Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites

Welcome to a world of effortless indulgence! These incredible Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are the ultimate bite-sized delight, capturing all the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie in a quick, convenient, and utterly delicious format. Imagine warm, gooey apple pie filling encased in a golden, crispy biscuit dough, perfectly cooked in your air fryer, and then generously coated in a shimmering blend of cinnamon and sugar. They’re not just a dessert; they’re an experience, ready to elevate any occasion from a simple snack to a show-stopping party treat.

Making these irresistible apple pie bombs in the air fryer couldn’t be simpler. This incredibly easy air fryer recipe takes ready-made biscuit dough and transforms it into a magical vessel for luscious apple pie filling. Each “bomb” is air-fried to golden perfection, achieving that satisfying crispy exterior and a tender, warm interior bursting with apple goodness. Once cooked, they get a final flourish with a generous dusting of a sweet and spicy cinnamon-sugar mixture, making them an instant crowd-pleaser.

If you’re searching for a quick and easy apple dessert that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, you’ve found it! These apple pie bombs are perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or whenever a craving for something sweet and comforting strikes. You might also enjoy exploring other delightful air fryer creations like Air Fryer Hand Pies and Air Fryer Apple Chips.

Why We Love This Recipe: The Ultimate Quick Dessert

There are countless reasons to fall in love with these Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs. First and foremost, they offer all the decadent flavor of a homemade apple pie without the extensive time and effort typically involved in baking a traditional pie. This recipe streamlines the process, allowing you to enjoy a warm, comforting dessert in minutes. It’s truly a game-changer for anyone who loves the taste of apple pie but lacks the time for a full-scale baking project. These bite-sized treats are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, a quick snack, or a delightful after-dinner dessert. The portable nature of these “bombs” also makes them fantastic for potlucks, parties, or simply enjoying on the go.

Serving them warm takes the experience to an entirely new level. Imagine the warm apple pie bomb paired with a scoop of creamy No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream. The cold, melting ice cream creates a delightful contrast with the warm, spicy apple filling, a symphony of textures and temperatures that’s simply irresistible. It’s a dessert that feels luxurious yet incredibly easy to achieve, offering maximum satisfaction with minimal fuss. Your family and friends will undoubtedly be impressed by this quick, flavorful creation, making it a staple in your recipe rotation.

Essential Ingredients for Your Apple Pie Bombs

Gathering your ingredients for these Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs is quick and straightforward, allowing you to dive into the baking process with ease. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of readily available components that deliver maximum flavor.

• Pillsbury Grand Biscuits: These are the star of our dough. We highly recommend using Pillsbury Grand Biscuits because their larger size and layered texture make them ideal for separating and rolling into the perfect pie bomb wrappers. While you can opt for a store-brand equivalent, ensure they are the large, flaky variety for the best results. These biscuits expand beautifully in the air fryer, creating a wonderfully light and crispy shell for our filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Essential for both the apple pie filling mixture and the delightful cinnamon-sugar coating. It provides the perfect sweetness and helps create that irresistible crust.
• Apple Pie Spice: This pre-mixed spice blend is your secret weapon for authentic apple pie flavor. It typically contains cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and sometimes ginger or cardamom, delivering a warm and inviting aroma and taste. Using a good quality apple pie spice enhances the overall depth of flavor in your bombs.
• Apple Pie Filling: To save time and effort, we use canned apple pie filling. This convenient ingredient is already perfectly sweetened and spiced, ready to be chopped and nestled into your biscuit dough. Look for a brand with good quality apple chunks for the best texture. You’ll want to chop it down to small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution and prevent tearing the dough.
• Ground Cinnamon: A classic pairing with apples, ground cinnamon is incorporated into the filling and is a key component of our exterior coating. It adds a warm, aromatic note that is synonymous with apple desserts.
• Melted Butter: This is crucial for achieving that golden-brown exterior and for helping the cinnamon-sugar coating adhere beautifully to the hot apple pie bombs. Unsalted butter is usually preferred, but salted will work if that’s all you have on hand.

For the complete, precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the end of this post.

Creative Substitutions for Your Apple Pie Bombs

One of the fantastic aspects of this Air Fryer Apple Pie Bomb recipe is its flexibility. While the core ingredients yield a classic and delicious result, you can easily experiment with various substitutions to tailor it to your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe truly your own!

