Air-Fried Apple Pie Puffs

Delicious Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs: Easy Bite-Sized Dessert Perfect for Any Occasion

Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are the ultimate bite-sized indulgence, offering all the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie in a convenient, crispy package. These delightful treats are crafted by encasing luscious apple pie filling within fluffy biscuit dough, then air frying them to golden-brown perfection. Each “bomb” is generously coated in a sweet, aromatic blend of cinnamon and sugar, making them an irresistible dessert or a quick, satisfying snack.

Apple Pie bombs stacked on a plate, golden brown and coated in cinnamon sugar.

Creating these sensational Apple Pie Bombs in your air fryer couldn’t be simpler, making them an ideal choice for busy weekdays or impromptu gatherings. This incredibly easy air fryer recipe utilizes convenient store-bought biscuit dough, making the preparation quick and effortless. Each biscuit is lovingly filled with a rich, spiced apple pie filling, then air-fried until the exterior is wonderfully crispy and the inside is warm and gooey. A final flourish of cinnamon and sugar dusts these treats, adding an extra layer of sweetness and fragrant spice that truly elevates the experience.

If you’re searching for a quick and easy apple dessert that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, look no further. These apple pie bombs are a fantastic alternative to traditional apple pie, offering a fun, handheld format that everyone will adore. For more fantastic apple-inspired air fryer creations, you might also enjoy making Air Fryer Hand Pies and Air Fryer Apple Chips.

Table of contents

  • Why We Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
  • How to Make Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storage Tips
  • Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Bombs
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Air Fryer Apple Pie Bomb Recipe

There are countless reasons why these Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs have become a household favorite. Firstly, they offer all the rich, comforting taste of a classic apple pie without the extensive preparation time or the need for an elaborate crust. This recipe truly simplifies the baking process, allowing you to enjoy a decadent dessert even on your busiest days.

The air fryer works wonders, creating a beautifully crispy exterior while keeping the apple pie filling warm and tender inside. The individual portion size also makes them incredibly convenient for serving and enjoying. They’re perfect for family desserts, entertaining guests, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. Imagine a warm, golden-brown bite, dusted with cinnamon sugar, and then served with a scoop of creamy No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream. The contrast between the warm pie bomb and the cold, melting ice cream is absolutely divine, creating a sensory experience that’s hard to beat.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it with different fruit fillings or spices to suit your preferences, making it a staple for year-round dessert possibilities. Plus, the ease of cleanup with the air fryer makes this recipe even more appealing. It’s a dessert that brings joy and comfort without any of the usual fuss.

Ingredients needed for Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs: biscuits, granulated sugar, apple pie spice, apple pie filling, ground cinnamon, and melted butter.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for these easy apple pie bombs is a breeze. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store:

  • Pillsbury Grand Biscuits (8 ounces): These large, flaky biscuits are the foundation of our apple pie bombs. Their layered structure makes them easy to separate and roll, providing a wonderful doughy exterior that crisps beautifully in the air fryer. While Pillsbury is a popular choice, any store-brand large, layered biscuits will work perfectly. The key is to select biscuits that can be easily pulled apart into thinner layers for rolling.
  • Granulated Sugar: This provides the sweetness for both the initial spice mixture and the final cinnamon-sugar coating.
  • Apple Pie Spice: A pre-mixed blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and sometimes ginger, apple pie spice adds that classic autumnal flavor profile to our filling. If you don’t have it, a homemade blend is easy to whip up (see pro tips).
  • Apple Pie Filling (1 cup): Store-bought canned apple pie filling is a huge time-saver for this recipe. You’ll want to chop the apples into smaller, bite-sized pieces to ensure they fit well within the biscuit dough and cook evenly.
  • Ground Cinnamon: This will be mixed with the apple pie filling and also combined with sugar for the delectable outer coating. The warm, earthy notes of cinnamon are quintessential for apple desserts.
  • Melted Butter (1/2 cup): Crucial for helping the cinnamon-sugar coating adhere to the hot apple pie bombs, and also adds a rich, buttery flavor.

Scroll down to the detailed recipe card below for the complete ingredient list with exact measurements.

