Quick Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs – Ready in 15 Minutes
Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, flaky pastry that explodes with warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling – that’s exactly what you get with these incredible air fryer apple pie bombs! These delightful treats combine the comfort of traditional apple pie with the convenience of modern cooking technology.
What makes them truly special is their ability to deliver bakery-quality results in just 12 minutes, making them perfect for satisfying sudden dessert cravings or impressing last-minute guests. Unlike our popular air fryer cinnamon rolls, these apple pie bombs require no rising time and minimal prep work.
Table of Contents
What Are Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs?
Ever wondered why we call these delicious treats “bombs”? Well, one bite and you’ll understand – they literally explode with flavor! These handheld desserts are essentially individual apple pies wrapped in buttery pastry and cooked to perfection in your air fryer.
The name comes from their round, compact shape and the way the sweet apple filling bursts in your mouth with each bite. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these little flavor bombs are guaranteed to win hearts at your dinner table. Ready to create some delicious explosions in your kitchen?
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs
Incredibly Easy and Quick
These air fryer apple pie bombs are a game-changer for busy home bakers. With just 15 minutes of prep time and 12 minutes of cooking, you can have warm, homemade desserts ready in under 30 minutes total. The air fryer creates that perfect golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Budget-Friendly Homemade Goodness
Making these at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a bakery. Using simple ingredients like refrigerated biscuit dough, canned apple pie filling, and basic pantry staples, you can create 8 servings for under $5. Compare that to buying individual pastries at $3-4 each!
Customizable Flavor Paradise
The beauty of these apple pie bombs lies in their versatility. Add a cream cheese center for extra richness, mix in some caramel sauce, or experiment with different spice combinations. Unlike our classic apple turnovers, these hold their fillings better and are less messy to eat. Why not give your family a sweet surprise tonight?
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs
Quick Overview
This recipe delivers warm, flaky pastries filled with spiced apples in just 27 minutes total. The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the apple filling tender and aromatic.
Total Time: 27 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Servings: 8 bombs
- Difficulty: Easy
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs
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For the Bombs:
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (8 count)
- 1 cup apple pie filling, chopped into small pieces
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into 8 cubes
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Line a clean work surface with parchment paper and gather all your ingredients. This makes the assembly process much smoother.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling Drain the apple pie filling and chop any large apple pieces into smaller, bite-sized chunks. This ensures even distribution and prevents the bombs from bursting during cooking.
Step 3: Flatten the Biscuit Dough Remove the biscuits from the can and gently flatten each one with your palm or a rolling pin until they’re about 4 inches in diameter. Don’t make them too thin, or they might tear.
Step 4: Add the Fillings Place a cube of cream cheese in the center of each flattened biscuit, then top with about 1-2 tablespoons of the chopped apple filling. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause leaking.
Step 5: Seal the Bombs Carefully gather the edges of the biscuit dough around the filling and pinch firmly to seal. Roll gently between your palms to create a smooth ball. Make sure there are no gaps where filling could escape.
Step 6: Apply Egg Wash Brush each bomb with the beaten egg, ensuring complete coverage. This creates that beautiful golden-brown finish we’re after.
Step 7: Air Fry the First Batch Place 4 bombs in your air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Cook at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.
Step 8: Prepare the Coating While the first batch cooks, mix the cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl. Have the melted butter ready in another bowl.
Step 9: Coat and Serve Once golden brown, immediately brush the hot bombs with melted butter and roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Repeat with the remaining bombs.
What to Serve Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs With
These versatile treats pair beautifully with various accompaniments:
Hot Beverages:
- Freshly brewed coffee or espresso
- Warm spiced cider or chai tea
- Hot chocolate with marshmallows
Cold Treats:
- Vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt
- Whipped cream with a dash of cinnamon
- Caramel or butterscotch sauce for drizzling
Breakfast Options:
- Serve alongside bacon and scrambled eggs for a sweet-and-savory brunch
- Pair with Greek yogurt and fresh berries
Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs
Sealing Success
The key to perfect bombs is proper sealing. Make sure your hands are slightly damp when pinching the dough together – this helps create a better seal. If the dough tears, simply patch it with a small piece from another biscuit.
Temperature Control
Don’t skip preheating your air fryer. The initial blast of heat helps create that crispy exterior while keeping the inside perfectly tender. If your air fryer runs hot, reduce the temperature to 325°F and add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Biscuit Dough: Crescent roll dough or puff pastry work well too
- Apple Filling: Fresh diced apples mixed with cinnamon and sugar
- Cream Cheese: Mascarpone or ricotta cheese for different flavor profiles
- Glaze Alternatives: Maple syrup, honey, or caramel sauce
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Never overfill the bombs – less is more when it comes to preventing leaks. Always check that your air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded, as this leads to uneven cooking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Short-Term Storage
Store cooled apple pie bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing Instructions
These bombs freeze beautifully! Place cooled bombs in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Methods
- Air Fryer: 2-3 minutes at 300°F for best results
- Oven: 5-7 minutes at 350°F
- Microwave: 20-30 seconds (texture won’t be as crispy)
For frozen bombs, add an extra 2-3 minutes to any reheating method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bombs completely and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. You might need to add 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time if cooking from cold.
What if my bombs leak during cooking?
A little leaking is normal and doesn’t affect taste. To minimize leaks, ensure proper sealing and avoid overfilling. Clean any drips from the air fryer basket while it’s still warm.
Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
Absolutely! Dice 2 medium apples, toss with 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Cook in the microwave for 2 minutes to soften slightly.
Why are my bombs not browning evenly?
This usually indicates overcrowding. Cook in batches and turn halfway through. Also, ensure your air fryer is properly preheated.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free biscuit dough, omit the cream cheese or use a dairy-free alternative, and brush with melted coconut oil instead of butter.
How do I know when they’re done?
They should be deep golden brown and feel firm when gently pressed. The internal temperature should reach 190°F if you want to be precise.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Protein | 6g |
Nutritional values are approximate and based on standard ingredients
Pro Chef Secrets for Next-Level Results
Flavor Enhancement Tricks
- Add a pinch of cardamom to your cinnamon sugar for an exotic twist
- Brush with apple cider instead of milk in your glaze for deeper apple flavor
- Mix a tablespoon of brown butter into your melted butter for nutty richness
Texture Perfection
- Let the cream cheese come to room temperature completely – cold cream cheese can cause the dough to tear
- Score a small ‘X’ on top of each bomb before cooking to create controlled venting
- Sprinkle a tiny amount of cornstarch over wet fillings to prevent sogginess
Presentation Tips
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant look
- Serve on warmed plates to keep them at the perfect temperature
- Garnish with thin apple slices and a cinnamon stick for restaurant-style presentation
These air fryer apple pie bombs are more than just a dessert – they’re a gateway to creating magical moments with your loved ones. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family night or impressing guests at a dinner party, these little bundles of joy never fail to bring smiles. The combination of convenience, flavor, and that irresistible homemade touch makes them a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Ready to create some delicious explosions in your kitchen? Gather your ingredients and let your air fryer work its magic!