• Biscuits: If Pillsbury Grand Biscuits aren’t available or if you prefer a different texture, you have several excellent alternatives.
  • Any Brand of Large Biscuits: Most store brands offer a “flaky” or “grand” style biscuit that will work well. The key is to find biscuits that are large enough to be easily separated into layers and rolled out.
  • Refrigerated Pie Crust: For an even flakier, more traditional pie texture, pre-made refrigerated pie crust is a wonderful option. Simply unroll the crust and cut it into squares or circles before filling. You might need to adjust cooking times slightly as pie crust bakes faster.
  • Puff Pastry: For an extra light and airy bomb, puff pastry is a fantastic choice. Thaw it according to package directions, then cut into squares, fill, and seal. Puff pastry will create a very delicate and crispy exterior.
  • Homemade Biscuit Dough: If you’re feeling ambitious and have a favorite biscuit recipe, you can certainly use homemade dough. Ensure it’s rolled thin enough to encase the filling without being too thick.
• Apple Pie Filling: The “bomb” concept means you can easily swap out the fruit filling to create an array of delicious variations.
  • Blueberry Pie Filling: For a vibrant and sweet twist.
  • Cherry Pie Filling: A tart and sweet classic that works wonderfully.
  • Peach Pie Filling: Perfect for a summery treat.
  • Strawberry Pie Filling: Another excellent option for a fruity dessert.
  • Mixed Berry Filling: Combine several berries for a complex flavor profile.
  • Savory Fillings: While this recipe is sweet, the concept can be adapted for savory bombs! Imagine cheese and ham, or a mini pizza filling for a quick appetizer.
• Apple Pie Spice: If you don’t have a pre-made blend, you can create your own! A simple mix of ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and a tiny dash of allspice will mimic the traditional flavor beautifully. You can also adjust the ratios to your liking, perhaps adding more cinnamon for a bolder spice.
• Sugar Coating: While cinnamon sugar is classic, feel free to experiment. You could try adding a touch of ground nutmeg or ginger to the sugar mixture for an extra layer of spice. For a different finish, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or lemon juice could be drizzled over cooled bombs.

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

Get ready to create some magic in your kitchen! Making these Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs is a fun and straightforward process that yields incredibly satisfying results. Follow these simple steps for perfectly golden and delicious treats.

• Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and apple pie spice. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This mixture will be our delicious coating, so setting it aside now makes the final step seamless.

Step 2: Divide the Biscuits. Carefully open the can of Pillsbury Grand Biscuits. Each biscuit is typically made of several layers. Gently pull each biscuit apart from the middle to create two thinner, individual biscuit pieces. This process should yield 16 biscuits in total, forming the foundation for our classic apple pie treats.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough. On a lightly floured surface, take each individual biscuit piece and carefully roll it out with a rolling pin into an approximate 4-inch circle. The goal is to make the dough thin enough to easily enclose the filling, but not so thin that it tears. These circles will become the outer shell of your apple pies.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling. Take your canned apple pie filling and cut the apple pieces into smaller, bite-sized chunks. This ensures that the filling is evenly distributed and easy to manage within the small dough circles. In a separate small bowl, gently mix the chopped apple pie filling with the ground cinnamon. This adds an extra layer of spice and flavor directly to the apple filling.

Step 5: Fill the Dough Circles. Place about 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon-spiced apple pie filling directly into the center of each rolled-out dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult and may cause the bombs to burst during cooking.

Step 6: Seal and Form the Bombs. Carefully bring the edges of the dough circle up and over the filling, pinching them together firmly at the top to create a tight seal. Once sealed, gently roll the dough in your hands to form a smooth, uniform ball. This ensures the filling is completely enclosed and won’t leak out during cooking.

Step 7: Prepare for Air Frying. Lightly coat the basket of your air fryer with a little oil or cooking spray. Arrange the apple pie bombs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s at least an inch of space between each one to allow for even airflow and cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you will likely need to cook them in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 8: Air Fry to Golden Perfection. Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Cook the apple pie bombs for approximately 6-9 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. Cooking times may vary slightly based on your specific air fryer model, so keep an eye on them. Once the first batch is done, continue cooking the remaining batches in the same manner.

Step 9: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar. Immediately after removing the apple pie bites from the air fryer, while they are still hot, dip each one into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, roll them generously in the reserved cinnamon-sugar mixture. The butter helps the sugar coating stick perfectly. Once coated, place the finished apple pie bombs on a wire cooling rack to cool slightly before serving. Continue this process for all cooked batches. Enjoy them while they’re warm!

Delightful Serving Suggestions

While these Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are absolutely fabulous enjoyed on their own, their versatility allows for numerous delicious serving suggestions that can take them to the next level. Whether you’re aiming for a simple snack or a gourmet-inspired dessert, these bombs are ready to impress.