Ingredient Substitutions and Creative Variations

One of the best things about this recipe for Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs is its adaptability. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

  • Biscuits: While large, layered biscuits are recommended for their ease of use, you have several other options.
    • Any Brand of Biscuits: As long as they are the larger, flaky style, most biscuit brands will work. The ability to pull them apart into thinner layers is key.
    • Refrigerated Pie Crust: For a more traditional pie-like texture, you can use store-bought refrigerated pie crust. Simply roll it out and cut it into circles before filling. The cooking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on them.
    • Puff Pastry: For an incredibly flaky and airy result, puff pastry is an excellent choice. Thaw it according to package directions, then cut it into squares, fill, and seal. Puff pastry will expand significantly, so ensure you don’t overfill or overcrowd the air fryer.
  • Pie Filling: The possibilities are endless when it comes to the filling!
    • Other Fruit Fillings: This recipe is easily adapted to other canned pie fillings. Try blueberry, cherry, peach, or strawberry for different seasonal twists.
    • Homemade Filling: If you have time, a homemade apple pie filling or even a berry compote would be absolutely delicious. Just make sure the filling isn’t too runny, as it can make sealing the bombs difficult.
    • Nutella or Chocolate: For a decadent twist, consider a spoonful of Nutella or a few chocolate chips instead of fruit filling.
  • Spice Blend: If you don’t have apple pie spice, you can create your own by mixing ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and a tiny bit of allspice.
  • Toppings: Beyond cinnamon sugar, consider rolling them in powdered sugar, adding a drizzle of glaze (milk and powdered sugar), or even a sprinkle of coarse sugar for extra crunch.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs

Making these homemade apple pie bombs is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:

  • Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating. In a small, shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and apple pie spice. Stir them together until well blended. Set this mixture aside for later. This will be the delicious coating that gives our apple pie bombs their signature flavor.
Biscuits on a cutting board being separated into individual layers.

Step 2: Separate the Biscuits. Carefully open the can of Pillsbury Grand Biscuits. Gently pull each biscuit apart from its layers, effectively doubling your biscuit count. A standard can typically yields 8 biscuits, which means you’ll end up with 16 thinner biscuit pieces, perfect for creating these classic apple pie treats.

Biscuit layers rolled into approximately 4-inch circles on a cutting board.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough. On a lightly floured surface or a clean cutting board, carefully roll each individual biscuit piece into a roughly 4-inch circle. Aim for a consistent thickness across all pieces. This creates the perfect base for our mini apple pies.

Chopped apple pie filling in a bowl.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling. Open your canned apple pie filling. Using a knife or kitchen shears, cut the apple pieces into smaller, more manageable bite-sized chunks. This ensures a better distribution of filling and easier sealing of the bombs. Then, in a small bowl, gently mix the chopped apple pie filling with the ground cinnamon. This adds an extra layer of flavor directly to the fruit.

A spoonful of apple pie filling placed in the center of a rolled biscuit circle.

Step 5: Fill the Biscuits. Place approximately 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon-spiced apple pie filling directly into the center of each rolled biscuit circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult and may cause the filling to leak during cooking.

Biscuit dough being pinched together to form a ball around the filling.

Step 6: Seal and Roll. Gather the edges of the biscuit dough around the filling, bringing them together at the top. Pinch the dough firmly to seal it completely, ensuring no gaps. Once sealed, gently roll the dough in your hands to form a smooth, neat ball. A tight seal is crucial to keep the delicious apple filling locked inside during air frying.

Round biscuit dough balls, filled and sealed, ready for the air fryer.

Step 7: Prepare for Air Frying. Lightly coat the basket of your air fryer with cooking oil or a non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and helps achieve that golden crust. Carefully place the prepared apple pie bombs into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure there’s enough space between each one (at least 1 inch apart) for proper airflow. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you will likely need to cook these in multiple batches.

Air-fried apple pie bombs, cooked until golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Air Fry to Golden Perfection. Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) and cook the apple pie bombs for approximately 6-9 minutes. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of your bombs. Cook until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy on the outside. Repeat this process for any remaining batches.

Hot apple pie bombs being rolled in a cinnamon and sugar mixture.

