Air Fryer Apple Bombs Recipe

Imagine biting into a warm, pillowy-soft dough ball with a surprise center of gooey, spiced apples and a buttery-cinnamon sugar jacket—yep, that’s Air Fryer Apple Bombs! This easy recipe delivers both nostalgia and indulgence in just a few steps, creating a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re craving a comforting dessert, a sweet snack, or a show-stopping dish for brunch, these apple bombs strike the perfect balance of tender, crisp, and cinnamony-sweet deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make Air Fryer Apple Bombs, but each one adds its own magic. The biscuits create the perfect fluffy wrapping, the apple pie filling delivers autumnal flavor, and the cinnamon sugar crust brings irresistible crunch and sweetness.

• Jumbo biscuits: These give your apple bombs that super-soft, flaky “pillow” effect—look for the 8-count cans for best size.
• Apple pie filling: Pre-made filling keeps things simple, but chop the apples into smaller pieces so every bomb bursts with fruit.
• Butter: Melting the butter gives the coating that rich, irresistible flavor—don’t skip this for maximum yum.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar helps achieve the classic cinnamon-sugar crunch for the outer layer.
• Ground cinnamon: Essential for that sweet and spicy kick, cinnamon transforms these treats into pure comfort food.
• Flour (for dusting): A sprinkle keeps your dough from sticking while you flatten it, making assembly a breeze.
• Nonstick spray: Lightly oiling the air fryer basket ensures your apple bombs come out golden, not stuck!

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Bombs

Step 1: Divide and Shape the Biscuit Dough

Start by popping open your cans of biscuits—always a little thrill! Take each biscuit and divide it in two, rolling each half into a neat ball. You’ll end up with 32 dough scoops ready for action, which means plenty to share!

Step 2: Flatten the Dough

Lightly dust a countertop with flour and flatten each ball into a disk about 1/4 inch thick. The thinner dough wraps more easily and crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, so don’t be afraid to stretch them gently.

Step 3: Add the Apple Pie Filling

Scoop about a tablespoon of apple pie filling into the center of each dough disk. If you notice the pieces of apple are too large, use a knife or kitchen scissors to quickly chop them so they fit snugly and don’t break through the dough.

Step 4: Fold and Pinch Closed

Carefully pinch two opposite sides of the filled dough together, then pinch the remaining sides until the apple filling is completely sealed inside. Take your time here: if any filling leaks, just remove a little and reseal the dough. Repeat the process until all your bombs are loaded.

Step 5: Arrange in the Air Fryer and Cook

Coat your air fryer basket with nonstick spray and arrange the apple bombs about an inch apart so they have room to expand. Set the temperature to 350°F and air fry for 8 minutes, working in batches if needed, until the bombs are golden and slightly crisp.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar and Butter Coatings

While your Air Fryer Apple Bombs are cooking, mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, melt the butter until smooth and silky—this will help the cinnamon sugar stick and infuse every bite with buttery goodness.

Step 7: Coat the Apple Bombs

Let the baked bombs cool just enough to handle. Then, roll each one in the melted butter to coat, followed by a generous roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This final step is pure magic—it gives each bomb that classic, crisp-sweet exterior.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!

Let your Air Fryer Apple Bombs cool just a little longer to set the crust (we know it’s hard to wait!). Serve warm and gooey, or at room temperature, possibly with drizzle of caramel or chocolate if you’re feeling extra celebratory.

How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Bombs

Garnishes

Dress up your Air Fryer Apple Bombs with a dusting of powdered sugar across the top, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive look, try a sprinkle of crushed nuts or a dollop of whipped cream—the possibilities are sweetly endless!

Side Dishes

These apple bombs are absolutely delicious on their own, but they also shine alongside a mug of warm apple cider or coffee. Serve them with sliced fresh fruit or a fruit salad for a balanced brunch, or pair them with salty snacks if you want a sweet-and-savory spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your Air Fryer Apple Bombs high on a rustic platter for a casual gathering, tuck them into cupcake liners for tidy party bites, or stick a fancy toothpick in each one for easy picking. For dessert boards, arrange them with dipping sauces (like chocolate or caramel) for a DIY treat bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Air Fryer Apple Bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’re storing them longer, pop them in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for about four days—just be sure to let them cool completely before closing them up to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

Air Fryer Apple Bombs freeze surprisingly well! After they’re fully cooled, spread them on a baking sheet so they don’t stick together and freeze until solid. Then, pack them into a zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring that fresh-from-the-air-fryer magic back, reheat apple bombs in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just 15-20 seconds per bomb does the trick, though you’ll lose a little crispness.

FAQs

Can I make Air Fryer Apple Bombs with homemade apple filling?

Absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling works beautifully. Just be sure to chop the apples small, and let the filling cool completely before using to avoid a soggy dough.

Do I need to use jumbo biscuits, or can I use regular ones?

Jumbo biscuits are ideal for the best dough-to-filling ratio, but you can use smaller biscuits—just expect more, smaller bombs, and reduce the filling slightly to avoid leaks.

What can I use instead of canned apple pie filling?

Chopped, peeled apples tossed with a little sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of cornstarch make a quick, fresh alternative. Pear or cherry pie filling is also delicious if you want to experiment!

Can these be made dairy-free?

Definitely! Substitute plant-based butter and double-check that your biscuit dough is dairy free. The results are just as golden and delightful.

Why did my bombs burst open in the air fryer?

Usually, this happens if there’s too much filling or the dough isn’t sealed tightly enough. Pinch the seams well, and if any filling peeks out, remove a bit and try again for the perfect bake.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a dessert lover or just want to wow your family with something special, Air Fryer Apple Bombs never disappoint. They’re easy, cozy, and endlessly customizable—plus, they fill your kitchen with the most incredible cinnamon-apple aroma. Give them a try and share the magic!

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