A Sweet Family Memory, Reinvented
When I was little, fall in our home meant apple season. My grandmother would bake everything from spiced apple cakes to bubbling pies that filled the kitchen with warmth. But during the summer, she’d make lighter treats—crispy, golden apple fritters that disappeared before they even cooled.
Fast-forward to today, and I’ve given that tradition a modern twist with these air fryer apple pie bombs. They’re everything you love about a slice of warm apple pie—but packed into bite-sized pillows of golden dough, finished in minutes in the air fryer.
The best part? These little treats can swing both ways—light and fruity for summer, or cozy and spiced for winter. That’s what makes them one of the most versatile easy apple desserts in air fryer.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – No rolling pie dough for hours.
- Air Fryer Magic – Golden, crispy outside; gooey, spiced apple filling inside.
- Perfectly Portionable – Great for parties, snacks, or after-dinner treats.
- Seasonal Flexibility – Refreshing in summer, comforting in winter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Apple Filling
- 1 large firm-sweet apple (such as Honeycrisp or Braeburn), peeled and finely diced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for cozy winter flavor)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water (to thicken filling)
For the Dough
- 1 (8-count) can refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands)
For the Topping
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: None required
Servings: 8
Step 1: Make the Apple Pie Filling
- Heat butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cook 3–4 minutes until apples begin to soften.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook 1 more minute until thickened.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- Open biscuit dough and flatten each piece into a 4-inch circle.
- Place 1 tablespoon of apple filling in the center.
- Gather the edges and pinch tightly to seal, forming a ball.
Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly spray the basket with oil or line with parchment paper.
- Place bombs seam-side down in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Air fry 8–10 minutes until golden brown.
Step 4: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- While still warm, brush each bomb with melted butter.
- Roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Serve warm for that gooey, pie-like filling—or let them cool for a handheld snack.
Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Bombs
- Seal well – Pinch seams tight to prevent filling leaks.
- Use firm apples – Softer varieties like Red Delicious may turn mushy.
- Reheat easily – Pop leftovers back in the air fryer for 2 minutes.
- Make mini versions – Cut biscuits in half for bite-sized treats.
Seasonal Variations
Summer Twist
- Add a spoonful of fresh strawberries or blueberries to the apple filling.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a refreshing warm-weather dessert.
Winter Twist
- Add a pinch of nutmeg and clove for that cozy holiday flavor.
- Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked bombs; air fry straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes cook time.
- Reheat: Air fry for 2–3 minutes to bring back the crispy outside.
FAQs
Can I use puff pastry instead of biscuit dough?
Yes! Puff pastry gives a flakier finish—just seal tightly so the filling doesn’t escape.
Can I make these without added sugar?
You can use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a natural sweetness.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
Caramel sauce, vanilla glaze, or even cream cheese dip pairs beautifully.