Name: Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs: The Easiest Dessert Recipe Ever!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 20-24 pie bombs
Ingredients: 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts; 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon milk or cream (for egg wash); Optional: Powdered sugar, for dusting; Optional: Caramel sauce, for dipping

Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly easy and utterly irresistible dessert! Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown sphere, the flaky crust giving way to a burst of sweet, spiced apple filling. It’s apple pie, reimagined and miniaturized for the perfect single-serving treat.

While the exact origins of the “bomb” concept are a bit hazy, the idea of encasing delicious fillings in pastry has been around for centuries. Think of empanadas, samosas, or even the humble dumpling all variations on this theme. But these Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs take convenience and flavor to a whole new level.

What’s not to love? The air fryer delivers that coveted crispy exterior without all the oil of traditional frying. The apple pie filling is comforting and familiar, evoking memories of cozy autumn days and family gatherings. Plus, they’re incredibly quick to make, perfect for satisfying those sudden sweet cravings or impressing guests with minimal effort. The combination of the crisp, buttery crust and the soft, spiced apple filling is simply divine. Get ready to experience apple pie in a fun, new way!

Ingredients:

1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great!)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon milk or cream (for egg wash)
Optional: Powdered sugar, for dusting
Optional: Caramel sauce, for dipping

Preparing the Apple Filling:

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of our apple pie bombs the delicious apple filling! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing.

Dice the Apples: First things first, peel, core, and dice your apples into small, even pieces. Aim for about 1/4-inch dice. This ensures they cook evenly and fit nicely inside our little pie bombs. I usually use Granny Smith apples because they have a nice tartness that balances the sweetness, but Honeycrisp or even Gala apples work well too.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The flour helps to thicken the filling as it cooks, preventing it from being too runny. The cinnamon and nutmeg, of course, are essential for that classic apple pie flavor. Don’t skip them!
Mix Apples and Dry Ingredients: Add the diced apples to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. This ensures that every bite of your apple pie bomb is bursting with flavor.
Melt the Butter: Melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl or in a saucepan on the stovetop. You don’t want it to be boiling, just melted.
Add Melted Butter to Apple Mixture: Pour the melted butter over the apple mixture and toss again to combine. The butter adds richness and helps to create a lovely, caramelized flavor as the apples cook.

Assembling the Apple Pie Bombs:

Now for the fun part putting everything together! This is where we transform our apple filling into adorable, bite-sized apple pie bombs.

Prepare the Pie Crust: Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. If your pie crust is sticking, add a little more flour.
Cut Circles: Using a 3-inch round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the pie crust. You should get about 10-12 circles from each crust, depending on how closely you cut them. Re-roll any scraps to get as many circles as possible.
Fill the Circles: Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the apple filling in the center of each pie crust circle. Don’t overfill them, or they might burst open during cooking.
Seal the Edges: Fold the pie crust circle in half over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Gently press the edges together to seal. For extra security, you can use a fork to crimp the edges, creating a decorative and secure seal. This is important to prevent the filling from leaking out.
Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk or cream. This will give our apple pie bombs a beautiful golden-brown color and a slight sheen.
Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the top of each apple pie bomb with the egg wash. Be sure to get all the nooks and crannies for even browning.
Optional: Sprinkle with Sugar: If you like, you can sprinkle a little granulated sugar or cinnamon sugar on top of the egg-washed apple pie bombs for extra sweetness and sparkle.

Air Frying the Apple Pie Bombs:

Alright, let’s get these babies into the air fryer! This is the key to achieving that perfectly crispy, golden-brown crust without all the oil of deep frying.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the air fryer is hot and ready to cook the apple pie bombs evenly.
Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the apple pie bombs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket, or they won’t cook properly. You may need to cook them in batches. Make sure there’s enough space around each bomb for air to circulate.
Air Fry: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep a close eye on them, as air fryers can vary in cooking time. If they start to brown too quickly, you can lower the temperature slightly.
Check for Doneness: To ensure the apples are cooked through, you can gently insert a toothpick into the center of one of the apple pie bombs. If the toothpick comes out easily, the apples are done.
Cool Slightly: Carefully remove the apple pie bombs from the air fryer basket and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. They will be very hot inside!

Serving and Enjoying:

The moment we’ve all been waiting for! Time to enjoy these warm, delicious apple pie bombs. Here are a few serving suggestions to take them to the next level:

Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
Serve with Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce is the perfect complement to the apple pie filling.
Add a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the apple pie bombs with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm pie and cold ice cream are a match made in heaven!
Enjoy Warm: These apple pie bombs are best enjoyed warm, when the crust is still crispy and the filling is gooey and delicious.

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize your apple pie bombs? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Different Apple Varieties: Experiment with different types of apples, such as Fuji, Braeburn, or Pink Lady. Each variety will add a unique flavor and texture to the filling.
Add Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for a nutty crunch.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the apple filling for a more complex flavor.
Use Different Crusts: Try using puff pastry instead of pie crust for a flakier, more buttery crust.
Make Mini Apple Hand Pies: If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can simply cut the pie crust into squares or rectangles and fold them over the filling to create mini apple hand pies.
Add a Glaze: Instead of powdered sugar, you can make a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled apple pie bombs.

Storage Instructions:

If you happen to have any leftover apple pie bombs (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store them:

Room Temperature: Store the cooled apple pie bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, you can air fry them for a few minutes until warmed through, or microwave them for a shorter amount of time. Keep in mind that microwaving may make the crust a bit softer.

Troubleshooting:

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

Filling Leaking Out: Make sure you’re sealing the edges of the pie crust circles tightly. Use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security. Also, avoid overfilling the circles.
Crust Not Browning: Make sure your air fryer is preheated properly. You can also brush the apple pie bombs with a second coat of egg wash before air frying.
Apples Not Cooking Through: Dice the apples into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly. You can also add a tablespoon or two of water to the apple filling to help them steam.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are truly a must-try for anyone craving that warm, comforting taste of apple pie without all the fuss. Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at a fraction of the time it takes to bake a traditional pie, and the results are just as satisfying, if not more so, thanks to that perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior. The combination of the flaky crust and the sweet, spiced apple filling is simply irresistible.

But the best part? These little bombs are incredibly versatile. While they’re absolutely divine served warm on their own, a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes them to a whole new level of indulgence. Imagine that warm apple pie filling mingling with the cold, creamy ice cream pure bliss! Or, for a slightly different twist, try drizzling them with a caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds an extra layer of warmth and spice.

For serving suggestions, these Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are perfect for just about any occasion. Need a quick and easy dessert for a weeknight dinner? Check. Want to impress your friends at your next gathering? Double check. Looking for a fun and interactive activity to do with the kids? Triple check! They’re also fantastic for potlucks, picnics, or even a simple afternoon snack.

And speaking of variations, don’t be afraid to get creative! Feel free to experiment with different types of apples. Granny Smiths will give you a slightly tart flavor, while Honeycrisp will add extra sweetness. You could also add other fruits to the filling, such as cranberries, blueberries, or even a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a different type of pie crust, such as a gluten-free or whole wheat version.

Another fun variation is to experiment with different spices. Instead of just cinnamon, try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or even a little bit of ginger. You can also adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet filling, simply reduce the amount of sugar.

I truly believe that once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked. It’s so simple, so quick, and so incredibly delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover pie crust you might have on hand.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of these Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did you think? Share your photos and comments with me I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy air frying! Let me know in the comments below how yours turned out, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration!