Who knew a can of biscuit dough and some apple pie filling could turn into something this downright irresistible? I remember the first time I made Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs—it was a crisp fall afternoon, and I was craving something that felt like pie but without all the baking fuss. With my toddler tugging at my apron and a busy day ahead, the air fryer came to the rescue. Ten minutes later, the kitchen smelled like cinnamon dreams, and I had a tray of golden little pie bombs ready to devour.
There’s just something magical about these Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs. They’re the perfect shortcut to a homemade flavor with that nostalgic apple-pie comfort baked right in. You get flaky, buttery dough wrapped around gooey cinnamon-sweet apple filling—and the best part? They’re done in under 10 minutes in the air fryer. That’s less time than it takes to preheat an oven! They’re a hit at fall gatherings, back-to-school bake-offs, or just when you need a quick, cozy treat with your coffee.
And let’s not ignore the texture. The crispy golden shell has just the right crunch, giving way to a warm, melt-in-your-mouth apple center. Roll them in cinnamon sugar and suddenly you’ve got something that rivals your favorite county fair dessert—but made right at home. It reminds me a lot of those Peach Cobbler Egg Rolls I made last summer—crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and wildly addictive.
Honestly, these Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs sit in the same easy treat family as those Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips I love to whip up when I want something simple yet satisfying. They prove you don’t need a pie pan to bring homemade comfort to the table. Just a little shortcut, a little love, and your air fryer.
Table of Contents
How to Make the Best Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs
Choosing the best dough for apple pie bombs
When making Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs, the dough can make or break the final texture. While I’ve had great success with regular Pillsbury biscuits, some folks swear by puff pastry or even pie crust dough for a flakier feel. Here’s a quick breakdown of how the top three dough types perform when cooked in the air fryer:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Puff pastry sheet, thawed | 1 sheet |
| Fresh tomatoes | 4 to 6, sliced |
| Ricotta cheese | ½ cup |
| Shredded mozzarella | ½ cup (2 oz) |
| Grated parmesan | ½ cup (2 oz) |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Olive oil | 2 Tbsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Fresh basil (optional) | 1 Tbsp, chopped |
Most people lean toward biscuit dough because it puffs up beautifully and gives you that doughnut-meets-pie vibe—ideal for quick treats like these. If you’re out of biscuits, crescent dough or cinnamon roll dough are fun swaps too!
The right filling and foolproof assembly tips
Apple pie bombs only shine when the filling is flavorful and evenly distributed. Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade apple pie filling, give those apple chunks a rough chop before spooning them in. That makes each bite more balanced and prevents any bulging during cooking. For added warmth, I mix in a little extra cinnamon—sometimes a pinch of nutmeg for that autumn coziness.
Here’s a key step: don’t overfill. A single tablespoon of filling is just right. Once filled, pinch the edges well to seal completely. If the dough cracks or oozes, a quick patch with your fingers works wonders.
I apply the same strategy when making my Caramel Apple Empanadas—firm seals, evenly chopped filling, and a touch of spice are the secret to success. For even more fruity variety, this technique adapts nicely to recipes like Cherry Pie Bars, where structured, sweet fillings really shine.
Pro Tips for Cooking, Freezing & Reheating
Air fryer timing, spacing, and perfect crisping
The real secret to irresistible Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs is nailing the cook time and spacing. Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, depending on how golden you want them. I’ve found that checking them at the 7-minute mark helps avoid overcooking.
Make sure to leave space between each piece. If they touch, they’ll steam instead of crisp. For a standard air fryer basket, cook in batches of four to six bombs max. Lightly spray the tops with oil or cooking spray before cooking—it helps achieve that golden, bakery-style finish.
One thing I’ve learned from recipes like Cinnamon Zucchini Coffee Cake is that attention to timing transforms even simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The same goes for air frying these little treats: don’t rush, don’t crowd, and you’ll get consistently perfect results.
Freeze, reheat, and store like a pro
Can you freeze Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs? Absolutely—and they reheat beautifully. After cooking, let them cool completely. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then move them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label them with the date and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating is a breeze. From frozen, pop them into your air fryer at 300°F for 6–8 minutes, or in the oven at 325°F for 10–12 minutes. Want to keep them moist? Wrap them loosely in foil for the first half of reheating, then remove the foil to crisp them up again.
If you’re someone who likes having sweet treats ready to go—like when I batch-make No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake—you’ll love how these bombs freeze and reheat without losing flavor or texture.
Flavor Twists & Serving Ideas
Creative variations beyond the classic apple
While traditional Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are a fall favorite, the recipe is easy to reinvent. Try cherry, blueberry, or peach pie fillings for a colorful, fruity twist. Just like apple, chop the fruit pieces smaller for even distribution and easier sealing.
You can also switch up the sugar coating. Add nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or even maple sugar to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a seasonal upgrade. Or go bold and dip the warm bombs in a vanilla glaze—think donut-shop level delicious.
If you love experimenting with fruity pastries, the technique I use in my Peach Crumble Bars works well here too. Keep the filling not too wet, and balance the spice so it complements—not overwhelms—the dough.
Serving suggestions for any occasion
Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm for Sunday brunch with coffee or tea, or include them on a holiday dessert platter for guests to grab and go. Their bite-size shape also makes them great for lunchboxes or casual gatherings.
I love placing a bowl of warm apple pie bombs on the table during movie night or tucking a few into a weekend breakfast spread. They pair beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Around spring and summer, I like rotating in strawberry and cream versions, inspired by desserts like my Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake. The contrast of crispy exterior and juicy fruit inside always delights.
Print
Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs: The Sweetest Fall Treat Made Easy
- Total Time: 19
- Yield: 16 bombs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden apple pie bombs made in the air fryer with sweet cinnamon sugar and soft biscuit dough—ready in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients
2 cans Pillsbury Country biscuits (10 pieces per can) or 1 can of Grands biscuits
1 cup roughly chopped apple pie filling
½ cup melted butter
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
1. Separate each biscuit and flatten into a 4-inch circle.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of chopped apple pie filling to each.
3. Pinch to seal edges and roll into balls.
4. Place in an air fryer basket with space between.
5. Air fry at 350°F for 8–9 minutes until golden.
6. Remove, dip in melted butter, and roll in cinnamon sugar.
7. Serve warm or cool and store in airtight container.
Notes
Don’t overfill the bombs to avoid leaks.
Use different fillings like cherry or peach for variety.
Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 9
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bomb
- Calories: 154
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make apple pie bombs in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes! Bake them at 375°F for 15–17 minutes. Then dip in melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar just like you would from the air fryer.
What’s the best dough to use for air fryer apple pie bombs?
Refrigerated biscuit dough is best for quick prep and soft texture. You can also use puff pastry or pie dough for variations in crispness and flavor.
Can I freeze air fryer apple pie bombs for later?
Yes. Cool, freeze individually, then store up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container.
How do you reheat apple pie bombs without drying them out?
Reheat in an air fryer at 300°F for 6–8 minutes or oven at 325°F for 10–12 minutes. Wrap in foil for the first few minutes if needed.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are one of those easy, satisfying treats that feel like a hug from the inside out. Whether you’re making them on a slow weekend morning, prepping ahead for a busy week, or surprising your family with something warm and sweet after dinner, they never fail to deliver. Their crisp, golden crust and spiced apple filling bring all the comfort of homemade pie—without the hours of work.
Try your own twist with fruity fillings or spiced coatings. And when you do, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag @recipeslia. Let’s keep making joy in the kitchen—one bite at a time.
