Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs

Are you ready to discover a dessert that will revolutionize your snack game? Look no further than these incredible Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs! Imagine all the comforting, warm, and sweet flavors of a classic apple pie, but in a fun, bite-sized, and incredibly easy-to-make package. These little golden nuggets are crispy on the outside, bursting with tender, spiced apple filling on the inside, and can be drizzled with a delightful glaze that makes them absolutely irresistible. Forget the fuss of a traditional pie crust and the long baking times – these apple pie bombs come together quickly, making them perfect for a last-minute treat, a casual gathering, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth any day of the week.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the magic of the air fryer. If you haven’t yet jumped on the air fryer bandwagon, this recipe alone might convince you. The air fryer circulates hot air, creating a perfectly crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil, giving you that delightful crunch we all love in fried foods, but with a much lighter touch. For these apple pie bombs, it means a golden-brown, flaky crust that perfectly encases the warm apple goodness.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs

Speed and Convenience: Traditional apple pie can be a labor of love, but these bombs are quick! From prep to plate, you’re looking at a fraction of the time, especially with the air fryer doing most of the work.

Portion Control (or Lack Thereof!): Their individual size makes them perfect for serving at parties, packing in lunchboxes, or simply enjoying one (or three!) without feeling overwhelmed by a whole pie.

Less Mess: No rolling out large pie crusts or dealing with leaky fillings in a pie dish. These are relatively contained and easy to handle.

Irresistible Flavor: All the classic apple pie flavors you adore are packed into each bite: sweet, tangy apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg, all wrapped in a tender, slightly sweet dough.

Versatility: While delicious on their own, they can be customized with different glazes, toppings, or even served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Kid-Friendly: Both making and eating these apple pie bombs are fun activities for the whole family. Kids will love the “bomb” aspect and their delightful taste.

The Secret to Success: Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

One of the best things about these Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs is that they rely on readily available ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. We’re talking about pantry staples that come together to create something truly extraordinary.

For the “Bomb” Shell:

Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: This is our secret weapon for speed and ease! Using pre-made biscuit dough eliminates the need to make a crust from scratch, saving you valuable time and effort. Look for the flaky or jumbo varieties for best results.

Melted Butter: Essential for brushing the dough, helping it brown beautifully and providing a rich flavor.

For the Apple Filling:

Apples: The star of the show! Firm, slightly tart apples work best, as they hold their shape well during cooking and provide a nice balance to the sweetness. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn are excellent choices. Peel, core, and dice them into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly and fit nicely inside the biscuits.

Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a lovely caramel-like depth to the apple filling.

Cinnamon and Nutmeg: The quintessential apple pie spices. They bring warmth, aroma, and that familiar cozy flavor. A pinch of allspice can also be a wonderful addition if you like.

Lemon Juice: A little bit of lemon juice brightens the apple flavor, prevents the apples from browning, and balances the sweetness.

Cornstarch (optional): A small amount of cornstarch can help thicken any juices released by the apples, ensuring a luscious, not watery, filling.

For the Sweet Topping/Glaze:

Granulated Sugar & Cinnamon: A simple mixture for rolling the warm bombs, giving them an extra layer of sweetness and spice, mimicking a classic churro or donut.

Powdered Sugar: The base for our easy glaze.

Milk (or Dairy-Free Alternative): To thin the powdered sugar into a pourable glaze consistency.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely aromatic note to the glaze.

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer Apple Pie Perfection

Making these apple pie bombs is a straightforward process, even for beginner bakers. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, gooey apple treats in no time!

Step 1: Prepare Your Apple Filling

Peel, Core, and Dice Apples: Start by preparing your apples. Peel the skin, remove the core, and then dice the apples into small, uniform pieces, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch cubes. Smaller pieces will cook faster and be easier to enclose within the biscuit dough.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a squeeze of lemon juice. If using, add the cornstarch now. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated with the spices and sugar.
Cook the Apples (Optional but Recommended): While you can use raw apples, gently pre-cooking them for a few minutes in a skillet or microwave ensures they are tender and soft inside the bombs. This also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Sauté the apple mixture in a pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, or microwave for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened but still holding their shape. Let them cool slightly before proceeding.

