Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are little pockets of sweet, cinnamony apple filling wrapped in crispy, flaky dough that come out perfectly golden in the air fryer. These bite-sized treats have all the comforting flavors of classic apple pie but in a fun and easy-to-eat form. You get that warm, tender apple mixture with just the right hint of cinnamon and sugar in every delicious burst.
I love making these whenever I want a quick dessert that doesn’t need a lot of fuss or time in the kitchen. The air fryer crisps them up beautifully, so you get that lovely crunch on the outside while the apples stay soft and gooey inside. I usually sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top when they come out warm—it’s such a simple way to make them feel extra special.
These apple pie bombs are perfect for sharing at parties or when I want a cozy treat after dinner. I like serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, which gives a nice cool contrast to the warm filling. It’s the kind of dessert everyone enjoys, and I keep thinking about how easy it is to whip these up whenever apple season rolls around!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the base for your bombs. It’s buttery and flaky, which crisps up nicely in the air fryer. If you don’t have crescent rolls, puff pastry is a great alternative and offers a similar flaky texture.
Apples: I prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they hold their shape and add a nice balance of tartness and sweetness. You can swap in Fuji or Gala apples if that’s what you have—they may be softer but still delicious.
Cinnamon & Sugar: The classic combo for that cozy apple pie flavor. Feel free to adjust the cinnamon amount to your taste or try adding nutmeg or allspice for a bit more warmth.
Lemon Juice: This brightens the apple filling and prevents the apples from browning. If you don’t have lemon juice, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute in small amounts.
How Do I Make Sure the Apple Filling Doesn’t Make the Dough Soggy?
Keeping the filling from making your dough soggy is key to getting that crisp outside! Here’s what I suggest:
- Finely dice your apples so they cook evenly and release less juice inside the bomb.
- Toss the apples with a bit of flour—this helps thicken any juices released during cooking.
- Cook at the right temperature (around 350°F) so the dough crisps up quickly before the filling gets too wet.
- Seal the edges of each dough ball really well to trap steam inside and avoid leaks, which can cause sogginess.
- Brushing the outside with melted butter before coating with cinnamon sugar helps the crust get golden and crisp.
Following these tips helps you get that perfect balance of a crunchy outside and warm, tender apple filling inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I like using a medium bowl for the apple filling; it’s just the right size for easy mixing.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – helps peel, core, and dice the apples quickly and safely.
- Small spoon or scoop – perfect for adding the filling onto each dough triangle.
- Paintbrush – handy for brushing the bombs with melted butter for that golden finish.
- Air fryer – obviously, that’s the star here! It crisps the bombs evenly and quickly.
- Parchment paper or air fryer liner – keeps things tidy and makes cleanup easier.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try adding chopped nuts or raisins into the apple filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Use brown sugar instead of white sugar to give a richer, caramel-like sweetness.
- Swap apples for pears or berries to change up the fruit and make a different kind of filling.
- Sprinkle a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg directly onto the dough before filling for an extra spice kick.
Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely diced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Dough and Coating:
- 1 package (about 8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Optional: glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 8-10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Overall, you’ll have delicious apple pie bombs ready in about 25 minutes total – perfect for a quick and tasty dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples with ¼ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir well so the apples are evenly coated. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the dough.
2. Ready the Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. Press the perforated edges together so the dough forms a solid piece. Lightly roll over the dough to flatten it just a bit.
3. Assemble the Apple Pie Bombs:
Place about 1 to 2 teaspoons of the apple filling near the wide end of each dough triangle. Carefully roll the dough up from the wide end toward the pointed end, enclosing the filling. Pinch the edges securely to seal and form a tight ball or ‘bomb’.
4. Coat and Prepare for Air Frying:
Brush each apple pie bomb with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix the ¼ cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Roll each buttered bomb in this cinnamon sugar mixture so it is fully coated.
5. Air Fry the Bombs:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. Place the bombs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other to allow even cooking. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to do this in batches.
Cook the bombs for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. They should turn a beautiful golden-brown color when done.
6. Finish and Serve:
Carefully remove the apple pie bombs and let them cool for a few minutes. If you like, drizzle them with a simple glaze made by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of cinnamon.
Serve warm and enjoy your crispy, gooey apple pie bombs!
Can I Use Frozen Crescent Roll Dough for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the frozen crescent roll dough completely in the fridge overnight before assembling your apple pie bombs. This will make it easier to roll and seal without tearing.
Can I Make These Apple Pie Bombs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bombs and store them in the fridge for a few hours before air frying. Just cover them well with plastic wrap to prevent drying out, then cook as directed when ready.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover apple pie bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer at 320°F for 3-4 minutes to crisp back up without drying out.
What Can I Serve with Apple Pie Bombs?
They’re delicious on their own, but serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes for a lovely treat. You can also drizzle with caramel sauce or the cinnamon glaze for extra sweetness.
