Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs: A Sweet and Irresistible Treat

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of apple pie and a quick, convenient cooking method like the air fryer. If you’re a fan of classic desserts but prefer an easier, faster way to prepare them, then these Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are about to become your new go-to recipe. Imagine flaky, buttery biscuits filled with warm, cinnamon-spiced apple pie filling, cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer. The crispy exterior gives way to a soft, gooey apple filling that’s a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Coated with a sweet apple pie spice and sugar mixture, these little bombs are bite-sized bursts of apple pie joy that will make your taste buds dance.

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What makes these Apple Pie Bombs even more irresistible is their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a warm, comforting dessert that tastes just like homemade apple pie—but with a fraction of the effort. Whether you’re craving a cozy dessert for yourself or looking to impress guests at a party or holiday gathering, this recipe will surely be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? They’re quick to make, taking just 29 minutes from start to finish. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions that will have you enjoying these delectable treats in no time!

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons apple pie spice
• 1 can (8-count) Pillsbury Grand biscuits, not flaky layers
• 1 cup (243 g) apple pie filling, with apples cut into small pieces
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apple Pie Spice Mixture: The first step in creating these flavorful Apple Pie Bombs is to prepare the sweet and fragrant apple pie spice coating. In a medium-size bowl, combine the granulated sugar and apple pie spice. This mixture will not only add sweetness but also give the Apple Pie Bombs their signature warm, comforting flavor. Set the bowl aside, as you’ll use it later to coat the bombs after they come out of the air fryer.
2. Prepare the Biscuits: Open the can of Pillsbury Grand biscuits and separate the dough into individual pieces. You’ll want to peel each biscuit in half, creating two layers per biscuit. This gives you a total of 16 dough circles that will form the base of your Apple Pie Bombs. Next, use your fingers or a rolling pin to gently press each biscuit layer into a 4-inch circle. This step is crucial to ensure that the dough can fully enclose the apple pie filling. The size of each circle will vary slightly depending on how much you press the dough, but aim for uniformity to make sure each bomb cooks evenly.
3. Prepare the Apple Pie Filling: Now it’s time to prepare the apple pie filling. In a small bowl, combine the apple pie filling with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. The cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of the apples and adds a delightful, spicy warmth to the filling. If your apple pie filling contains large apple chunks, consider chopping them into smaller pieces to make them easier to fold inside the biscuit dough. The result will be a filling that is perfectly sweet and spiced, just like homemade apple pie.
4. Assemble the Apple Pie Bombs: To assemble the bombs, take one of the 4-inch biscuit circles and spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the apple pie filling mixture into the center. You want to use just the right amount so that the bombs don’t become overstuffed, which could cause them to burst open during cooking. Carefully fold the sides of the dough up around the filling, pinching the edges together to seal the dough. Make sure the edges are tightly sealed so the filling doesn’t escape while cooking. Once sealed, gently roll the dough into a ball shape, ensuring the seams are tucked underneath. Repeat this process with the remaining biscuit circles and apple pie filling until all 16 bombs are assembled.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Most air fryers will take about 3-5 minutes to reach the desired temperature. If you have a model with a preheat function, use it to make sure the air fryer is ready to go before you add the bombs. The preheating step is important to ensure that the Apple Pie Bombs cook evenly and develop a nice golden color.
6. Cook the Apple Pie Bombs: Spray the basket of your air fryer with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the bombs from sticking during cooking. Working in batches, carefully place the rolled apple pie bombs in the air fryer basket. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. Once all the bombs are in the basket, spray the tops of the bombs with a light coating of cooking spray. This helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.Air fry the Apple Pie Bombs at 350°F for 8-9 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overcook or burn. The timing may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so check them at the 8-minute mark and adjust if needed. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are beautifully browned and the dough is fully cooked through.
7. Coat with Butter and Sugar Mixture: Once the Apple Pie Bombs are done cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket. Place them on a plate or cooling rack and prepare to coat them with melted butter and the apple pie spice-sugar mixture. Dip each warm Apple Pie Bomb into the melted butter, ensuring it gets fully coated. Then roll the buttery bombs in the sugar and apple pie spice mixture, covering them with a sweet, fragrant coating that adds an extra layer of flavor. Repeat this process with the remaining bombs, ensuring each one gets its share of butter and spice.
8. Serve and Enjoy: The Apple Pie Bombs are now ready to serve! You can enjoy them immediately while they’re still warm, or allow them to cool to room temperature if you prefer. These little treats are perfect for sharing, whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy dessert at home. They’re sweet, spiced, and oh-so-delicious, making them the perfect indulgence after a meal or as a snack. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or simply on their own for a warm, comforting treat that everyone will love.

Flavor, Texture, and Aroma:

When you take your first bite of these Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs, you’re greeted with a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The biscuit dough is light and buttery, offering a satisfying crunch on the outside while remaining soft and pillowy on the inside. The apple pie filling, infused with cinnamon, is warm, gooey, and perfectly spiced—just like the filling of a traditional apple pie. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft, sweet apple filling makes each bite a truly indulgent experience.

The aroma of these Apple Pie Bombs is absolutely intoxicating. As they cook in the air fryer, the smell of warm cinnamon, buttery biscuit, and apples fills the air, creating an irresistible scent that will have everyone eagerly awaiting the moment they’re ready to enjoy. The cinnamon and apple pie spice create a cozy, comforting fragrance that instantly reminds you of fall and the holidays. The sugar coating on the outside adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of spice, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Tips for Ingredient Substitutions:

• Apple Pie Filling: If you don’t have canned apple pie filling, you can easily make your own by cooking fresh apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of cornstarch to thicken the mixture. Use about 1 cup of diced apples and 2 tablespoons of sugar, along with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water. Cook until the apples soften and the mixture thickens, then use it as a filling for the bombs.
• Biscuits: While this recipe calls for Pillsbury Grand biscuits, you can use any similar pre-made biscuit dough. If you prefer a lighter biscuit, opt for a flaky biscuit dough, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. You could also use homemade biscuit dough if you have a favorite recipe.
• Butter Substitute: If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can use plant-based butter or coconut oil in place of the unsalted butter. This will provide a similar richness without the dairy.
• Sugar Substitute: If you want to reduce the amount of sugar, try using a sugar substitute like Stevia, Monk Fruit, or a sugar blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavors will still shine.

Variations to Try:

• Fruit Variations: While apple pie is the star of this recipe, you can easily switch up the filling to suit your taste. Try using other fruit fillings such as cherry, blueberry, or peach. You can even mix different fruits to create a custom filling.
• Caramel Drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle the Apple Pie Bombs with caramel sauce after they’re coated in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The rich, buttery flavor of caramel complements the apple and cinnamon perfectly.
• Nutty Crunch: If you love a little crunch, add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the apple pie filling. The added texture provides a nice contrast to the softness of the biscuit dough.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Apple Pie Bombs as a delightful dessert at a dinner party or holiday gathering. They’re perfect for sharing, as guests can easily pick them up and enjoy them one at a time. For an extra special treat, serve the bombs alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, cider, or tea. Whether you enjoy them warm from the air fryer or at room temperature, these Apple Pie Bombs are sure to be a hit every time.

Conclusion:

Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that brings the classic comfort of apple pie into bite-sized form. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of the air fryer, you can create a sweet, crispy, and gooey treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress guests, these Apple Pie Bombs will not disappoint. They’re sweet, spiced, and full of flavor, offering a warm, cozy indulgence that everyone will love. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and get ready to enjoy a deliciously fun treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.