Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are little pockets of joy filled with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in crispy, golden dough. These bite-sized treats bring all the cozy apple pie flavors, but in a fun, easy-to-eat form that’s perfect for snacking or dessert.
I love making these because they come together so quickly and don’t heat up the whole kitchen like baking a big pie can. Plus, using the air fryer makes them extra crisp without needing piles of oil. I usually sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for that sweet finish, and it feels like a comforting hug in every bite.
They’re great served warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a dollop of whipped cream if you want to keep things simple. Whenever I bring these out at gatherings, they disappear fast—everyone loves how easy they are to pop in your mouth and enjoy the classic apple pie taste anytime. These little bombs definitely brighten up any day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are my favorite because they stay firm and offer a nice balance of sweet and tart. You can swap in Fuji or Gala if you prefer a sweeter bite.
Dough: Crescent roll dough is super easy to use and gives a soft, flaky texture. If you want a flakier crust, puff pastry works great too. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free crescent rolls.
Butter and Sugars: Butter helps caramelize the apples for depth of flavor. Brown sugar adds warmth and richness, but you can use coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic choice.
Coating Mix: The graham cracker crumbs add crunch and a toasty flavor. If you don’t have graham crackers, crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits work well. The cinnamon-sugar mix on the outside enhances the sweetness and spice.
How Do You Seal Apple Pie Bombs to Keep Filling Inside?
Sealing well stops the filling from leaking during cooking, keeping each bomb neat and tasty. Here’s my method:
- Place the filling in the center of the dough square, leaving edges clear.
- Fold the dough up over the filling to form a ball shape.
- Pinch the edges together firmly and squeeze to seal completely.
- If needed, moisten the dough edges with a tiny bit of water to help them stick better before sealing.
- Be gentle so you don’t tear the dough, but seal tight for no leaks.
This simple step guarantees gooey filling inside with a crispy outside every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I recommend this because it cooks the bombs evenly and makes them crispy without much oil.
- Skillet – used to cook the apple filling; non-stick helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Knife and cutting board – essential for peeling and chopping apples.
- Small mixing bowl – for mixing cinnamon, sugar, and graham cracker crumbs for coating.
- Pastry cutter or sharp knife – to cut the dough into squares.
- Pastry brush – helps brush the egg wash on the bombs for a shiny, golden finish.
- Wire rack – for cooling the bombs once they’re cooked.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Switch apples to pears or peaches for a different fruit twist. They soften nicely and keep the filling juicy.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla or caramel extract to the apple filling for extra sweetness and flavor depth.
- Swap graham cracker crumbs for crushed cookies like Oreos or Biscoff crumbs for a rich, cookie crust on the outside.
- Sprinkle some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the filling for added crunch and texture.
Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Dough & Coating:
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry sheets
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs or crushed vanilla wafers (for coating)
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the filling and assemble the bombs, plus 8-10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, plan for about 30 minutes total from start to finish. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Apple Filling
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook while stirring for about 5-7 minutes, until the apples are soft and caramelized. Once done, remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough or puff pastry sheet onto a flat surface. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut it into squares, about 3×3 inches each—just big enough to hold some filling.
3. Assemble the Bombs
Place about 1-2 teaspoons of the apple filling in the center of each dough square. Fold the dough over the filling and carefully pinch the edges to seal well, making sure the filling doesn’t leak out. Shape into a ball or pocket.
4. Coat and Air Fry
Lightly brush each dough ball with beaten egg to help the coating stick and give a golden finish. In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and graham cracker crumbs. Roll each ball gently in this mixture until evenly coated.
Place the bombs in your air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them so they cook evenly. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and look crisp.
5. Serve with a Smile
Remove your apple pie bombs from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if you’d like, and enjoy warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy, sweet treat.
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which might make the dough soggy. Pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the apple pie bombs, then refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before air frying. Just add a minute or two to the cooking time if they’re chilled.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to keep them crispy rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
What Can I Substitute for Crescent Roll Dough?
Puff pastry works wonderfully and gives a flakier texture. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free crescent roll dough or pie crusts, though cooking times may vary slightly.
