Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are delightful bite-sized treats that combine the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie in a convenient, handheld form. These golden pillows of sweetness feature a crisp, sugar-coated exterior with a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling that oozes with each bite. Perfect for dessert lovers who want the flavors of homemade apple pie without the fuss of making a full pie from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• These apple pie bombs come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute dessert cravings
• The air fryer creates a perfectly crisp exterior while keeping the inside warm and gooey
• No special baking skills required—even beginners can master this impressive-looking dessert
• Kids and adults alike love these handheld treats that combine the nostalgia of apple pie with fun finger food
• The sugar and spice coating creates a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, warm filling

Ingredients

• Pillsbury Grand Biscuits: These refrigerated biscuits serve as the perfect shortcut dough that puffs up beautifully in the air fryer. Each can contains 8 biscuits that you’ll separate into layers.
• Apple Pie Filling: The star of the show—choose a high-quality canned filling or make your own. Be sure to chop the apple pieces finely for easier wrapping and even cooking.
• Granulated Sugar: Creates the sweet, crystallized exterior coating that gives these bombs their irresistible crunch and sparkle.
• Apple Pie Spice: This spice blend adds that quintessential apple pie flavor. If you don’t have premade apple pie spice, you can make your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of allspice.
• Cinnamon: Adds extra warmth to the filling and enhances the natural sweetness of the apples.
• Unsalted Butter: Acts as the “glue” that helps the sugar coating stick, while adding rich flavor and creating that beautiful golden exterior.

Variations

Berry Pie Bombs

Replace the apple pie filling with blueberry, cherry, or strawberry pie filling for a fruity twist. Keep the same spice mixture or adjust by using just cinnamon and a bit of lemon zest to complement the berries.

Caramel Apple Pie Bombs

Add a small piece of caramel candy to the center of each bomb along with the apple filling. After cooking and coating, drizzle with additional caramel sauce for an extra decadent treat.

Savory Breakfast Bombs

Transform this into a breakfast item by filling the biscuit dough with scrambled eggs, cheese, and breakfast sausage instead of apple filling. Skip the sugar coating and instead brush with butter and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Coating

Mix granulated sugar and apple pie spice in a medium bowl until well combined. This sweet, spiced mixture will create that signature exterior coating that makes these bombs irresistible. Set aside while you prepare the bombs.

Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Dough

Open the can of Pillsbury Grand biscuits and carefully separate each biscuit into two layers by gently peeling them apart. Take each layer and flatten it into a circle approximately 4 inches in diameter. You’ll end up with 16 circles of dough ready for filling.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

Combine the finely chopped apple pie filling with cinnamon in a small bowl. The apple pieces should be chopped small enough to easily fit inside the biscuit dough. The additional cinnamon enhances the warm, spiced flavor that makes apple pie so comforting.

Step 4: Assemble the Bombs

Place about a tablespoon of the apple filling mixture in the center of each flattened biscuit circle. Carefully fold the edges up and around the filling, pinching the seams together to completely seal the filling inside. Roll each filled biscuit between your palms to form a ball shape.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray, then place the balls inside, leaving about 2 inches between each for proper air circulation. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray and air fry at 350°F for 8-9 minutes until they’re golden brown and puffed up.

Step 6: Add the Sweet Coating

While the bombs are still warm, dip each one in melted butter, ensuring they’re completely coated. Then immediately roll them in the sugar and apple pie spice mixture until covered with a sweet, sparkly layer.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make sure to seal the edges of the dough completely to prevent filling from leaking during cooking
• Don’t overfill the bombs—about 1 tablespoon of filling is perfect for proper sealing
• Work with cold biscuit dough straight from the refrigerator for easier handling
• If you don’t have apple pie spice, make your own with 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon allspice
• Cook in batches if needed—overcrowding the air fryer will prevent proper crisping
• For even cooking, flip the bombs halfway through the cooking time if your air fryer doesn’t have a rotating function

How to Serve

Serve these Apple Pie Bombs warm for the best eating experience. They’re delightful on their own but can be elevated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a special presentation, dust with additional apple pie spice or arrange on a platter with cinnamon sticks and apple slices as garnish. These treats are perfect for dessert, afternoon snacks, or even as a sweet addition to a brunch spread.

Make Ahead

While these bombs are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer, you can prepare them ahead of time in several ways. The assembled, uncooked bombs can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking—just place them on a parchment-lined tray and cover with plastic wrap. You can also freeze the assembled, uncooked bombs for up to 1 month; freeze them individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time if cooking from frozen. Cooked bombs can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, though the coating may soften slightly.

FAQs

Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling works wonderfully. Just make sure the apple pieces are cut small and the filling isn’t too runny. You may want to cook it down a bit if it seems too liquid to prevent leakage.

My air fryer is small. Can I bake these in the oven instead?

Yes, you can bake these in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 15-18 minutes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with a little melted butter before baking for a golden finish.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, simply replace the butter with melted coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. The coating might be slightly different in texture but will still be delicious.

How do I reheat leftover Apple Pie Bombs?

For the best texture when reheating, place them back in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. You can also microwave them for 15-20 seconds, though they won’t be as crisp.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are the perfect way to enjoy the comforting flavors of apple pie in a fun, bite-sized format. With their crispy, sweet exterior and warm, spiced apple filling, they’re sure to become a family favorite. The convenience of using refrigerated biscuit dough and the speed of air frying makes this recipe accessible even on busy days. Whether you’re serving them for dessert, a special snack, or at your next gathering, these little bombs of flavor are guaranteed to impress. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear!

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