Step 9: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar. As soon as a batch of apple pie bombs comes out of the air fryer, and while they are still piping hot, immediately dip each one into the bowl of melted butter. Ensure they are fully coated. Then, transfer them to the reserved cinnamon-sugar mixture and roll them until evenly coated. The heat from the bombs will help the butter and sugar adhere beautifully. Place the coated bombs on a wire cooling rack to cool slightly and prevent the bottom from becoming soggy. Continue this step for all batches.

Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Apple Pie Bombs

These Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are undeniably delicious enjoyed just as they are, fresh out of the air fryer and still warm. However, if you want to take this delightful dessert to an extraordinary level, consider these serving suggestions:

  • With Vanilla Ice Cream: The ultimate pairing! A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream melting over a warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated apple pie bomb creates an incredible contrast of temperatures and textures. The creaminess of the ice cream perfectly complements the spiced apple filling and crispy exterior.
  • Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: For an extra layer of indulgence, drizzle your warm apple pie bombs with Homemade Caramel Sauce. The buttery, sweet notes of caramel beautifully enhance the apple and cinnamon flavors, bringing all the elements together for a truly remarkable treat. A store-bought caramel sauce works too for convenience.
  • A Dollop of Whipped Cream: A simple dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy touch that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
  • Powdered Sugar Dusting: For a more elegant presentation, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and a beautiful finish.
  • Alongside Coffee or Tea: These bite-sized delights make a wonderful accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Serving them warm is key, as the warm apple filling and melted cinnamon-sugar coating are truly what make each bite so heavenly. The melting ice cream and gooey caramel sauce will create a dessert experience that is nothing short of spectacular.

Storage Tips for Leftover Apple Pie Bombs

If by some miracle you have any leftover Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs (they tend to disappear quickly!), here’s how to store them to maintain their freshness and flavor:

  • Refrigeration: Allow the apple pie bombs to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. This will prevent them from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
  • Reheating: To enjoy your refrigerated leftovers, you can quickly reheat them in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help restore some of their crispiness. Alternatively, you can warm them in a microwave for 15-30 seconds, though they might not be as crispy.

Pro Tips for Achieving Perfect Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs

Follow these expert tips to ensure your apple pie bombs turn out perfectly every time:

  • Homemade Apple Pie Spice: Why buy when you can make it? Using homemade apple pie spice is not only cost-effective but allows you to customize the flavor profile. A typical blend includes cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and sometimes a pinch of ginger or cardamom. Making your own ensures fresh, potent spices every time.
  • Chop the Pie Filling into Small Pieces: This is a crucial step! Since the Apple Pie Bombs are relatively small, large chunks of apples from the canned filling can be difficult to enclose in the biscuit dough and may prevent a tight seal. Take a few extra minutes to cut the apple pieces into small, bite-sized fragments. This ensures an even distribution of filling and a smoother, more uniform bomb.
  • Dip into Cinnamon Mixture Right Away: Timing is everything for that perfect sugary coating. As soon as the Apple Pie Bombs come out of the air fryer, they are at their hottest. The residual heat will slightly melt the butter, allowing the cinnamon-sugar mixture to adhere beautifully and create a glistening, flavorful crust. Don’t wait too long, or the coating won’t stick as well.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For even cooking and optimal crispiness, always cook the apple pie bombs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space between each one. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, steaming instead of frying, and a less crispy result. Work in batches if necessary.
  • Preheat Your Air Fryer: While not always strictly necessary for all air fryer recipes, preheating for a few minutes ensures a consistent cooking temperature from the start, leading to better results and more accurate cooking times.
  • Ensure a Tight Seal: When pinching the biscuit dough around the apple filling, make sure the seal is as tight as possible. Any small gaps can cause the filling to leak out during cooking, creating a sticky mess and potentially dry bombs.
  • Experiment with Spices: Beyond apple pie spice, a tiny pinch of cardamom or a bit of ground ginger mixed with the apple filling can add another dimension of flavor.
A stack of perfectly golden Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs, coated in cinnamon sugar, on a white plate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs

What exactly are Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs?

Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are delightful, bite-sized desserts made from store-bought biscuit dough that is filled with sweet, spiced apple pie filling. They are then cooked quickly in an air fryer until they achieve a wonderfully crispy, golden-brown exterior and a warm, soft interior. To finish, they’re tossed in a generous coating of cinnamon and sugar, creating a truly irresistible and easy-to-eat treat reminiscent of classic apple pie.

Can I use different types of pie filling for this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile and lends itself beautifully to various fruit fillings. Feel free to experiment with any type of canned pie filling you enjoy. Popular alternatives include blueberry, cherry, peach, or strawberry fillings. Each variation will offer a unique flavor profile, allowing you to customize this dessert for different seasons or preferences.

Is it possible to bake these Apple Pie Bombs in a traditional oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can certainly bake these Apple Pie Bombs in a conventional oven if you don’t have an air fryer or prefer oven baking. Prepare the recipe as directed through step 6. Instead of placing them in an air fryer, arrange the sealed biscuit balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed, golden brown, and cooked through. We highly recommend lining your baking sheet to make cleanup much easier, as some filling might bubble out.

How do I freeze Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs for later?

Freezing these apple pie bombs is a great way to prepare them in advance. First, allow the cooked and coated apple pie bombs to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Once frozen, transfer the solid bombs to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. It’s a good idea to label the container with the contents and the date. When you’re ready to enjoy them, cook them from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C), adding a few extra minutes (typically 8-12 minutes) to the cooking time until they are heated through and golden.

Do I need to grease my air fryer basket?

Yes, it’s always recommended to lightly grease your air fryer basket with cooking oil or a non-stick spray before adding the apple pie bombs. This step is crucial to prevent the dough from sticking to the basket and ensures that the bottoms of the bombs also get crispy and golden, rather than sticking and tearing.

More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes to Try

If you love the convenience and crispy results of air frying as much as we do, you’ll be excited to explore these other fantastic air fryer recipes. The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can handle everything from savory meals to delightful desserts!

  • Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies: Get perfectly chewy cookies with crispy edges in minutes.
  • Air Fryer Apple Fries: A fun and healthier snack alternative, crisp apple slices seasoned and air-fried.
  • Air Fryer Peach Cobbler: Individual portions of warm, bubbly peach cobbler with a tender topping.
  • Easy Air Fryer Brownies Recipe: Enjoy fudgy brownies with a perfect crackly top without heating up your whole kitchen.
  • Air Fryer S’mores: Bring the campfire experience indoors with these gooey, chocolatey treats.
  • Air Fryer Churros: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for dipping in chocolate or caramel.

We are confident that your entire family will absolutely adore these easy and delectable Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs. Don’t forget to come back and share your experience, leave a star rating, and post a comment below – we love hearing from you!

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Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs

4.75 from 4 votes
Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are bite size treats filled with apple pie filling. They are cooked to perfection and topped with cinnamon and sugar.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings 16
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Calories 155
Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

  • 1 can Pillsbury Grand Biscuits 8 ounces
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Apple Pie Spice
  • 1 cup Apple Pie Filling
  • 2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup Butter melted
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Instructions

  • Stir together the sugar and apple pie spice.  Set aside.
  • Open the biscuits and pull each biscuit apart (in the middle) making 16 biscuits.
  • Roll each of the pieces into a 4 inch circle with a rolling pine.
  • Roughly chop the apple pie filling until the apples are in bite size pieces. Mix the filling with the cinnamon in a small bowl.
  • Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the filling into the center of each rolled out biscuit.
  • Pull the sides up on the biscuits and pinch them together.  Then roll into balls.
  • Brush the air fryer basket with oil and place the balls into the air fryer in a single layer making sure that they are at least 1 inch apart (you might have to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer).
  • Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-9 minute until they are golden brown.
  • When the apple pie bites are still hot, dip them into the melted butter and roll them into the sugar mixture.
  • Place them on a cooling rack.  Continue this process until all the apple pie bombs are cooked and coated.
  • Serve while warm by themselves or with ice cream.  Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories 155kcal, Carbohydrates 21g, Protein 1g, Fat 8g, Saturated Fat 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 2g, Trans Fat 0.2g, Cholesterol 15mg, Sodium 186mg, Potassium 44mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 12g, Vitamin A 183IU, Vitamin C 0.3mg, Calcium 14mg, Iron 1mg

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