Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs Recipe

Few things capture the comforting spirit of homemade baking quite like apple pie. The aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples nestled in flaky crust is a nostalgic embrace for the senses, reminding us of cozy kitchens, family gatherings, and the simple joys of dessert. But what if you could enjoy all that warmth and flavor in a fun, bite-sized, and incredibly quick-to-make treat? Enter the Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs—a modern twist on a classic favorite that transforms traditional apple pie into perfectly portable, golden pockets of deliciousness.

These apple pie bombs are little parcels filled with tender cinnamon-sugar apples, encased in crispy puff pastry or dough, then air fried to perfection. They combine all the signature flavors of apple pie with a texture contrast that’s hard to resist: crisp outside, gooey, warm filling inside. Plus, they come together faster and cleaner than the full pie, without sacrificing any of the comforting flavors you love.

Using the air fryer means you get a beautifully flaky crust with less oil and mess than deep-frying or oven baking. The rapid circulation of hot air crisps the dough evenly, while the filling steams inside, creating a delicious burst of warm apple and spice with every bite. Whether you’re preparing a quick dessert for a weeknight dinner, impressing guests at a gathering, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these apple pie bombs hit the spot.

Beyond being a crowd-pleaser, these treats are incredibly versatile. You can customize the filling with different apple varieties, add nuts or raisins, adjust the sweetness, or even experiment with savory versions. They’re also portable, making them perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or potlucks.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every detail: choosing the right apples, prepping the filling, working with dough, mastering air fryer settings, and serving suggestions. We’ll also explore troubleshooting tips, ingredient substitutions, and creative variations to keep your apple pie bombs exciting every time you make them.

If you love the taste of traditional apple pie but want a quicker, fuss-free version with a modern cooking twist, this recipe will become your new favorite. Get ready to create sweet, crispy, irresistible bites of fall-flavored joy with your air fryer.

Instructions: How to Make Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs

Creating Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs is all about layering flavor, mastering technique, and getting that perfect crispy exterior with a warm, juicy apple filling inside. Follow these detailed steps carefully for irresistible results every time.

Step 1: Choose and Prepare Your Apples

The key to a flavorful filling is choosing the right apples.

• Best apple varieties: Granny Smith (tart, holds shape), Honeycrisp (sweet and crisp), Fuji, or Braeburn.

• Avoid overly soft apples like Red Delicious that turn mushy.

Preparation:

1. Peel, core, and finely dice about 2 medium apples (roughly 2 cups diced).

2. Place diced apples in a medium mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Apple Filling

The filling is the heart of these bombs—sweet, spiced, and tender but not mushy.

Ingredients for filling:

• 2 cups diced apples

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to balance sweetness and prevent browning)

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or cornstarch (to thicken filling)

Instructions:

1. Add sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour to the diced apples.

2. Toss well to coat every piece evenly.

3. Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes to macerate, which helps the apples soften slightly and the flavors meld.

4. Optional: For a softer filling, gently cook the apple mixture in a small saucepan over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until just tender, then cool completely before using.

Tip: Make sure the filling is cool or room temperature before filling the dough to avoid soggy crusts.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough or Puff Pastry

For the best flaky texture, use store-bought puff pastry sheets or homemade pie dough.

• If using frozen puff pastry, thaw it completely in the fridge (usually 4–6 hours).

• Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.

Step 4: Cut and Assemble the Apple Pie Bombs

1. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into squares—about 3×3 inches each.

2. Place about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the apple filling in the center of each square.

3. Avoid overfilling; too much filling can cause leaks during cooking.

4. Fold each square into a triangle or rectangle, enclosing the filling.

5. Press the edges firmly with a fork or your fingers to seal completely.

6. Optionally, poke a small vent hole in the top of each bomb to allow steam to escape.

Step 5: Optional Egg Wash and Sugar Topping

For a golden, shiny crust:

• Whisk together 1 egg yolk with 1 tablespoon water for an egg wash.

• Brush each pie bomb lightly with the egg wash.

• Sprinkle with coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar for extra crunch and sweetness.

Step 6: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps achieve a crisp crust.

Step 7: Air Fry the Apple Pie Bombs

1. Place the pie bombs in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, leaving space between them for air circulation.

2. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, checking halfway through.

3. Flip the bombs gently if needed to promote even browning.

4. They should be golden brown and puffed, with bubbling filling inside.

5. If they brown too quickly, reduce temperature slightly or cook in shorter increments.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

• Allow the apple pie bombs to cool for at least 5 minutes before eating. This lets the filling thicken slightly and avoids burns.

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or dust with powdered sugar.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Soggy bottoms? Ensure your filling is not too wet and your dough is well chilled before air frying.

• Filling leaking? Don’t overfill, and seal edges firmly.

• Undercooked dough? Adjust air fryer temperature and cooking time, or try par-baking dough squares before filling.

• Burning? Lower temperature and increase cooking time for more even results.