Air-Fryer Apple Pie Bombs

If you’ve ever experienced an apple pie craving that borders on an emergency, air-fryer apple pie bombs are the quickest and easiest shortcut to warm cinnamon-spiced apples, buttery pastry and golden, crisp edges. And there’s a reason we call them bombs: Secret ingredients like biscuit dough and not-so-secret tools like an air fryer make this recipe go off in just a few short minutes.

These air-fryer apple pie bombs deliver all the comforting flavors of homemade pie—without the hassle of rolling, chilling or waiting. Each bite is a burst of gooey apple filling wrapped in a crisp, sugary shell that tastes as if it came straight from a bakery case. Serve them warm with a drizzle of caramel or a scoop of the best vanilla ice cream, and you’ll never look at traditional apple pie the same way again.

Ingredients for Air-Fryer Apple Pie Bombs

• Apple: A peeled and finely chopped apple is all you need. Using firm types of apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, ensures the fruit softens without turning mushy.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor that complements the apples. The molasses in dark brown sugar brings a richer sweetness that makes the filling taste like it has simmered for hours.
• Apple pie spice: This cozy blend typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, adding multiple warm autumn flavors in a single scoop. If you don’t have any on hand, a mix of mostly cinnamon with small pinches of nutmeg and allspice works beautifully.
• Lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens the apple filling and balances the sweetness, keeping the flavor fresh and vibrant. It also helps prevent the diced apples from browning.
• Refrigerated buttermilk biscuits: Store-bought biscuit dough is the key to this recipe’s simplicity. It bakes up tender inside and crisp on the outside, mimicking a pie crust’s buttery texture without the need for rolling or chilling. Look for biscuits with flaky layers for the best layered texture.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar forms the sweet coating that gives each apple pie bomb its irresistible crunch. It caramelizes slightly in the air fryer’s heat, and pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
• Ground cinnamon: The backbone of any apple dessert, cinnamon adds warmth and that nostalgic fall flavor. Mixing it with sugar enhances the coating’s sweetness and creates a fragrant crust as the apple pie bombs cook.
• Butter: Melted butter helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the warm apple pie bombs, adding rich flavor to every bite. Unsalted butter is best here.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla is stirred into the melted butter, adding an aromatic sweetness that boosts the overall flavor. It makes the coating taste like a warm cinnamon roll glaze.

Directions

Step 1: Make the apple filling

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. In a small bowl, stir together the finely chopped apple, brown sugar, apple pie spice and lemon juice, then set the bowl aside.

Editor’s Tip: The finer you chop the apples, the easier it will be to seal the bombs so they’ll cook more evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the dough

Separate the biscuits into two horizontal layers. Flatten each biscuit half to 1/4-inch thickness.

Fill each rolled biscuit half with 1 tablespoon of the apple filling, and then bring the edges together to seal it into a ball.

Editor’s Tip: Be sure there are no gaps or thin spots in the dough. Tightly sealed bombs won’t leak during air-frying.

Step 3: Air-fry them until golden

In batches, place doughnuts in a single layer onto a greased air-fryer basket. Spritz them with non-stick spray.

Cook the apple bombs until they’re golden brown and puffed, about five minutes.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Airflow is what makes the exterior crisp and evenly browned.

Step 4: Coat the warm apple pie bombs

In a shallow dish, mix the sugar and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, stir together the melted butter and vanilla. While the bombs are still warm, toss them in the butter mixture, then roll them through the cinnamon sugar until fully coated. Serve them warm.

Editor’s Tip: For an extra-thick sugar crust, double-dip the apple pie bombs. Coat them once, let them sit for a minute, then them coat again.

Air-Fryer Apple Pie Bombs Variations

• Cook them with caramel: Add a small caramel candy or a drizzle of caramel sauce inside the dough ball before sealing them for molten caramel centers.
• Pop a can of crescents: Replace the biscuit dough with crescent roll dough for a lighter, flakier texture and buttery layers.
• Make them nutty: Stir a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts and a touch of maple syrup into your apple filling for a nutty, autumnal spin.

How to Store Air-Fryer Apple Pie Bombs

Let the apple pie bombs cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. The buttery coating can soften over time, so reheat them before serving for the best texture.

How long do apple pie bombs last?

When stored in the refrigerator, apple pie bombs will stay fresh for up to three days. If you plan to make them ahead for a party, prep and refrigerate the uncooked bombs for up to 24 hours, then air-fry them just before serving them.

Can you freeze apple pie bombs?

To freeze apple pie bombs, let them cool then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. Reheat them directly from frozen in the air fryer at 350° for about five minutes.

Air-Fryer Apple Pie Bombs Tips

Do you need to peel your apples for air-fryer apple pie bombs?

Yes, it’s best to peel your apples before dicing them. The skin can become tough when cooked in the air fryer, which may prevent the filling from becoming soft and saucy.

Can you use apple pie filling for apple pie bombs?

If you’re short on time, canned apple pie filling works great for apple pie bombs. Just chop any large apple pieces into smaller bits so they fit inside the dough easily. Or you can make your own apple pie filling ahead of time.

Can you use homemade biscuit dough for apple pie bombs?

Homemade biscuit dough is fine to use for apple pie bombs. Just note that using homemade biscuit dough will result in a slightly different texture—softer and less elastic—but it will still be delicious.