Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are little pockets of deliciousness filled with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and wrapped in flaky dough. They get beautifully golden and crispy in the air fryer, making them a quick and easy treat that tastes like a classic apple pie, just in a fun, bite-sized form.
I love making these when I want a cozy dessert that doesn’t take forever to prepare. The air fryer makes them perfectly crispy on the outside while keeping the apple filling soft and gooey inside. Plus, they’re so simple to customize — I like adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce to make them extra special.
Whenever I serve these at gatherings, they disappear fast! They’re perfect for sharing because everyone can grab a couple and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie without needing a fork or plate. If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s both easy and crowd-pleasing, these little bombs are definitely the way to go.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend Granny Smith for their tartness and firmness, but Honeycrisp works great if you want a sweeter bite. If you can’t find fresh apples, canned apple pie filling is a handy shortcut.
Crescent Roll Dough: This dough gives a buttery, flaky crust, but puff pastry sheets are a fantastic alternative for extra flakiness. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free crescent dough or use store-bought gluten-free pastry.
Spices and Sugar: The cinnamon and nutmeg add warm flavor. If you prefer, you can add ginger or allspice for a twist. Brown sugar helps caramelize the apples nicely, but you can swap it with coconut sugar for a different sweetness.
Egg Wash & Coating: Egg wash gives a beautiful golden finish. For an egg-free version, use milk or melted butter. The sugar and cinnamon coating adds extra crunch and flavor, but you can simply sprinkle powdered sugar after baking if you prefer.
How Do You Keep Apple Pie Bombs From Leaking During Air Frying?
To prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking, careful sealing is key. Here’s what I do:
- Place about 1 tablespoon of cooled filling in the center of each dough square. Don’t overfill—too much can cause leaks.
- Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges firmly together. You can also moisten the dough edges with a little water to help seal better.
- After shaping the bombs, brush them gently with egg wash—you’ll see this acts like glue to keep everything intact.
- Cook in a single layer without overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow even air circulation and crisping.
These steps help keep your apple bombs perfectly sealed and crispy, so you get that warm, gooey center without a mess.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love it because it cooks the bombs evenly and makes them crispy without extra oil.
- Medium skillet – this is where I cook the apples; it helps them soften and caramelize perfectly.
- Small bowl – for mixing cinnamon and sugar for coating the bombs.
- Pastry cutter or knife – to cut the crescent dough into smaller squares for easier filling and sealing.
- Brush – I use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash, giving a nice golden color.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apples for pears or peaches for a different fruit flavor that still melts nicely inside the dough.
- Add a spoonful of caramel sauce or dulce de leche inside the filling for extra richness.
- Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans with the apples for crunch and texture.
- Spice it up with a pinch of ground ginger, cloves, or even chili powder to create a more complex flavor profile.
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (or puff pastry sheets)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Optional: caramel sauce, for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the filling and assemble the bombs, plus 8-10 minutes cooking time in the air fryer. You’ll also want to let the filling cool a bit before assembling, so plan for about 30 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Apple Filling:
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally and cook until the apples are tender and the mixture thickens, around 6-8 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Dough and Coating:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While the filling cools, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl for coating. Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface, separate it into triangles or squares, then cut into smaller squares roughly 2 to 3 inches wide.
3. Assemble the Pie Bombs:
Place approximately 1 tablespoon of the apple filling into the center of each dough square. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal, creating a small ball or “bomb.”
4. Coat and Bake:
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over each pie bomb. Then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly. Place the bombs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the bombs from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Optionally, drizzle with caramel sauce before serving. Enjoy your warm, crispy, and gooey apple pie bombs!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture from the apples before cooking to avoid soggy filling.
Can I Make Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the bombs, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Air fry them fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
What Can I Use Instead of Crescent Roll Dough?
Puff pastry works great as a substitute for a flakier crust. Just thaw it according to package instructions before assembling the bombs.
