of each circle.
Carefully fold the sides of the dough circle over the filling, pinching to seal and form a ball shape. Make sure each bomb is sealed tightly to keep it from leaking.
Spray your air fryer basket with oil or non-stick spray and then place the apple pie bombs inside in a single layer. You might need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air fry the bombs at 350 degrees F for about 8-10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are crispy on the outside. I recommend keeping a close eye on them as they cook.
After the apple pie bombs are done cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer and dip each bomb into the melted butter, ensuring they are fully coated.
Next, very lightly dust or roll each bomb in your sugar mixture until it's coated all around. Then, place the coated apple pie bombs on a cooling rack to cool slightly.
Serve your mini little treats as a delicious dessert or snack. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Make sure you seal the edges of the dough really well when wrapping it around the apple filling. I like to pinch and tuck the seams to prevent them from leaking.
Chop the apple filling into small pieces before filling the bombs. This will help it cook faster and more evenly.
To keep your bombs from sticking to the air fryer basket, I recommend spraying or brushing the air fryer basket with oil before cooking.
Cook the apple pie bombs in batches so they can all cook evenly and make sure you don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.
You can top your pie bombs with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, or chocolate syrup.
Rolling the bombs in the sugar mixture tends to result in a more sugary bomb. If you are sweet enough, I recommend dusting the bombs in the sugar mixture instead.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Air fryer apple pie bombs can be stored in an airtight container or ziplock bag, and placed in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To freeze air fryer apple pie bombs, let them cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 1 hour, or until they become solid. After that, transfer the apple pie bombs to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze them for up to 3 months.
To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the apple pie bombs in the air fryer basket, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through.
To reheat frozen air fryer apple pie bombs, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the apple pie bombs in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through.
You can also reheat the apple pie bombs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the bombs on a baking sheet. Bake them for 10-12 minutes, or until they are heated through.
Substitution and Addition Ideas
Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers Biscuits: These give the bombs a soft, flaky, buttery exterior. You could substitute them with regular refrigerator biscuit dough, pie crust dough rolled into rounds, crescent rolls, or homemade biscuit dough.
Apple Pie Filling: Sweet apple filling provides fruity flavor and texture inside your bombs. You can use homemade apple pie filling or canned apple pie filling. I like to make my homemade filling by combining peeled and diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of cornstarch to thicken.
Butter: Brushing the bombs with melted butter helps them turn golden brown and crisp when air frying. You can use oil or cooking spray instead.
Sugar: The cinnamon sugar coating gives the bombs a sweet crunch. Feel free to use brown sugar instead.
Cinnamon: This provides a warm spice flavor to the coating. You can use apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice instead.
Nutmeg: Adds subtle warm nutty flavor to the coating. You can leave it out or use allspice instead.
Apple Pie Spice: You can also use pumpkin pie spice instead.
Recipe FAQs
What is the best apple to use for apple pie bombs?
I recommend using Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Gala apples because they hold their shape when baked. But feel free use your favorite apples for this recipe.
Can I make apple pie bombs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these apple pie treats ahead of time. Simply assemble them then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Transfer your frozen bombs to an airtight container or bag. When you're ready to cook, you don't need to thaw them. All you need to do is add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Do apple pie bombs need to be served warm?
Yes, apple pie bombs taste great when warm. They also taste great at room temperature or when cold, straight from the fridge or freezer.
How long do baked apple pie bombs last?
If stored in an airtight container, baked apple pie bombs can last on the counter for up to 2-3 days, or for a month in the freezer.
Can I make apple pie bombs in a regular oven?
Yes, you can make apple pie bombs in a conventional oven or convection oven. Simply use parchment paper to line your baking sheet, or spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Bake the bombs at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until they become golden brown.
What dessert toppings go well with apple pie bombs?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, cinnamon sugar, streusel, and nuts go well with apple pie bombs.
And there you have it - a fun new way to enjoy classic apple pie flavor with bite-sized air fryer apple pie bombs! With a few simple ingredients and your air fryer, you can totally whip up a batch of these spiced apple treats in no time.
I hope this recipe inspires you to get creative in the kitchen with seasonal flavors. The possibilities are endless especially when you think outside the pie dish! Let me know in the comments how you adapt these apple pie bombs and what flavors you add. Thank you so much for reading—now go make some yummy explosions!
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Kelly Kardos says
You're killing me!! These look amazing!!!
Comfort Food and Drinks says
Thank you SO much, Kelly!
Cheryl Gainer says
Hello Kanyi and Essy, I just wanted to say I loved the air fryer apple bites. They were delicious. My only problem was making the balls. I think you must make sure your dough is divided evenly, so the balls are all the same size. I had fun making them and will definitely try again. Thanks
Comfort Food and Drinks says
Hi Cheryl!! Oh my goodness thank you for letting us know, and for the valuable tip about dividing the dough! We're so glad you enjoyed making them!
Risa says
These look incredible! The filling looks amazing and I love that you can make them in the air fryer. Thanks for the great recipe!
Comfort Food and Drinks says
You're welcome Risa! Isn't it so great how you can make them in the air fryer? It saves so much time and energy!