Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs: A Sweet, Golden Crunch That’s Perfectly Irresistible
There’s something undeniably comforting about the flavors of apple pie. The moment the buttery, flaky crust hits your tongue, you’re transported to a place of warmth and nostalgia. The combination of tender apples, warm cinnamon, and sugar has a magic to it that makes every bite feel like a hug from the inside out. But what if you could experience that same magic in a bite-sized, crispy treat without having to spend hours making pie crust? That’s where Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs come in – a simple yet delicious twist on a beloved classic. These sweet, golden delights are the perfect blend of warm cinnamon-spiced apples, soft biscuit dough, and a crisp, golden exterior. Imagine taking a bite into these little bombs, the exterior shattering with a satisfying crunch, revealing the gooey, apple-filled center.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Sweet Treats
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- ¾ cup (150 g) Granulated Sugar – Sugar is the foundation of the sweet coating that gives these apple pie bombs their irresistible finish. You’ll use it to create the apple pie spice mixture and to dip the bombs after they’re cooked. The sugar caramelizes during the air frying, making the outside golden and sweet.
- 3 teaspoons Apple Pie Spice – This spice blend is the secret ingredient that brings that signature apple pie flavor to the dish. A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warm spices, apple pie spice adds depth and warmth to the filling and the outer coating.
- 1 Can (8-count) Pillsbury Grand Biscuits (Not Flaky Layers) – The biscuit dough is the vessel for the apple filling. The dough is thick and soft, providing the perfect base for the sweet apple mixture. The key is to use the Grand biscuits (not the flaky layers) because they hold their shape better during cooking and give you a hearty, satisfying bite.
- 1 cup (243 g) Apple Pie Filling – The heart of these apple pie bombs is the sweet, cinnamon-laced apple filling. Using canned apple pie filling makes the recipe quick and easy, but feel free to use homemade filling if you prefer. Be sure to chop the apples into small pieces so they fit perfectly into the biscuits.
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon – Cinnamon is the most iconic spice when it comes to apple desserts. It adds a warm, cozy flavor that complements the apples and sugar perfectly. You’ll mix the cinnamon into the apple pie filling to elevate its flavor.
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) Unsalted Butter (Melted) – Butter is used to brush over the cooked apple pie bombs before they’re coated in the sugar and apple pie spice mixture. It adds richness and helps the sweet coating stick to the bombs. The melted butter also enhances the golden color of the final product.
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Pie Spice and Sugar Coating
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the granulated sugar with the apple pie spice. This is the sweet and spiced mixture that will coat the bombs once they’re done cooking. Set the bowl aside – you’ll use it later when the bombs are golden and fresh out of the air fryer. - Prepare the Biscuit Dough
Open the can of Pillsbury Grand biscuits. Carefully separate each biscuit into two layers, which will give you 16 circles of dough. These dough circles will form the outer casing of the apple pie bombs. Press each layer of dough into a 4-inch circle using your fingers. You don’t need to use a rolling pin – just gently flatten the dough to the right size. - Prepare the Apple Pie Filling
In a small bowl, combine the apple pie filling with cinnamon. This adds a cozy warmth to the filling and makes it even more flavorful. Stir the cinnamon into the filling to ensure that every bite of apple is perfectly spiced. - Assemble the Bombs
Take each dough circle and spoon about 1 tablespoon of the apple pie filling mixture into the center. Be careful not to overfill them, as you want to be able to pinch the dough together and seal it properly. Once the filling is in place, fold the edges of the dough over the apples, pinching the sides together to form a sealed ball. Roll the dough gently to make sure the bomb holds its shape. Repeat this step for all the dough circles. - Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the bombs from sticking as they cook and help them crisp up beautifully. Don’t skip this step – it’s crucial to ensure the bombs come out golden and easy to remove from the basket. - Air Fry the Apple Pie Bombs
Place the bombs in the air fryer basket, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Arrange them about 2 inches apart so that they cook evenly. Spray the tops of the bombs with a light coat of cooking spray. Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook the apple pie bombs for 8-9 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown color. The air fryer will crisp the outside while keeping the inside soft and warm. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid overcooking. - Coat in Butter and Sugar-Spice Mixture
Once the bombs are golden and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Using a pastry brush or spoon, dip each apple pie bomb into the melted butter, coating them thoroughly. This not only adds richness but also helps the sugar-spice mixture stick. Then, roll each buttered bomb in the apple pie spice and sugar coating you prepared earlier. This step gives the bombs their signature sweet, spiced exterior. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve the apple pie bombs immediately while they’re still warm and crispy. These little bites are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer when the filling is gooey and the exterior is perfectly crunchy. If you’re not serving them right away, they can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two, but the texture is best right after they’re made.
Notes
- Try Different Fruit Fillings: While apple pie filling is the go-to for these bombs, you can easily switch things up with other fruit fillings. Try cherry pie filling for a tart twist, or blueberry pie filling for a summery flavor. The air fryer will crisp up any filling beautifully.
- Add Nuts: If you like a bit of crunch in your apple pie, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling. These will add a nutty flavor and texture that contrasts nicely with the soft apples.
- Make a Glaze: If you want to take these bombs over the top, drizzle them with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk. This will add a glossy finish and an extra layer of sweetness to each bomb.
- Add a Dash of Salt: A pinch of sea salt sprinkled on top of the sugar and spice mixture can help balance the sweetness and bring out the warm flavors of the apples and cinnamon.
- Vegan or Dairy-Free Option: To make these apple pie bombs vegan or dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter or coconut oil. You can also opt for dairy-free biscuit dough if preferred.