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These air fryer apple pie bombs offer a quick and fun way to enjoy the flavors of classic apple pie in a bite-sized treat. Perfect for busy days when you want a homemade dessert without the fuss of baking a whole pie, they come together in just 20 minutes and have a golden, crispy exterior with a gooey apple filling inside.
I first tried these on a lazy weekend morning and they quickly became a favorite snack for my whole family, especially when we want something warm and comforting in minutes.
Ingredients
- Canned biscuit dough: choose Pillsbury Country biscuits or Grands for a soft, fluffy crust that puffs nicely
- Apple pie filling: provides the sweet, spiced fruit center and saves you the work of chopping and seasoning apples
- Melted butter: helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds richness
- Granulated sugar: sweetens and caramelizes on the crust for a crisp finish
- Cinnamon: adds warm spice essential for that classic apple pie flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Open the biscuit cans and use a rolling pin to flatten each biscuit into a 4-inch circle. If you opt for Grands biscuits, gently separate each into two thinner layers for easier wrapping.
- Assemble the Bombs:
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of apple pie filling into the center of each dough circle. Carefully pull the dough edges over the filling and pinch them tightly to seal. Roll each filled dough piece gently into a round ball. Arrange them in the air fryer basket with roughly 1 inch of space between each so they cook evenly. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
- Bake:
- Set your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the bombs for 5 to 6 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown with a crispy outside.
- Prepare the Topping:
- While the first batch bakes, stir together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl to coat the bombs once baked.
- Continue Baking:
- Remove the cooked bombs and place them on a cooling rack. Repeat the baking with the remaining batch of bombs.
- Finish with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar:
- Dip each warm apple pie bomb into melted butter to moisten its surface, then roll it thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place back on the cooling rack and repeat for all bombs. This step creates a sweet, crunchy coating that makes these treats irresistible.
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My favorite ingredient is the apple pie filling—it saves so much prep time while delivering that sweet tart flavor that makes these bombs feel like a little celebration in every bite. I remember making these for a birthday brunch and everyone kept going back for more.
Storage Tips
Let the apple pie bombs cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. They keep well for up to two days and can be gently reheated in the air fryer or microwave. Because of their buttery cinnamon sugar coating, a quick refresh in the air fryer helps retain crispiness.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute homemade pie filling if you prefer a fresher apple texture. Try adding nutmeg or ground cloves along with cinnamon for an even more spiced flavor. If you do not have biscuit dough, crescent roll dough also works well, though the texture will be slightly different.
Serving Suggestions
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These apple pie bombs are perfect served warm on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with caramel sauce for a decadent twist. They also make a delightful addition to brunch spreads alongside coffee or warm cider.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of dough is best for these apple bombs?
Using canned biscuit dough like Pillsbury Country or Grands works best as it’s easy to shape and bakes into a flaky texture.
- → How do I prevent the fillings from leaking out?
Make sure to pinch the edges tightly when sealing each dough circle around the filling to avoid leaks during cooking.
- → Can I use fresh apples instead of canned filling?
Yes, but cook fresh apples down with sugar and cinnamon until tender to mimic the consistency of the canned filling.
- → What temperature should the air fryer be set to?
Set the air fryer to 380°F for about 5-6 minutes to achieve a golden brown exterior.
- → How do I get the cinnamon sugar to stick well?
Brush the warm bombs with melted butter right after baking, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar for a perfect coating.