Step 2: Assemble Your Apple Pie Bombs

Open Biscuit Dough: Open your can of refrigerated biscuit dough. Separate each biscuit. If they are large biscuits, you might want to flatten them out a bit with your hands or a rolling pin to make them thinner and easier to seal.
Fill the Biscuits: Place a spoonful (about 1-2 tablespoons, depending on the size of your biscuits) of the cooled apple filling in the center of each biscuit. Don’t overfill, or it will be difficult to seal.
Seal the Bombs: Carefully gather the edges of the biscuit dough around the apple filling. Pinch the seams together tightly to seal the bomb, forming a sphere. Ensure there are no gaps for the filling to escape during cooking. Roll it gently between your palms to smooth out the seams and create a nice round shape.
Brush with Butter: Melt some butter in a small bowl. Lightly brush the outside of each sealed apple pie bomb with the melted butter. This helps them get beautifully golden and crisp in the air fryer.

Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Preheat Air Fryer (if necessary): Some air fryer models recommend preheating. Check your specific model’s instructions. A temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C) is generally ideal for these.
Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the buttered apple pie bombs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook them in batches if necessary. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures even cooking and crispiness.
Air Fry: Cook for 8-12 minutes, or until the bombs are golden brown and cooked through. Halfway through the cooking time (around 4-6 minutes), carefully flip the bombs to ensure even browning on all sides. The exact cooking time can vary based on your air fryer model and the size of your bombs, so keep an eye on them.
Check for Doneness: A good indication that they are ready is a deep golden-brown color and a firm touch.

Step 4: Finish with Sweetness

Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the apple pie bombs are still warm, you can roll them in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon for a classic donut-like finish. Simply combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish, and gently roll each bomb to coat.
Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk (start with a tablespoon and add more drop by drop until you reach your desired consistency), and a dash of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The glaze should be thick enough to cling to the bombs but thin enough to drizzle.
Drizzle and Serve: Once the bombs are slightly cooled (but still warm is best!), drizzle the prepared glaze generously over them. You can also serve the glaze on the side for dipping.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways.

Warm and Fresh: The absolute best way to enjoy them is fresh out of the air fryer, while the filling is warm and gooey.

A La Mode: For an extra decadent treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of warm and cold is simply divine.

Caramel Drizzle: Instead of or in addition to the vanilla glaze, try drizzling them with warm caramel sauce.

Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for added texture and nutty flavor.

Fruit Variations: Don’t limit yourself to apples! You could experiment with other fruit fillings like peaches, berries, or even a mixed berry compote. Adjust spices accordingly.

Savory Twist: While this recipe is sweet, the “bomb” concept can be adapted for savory fillings too! Imagine cheese and herb bombs, or even pizza-inspired bombs.

Tips for the Best Apple Pie Bombs

Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to load up on the apple filling, but too much will make it hard to seal the biscuits, and the filling might leak out.

Seal Tightly: Pinch the seams of the biscuit dough very securely to prevent any apple filling from escaping during cooking.

Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook in batches to ensure proper air circulation, which is key for even cooking and a crispy exterior.

Adjust Cooking Time: Air fryers vary. Keep an eye on your bombs during the first batch and adjust cooking time as needed. They should be deeply golden brown.

Cool Slightly Before Glazing: If you apply the glaze when the bombs are too hot, it will melt and run off. Let them cool for a few minutes so the glaze can set properly.

Storage: Leftover apple pie bombs can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, or in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave.

A Dessert That Everyone Will Love

These Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience. They bring the comforting flavors of home baking into a convenient and fun format. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is designed for success. The ease of preparation, combined with the incredible taste, makes them an instant crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to impress yourself and everyone around you with these irresistible apple pie bombs. They truly are a game-changer for anyone who loves quick, delicious, and utterly satisfying treats!