Crispy Apple Pie Bombs

This delicious air fryer apple pie bombs recipe transforms simple biscuit dough into irresistible treats filled with warm apple pie filling. The air fryer creates a perfectly golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and gooey, all in just 20 minutes from start to finish.

I created these on a rainy Sunday afternoon when my grandkids were visiting, and now they insist on making them every time they come over. The joy on their faces when they bite into these warm, cinnamon-sugar coated treats makes the minimal effort completely worthwhile.

Ingredients

• Pillsbury Country biscuits or Grands biscuits: These provide the perfect fluffy texture without the work of making dough from scratch.
• Apple pie filling: The sweet and tangy apple mixture delivers that classic pie flavor in every bite.
• Melted butter: Creates that rich pastry feel and helps the cinnamon sugar coating stick beautifully.
• Granulated sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness for the exterior coating.
• Cinnamon: Adds that warm, aromatic spice that pairs perfectly with apple.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

Roll each biscuit into a 4-inch circle using a rolling pin. Apply gentle pressure starting from the center and working your way outward to maintain an even thickness. If using Grands biscuits, carefully split each biscuit horizontally into two separate layers before rolling.

Assemble the Bombs:

Place exactly one tablespoon of apple pie filling in the center of each flattened dough circle. Be careful not to overfill or the bombs may burst during cooking. Gently pull all edges of the dough up and over the filling, pinching firmly at the top to create a complete seal. Then roll between your palms to form a smooth ball shape.

Bake in Air Fryer:

Arrange the prepared bombs in your air fryer basket with approximately one inch of space between each one to allow for expansion. Cook at precisely 380°F for 5-6 minutes until they become beautifully golden brown on the outside.

Prepare the Topping:

While the first batch cooks, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the cinnamon throughout the sugar.

Continue Baking Process:

Remove the first batch to a cooling rack and continue the same process with remaining bombs until all are cooked through.

Finish with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar:

While the bombs are still warm, dip each one completely in the melted butter, allowing any excess to drip off. Immediately roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Place back on the cooling rack to set slightly before serving.

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My absolute favorite part of making these is watching everyone's face light up at the first bite. The way the warm apple filling oozes out when you break one open takes me back to my grandmother's kitchen, where we'd gather for her famous apple pie every Sunday.

Make-Ahead Options

These apple pie bombs can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before cooking. Simply prepare through the assembly step, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, add about 1 minute to the air fryer time since they'll be starting cold.

Perfect Substitutions

If apple isn't your favorite, these bombs work beautifully with any pie filling. Cherry creates a delightful tartness, while peach offers a summery twist. For a decadent variation, try using chocolate hazelnut spread instead of pie filling and adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar rather than cinnamon sugar coating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these warm apple pie bombs alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience. For brunch, pair with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. They also make wonderful additions to holiday dessert tables or potlucks since they're individually portioned and easy to eat without utensils.

Troubleshooting Tips

Always ensure your seams are completely sealed before air frying. If you notice filling leaking during cooking, reduce the amount of filling slightly in your next batch. For extra insurance against leaks, try chilling the assembled bombs for 15 minutes before cooking.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure your homemade filling isn't too wet, as excess moisture might make sealing the dough difficult. Chop the apples into small pieces for easier filling and sealing.

→ How do I store leftover apple pie bombs?

Store cooled apple pie bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds until heated through.

→ Can I freeze these before cooking?

Yes! Assemble the bombs, place them on a baking sheet without touching, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

→ What can I substitute for canned biscuits?

You can use crescent roll dough, puff pastry cut into squares, or homemade biscuit dough. Each alternative will provide a slightly different texture but will still work well with the filling and coating.

→ Can I make these in a conventional oven instead?

Definitely! Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 11-14 minutes until golden brown. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Follow the same instructions for butter and cinnamon sugar coating after baking.

→ What other fillings work well with this technique?

Try cherry, blueberry, or peach pie fillings for delicious variations. You can also experiment with chocolate hazelnut spread, jam, or even a savory filling like cheese for a different twist on the concept.