• Simply Delicious, Plain: The warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling and crispy, sugary exterior are a winning combination all by themselves. They are wonderfully satisfying as a quick treat or a light dessert.
• With Vanilla Ice Cream: For an elevated experience, serve the warm apple pie bombs with a generous scoop of classic vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, soft bomb and the cold, creamy ice cream is simply divine. The ice cream will melt slightly into each bite, creating a luxurious mouthful of flavor.
• Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: Take your dessert to a whole new dimension by drizzling your apple pie bombs with a rich Homemade Caramel Sauce. The sweet, buttery notes of the caramel beautifully complement the apple and cinnamon flavors. When combined with vanilla ice cream, the caramel sauce truly brings all the elements together for a truly wonderful and unforgettable treat.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can add a light and airy touch, cutting through the sweetness with its delicate texture.
• Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant presentation, a light dusting of powdered sugar over the warm bombs adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Breakfast or Brunch Treat: Don’t limit these to dessert! They make an excellent addition to a weekend breakfast or brunch spread, especially alongside coffee or tea.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon-sugar coating for an added layer of texture and flavor.

However you choose to serve them, the key is to enjoy them warm, allowing the delightful aroma and soft, flavorful filling to shine.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the air fryer, but if you happen to have any leftovers (which is a rare occurrence!), proper storage ensures you can savor them later. Keep them fresh and delicious with these tips:

Refrigeration: Allow the apple pie bombs to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Stored this way, they will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. While the exterior might soften slightly, the flavors will still be delightful.

Reheating: To bring them back to their warm, crispy glory, you have a couple of options:

• Air Fryer: This is the best method for reheating. Place the refrigerated bombs back into a preheated air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2-4 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the exterior is crisp again.
• Oven: You can also reheat them in a conventional oven. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: While quick, the microwave will soften the exterior and may make the dough a bit chewier. Heat for 10-20 seconds for a quick warm-up, but don’t expect the crisp texture.

Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Bombs

Achieving perfectly cooked, delicious Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs is simple, but a few expert tips can elevate your results from good to absolutely fantastic. Keep these pointers in mind for a consistently excellent outcome:

• Homemade Apple Pie Spice: Consider making your own homemade apple pie spice. Not only does it allow you to customize the flavor profile to your liking, but it can also be more cost-effective in the long run. Freshly ground spices always yield a more aromatic and robust flavor compared to pre-packaged blends that might have been sitting on a shelf for a while.
• Chop the Pie Filling into Small Pieces: This is a crucial step for the best results. Since the Apple Pie Bombs are designed to be small, bite-sized treats, large chunks of apples in the filling can be problematic. They can make it difficult to fully enclose the filling within the dough without tearing, and they might prevent even cooking. Take the time to chop the canned apple pie filling into small, uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures a smoother filling process and a better texture in the final product.
• Dip into Cinnamon Mixture Right Away: The timing for coating your apple pie bombs is key. As soon as they come out of the air fryer, while they are still piping hot, immediately dip them into the melted butter and then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The heat from the bombs will help the butter adhere and, in turn, melt the sugar ever so slightly, creating a beautiful, sticky, and perfectly coated exterior that stays put. If you wait too long, the surface will cool, and the coating won’t stick as effectively.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: While it might be tempting to cook all the bombs at once, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cooking in a single layer with sufficient space between each bomb allows for proper air circulation, which is essential for achieving that desirable crispy, golden-brown exterior. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, steaming instead of frying, and a less crispy result. Work in batches if necessary.
• Secure the Seal: When pinching the biscuit dough around the apple filling, ensure you create a very tight seal. Any gaps can cause the filling to leak out during cooking, making a mess and potentially drying out the bomb. A well-sealed bomb will maintain its spherical shape and keep all that delicious apple goodness inside.
• Monitor Cooking Times: Air fryer models can vary in their heating intensity and cooking times. The recommended 6-9 minutes is a guideline. For your first batch, keep a close eye on the bombs, checking them after 5-6 minutes. Adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve a perfectly golden brown color without burning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Pie Bombs

Here are some common questions you might have when making these delicious Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs. We’ve got you covered with all the answers to ensure your baking experience is a success!

More Irresistible Air Fryer Recipes to Try

The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can whip up a wide array of delicious treats, from savory snacks to sweet desserts. If you loved making these Apple Pie Bombs, you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic air fryer recipes:

• Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe: Get perfectly chewy cookies with crispy edges in minutes.
• Air Fryer Apple Fries: A healthier, fun way to enjoy apples, perfect for dipping.
• Air Fryer Peach Cobbler: Individual portions of warm, bubbly peach cobbler with a tender topping.
• Easy Air Fryer Brownies Recipe: Fudgy, rich brownies with minimal effort, ideal for small batches.
• Air Fryer S’mores: Enjoy the classic campfire treat indoors, perfectly toasted and gooey.
• Air Fryer Churros: Crispy, cinnamon-sugar coated churros without the deep frying mess.