I still remember the first time I discovered the magic of air fryers. It was during a lazy Sunday afternoon when I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to spend hours baking. With a can of biscuits and a jar of apple pie filling in hand, I found myself experimenting — and within 20 minutes, I had a tray of warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated apple pie bombs that were crispy on the outside and gooey inside. That experiment quickly turned into a go-to dessert I now share with everyone who’s just starting their cooking journey.
If you’re new to cooking or want a dessert that feels homemade without all the fuss, this recipe is perfect for you. It’s quick, requires no special baking skills, and uses simple pantry items. Plus, the air fryer makes it faster and more energy-efficient than traditional baking.
Ingredients and Preparation
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of Pillsbury Country biscuits (10 pieces per can)
Alternative: 1 can of Grands biscuits (each biscuit split in half) - 1 cup of roughly chopped apple pie filling
Alternative: You can use canned peach or cherry pie filling instead - ½ cup melted unsalted butter
Alternative: Use margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option - ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Preparation Notes:
- If using Grands biscuits, they’re larger, so you’ll want to split each in half horizontally to match the smaller biscuit size.
- You can find canned apple pie filling in the baking aisle. Roughly chop the apple chunks so they fit easily into the dough.
- Melt the butter just before you need it, so it’s warm enough to help the cinnamon sugar stick later.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
Open the biscuit cans and separate each piece. On a clean surface or parchment paper, roll each biscuit into a 4-inch circle using a rolling pin. Don’t worry about perfect circles — just get them flat and wide enough to wrap the filling.
2. Fill the Center
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the chopped apple pie filling into the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill; you want enough to get a nice bite, but too much will make sealing tricky.
3. Seal the Bombs
Gently pull the edges of the dough up around the filling. Pinch the seams together tightly to form a sealed pouch. Roll it lightly in your hands to shape it into a ball. If the dough resists sealing, dampen your fingertips slightly with water to help it stick.
4. Load the Air Fryer
Place the apple pie bombs into the air fryer basket, leaving about 1 inch between each bomb to allow for airflow. You’ll likely need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
5. Cook Until Golden
Set your air fryer to 380°F and cook for 5–6 minutes. They’re done when the tops are golden brown and puffed. Let them cool for 1–2 minutes before handling.
6. Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
While your first batch cooks, combine ¾ cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
7. Coat with Butter and Sugar
Once the bombs are slightly cool but still warm, dip each one into melted butter to coat fully. Then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly covered. Set on a cooling rack.
8. Repeat as Needed
Continue air frying the rest of the bombs and repeat the coating process. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Beginner Tips and Notes
- Preventing Leaks: If your bombs leak during cooking, it’s likely the dough wasn’t sealed tightly enough. Try pinching the seams again or using a fork to crimp them shut.
- Even Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Space helps the hot air circulate, giving you that crisp, even browning.
- Making Ahead: You can assemble the bombs in advance and refrigerate them for a few hours before air frying.
- Chopped Fillings: Always chop the apple pie filling into smaller pieces to make sealing the dough easier.
- No Rolling Pin? Use the bottom of a clean glass or jar to flatten your biscuits.
Serving Suggestions
- With Ice Cream: Serve your warm apple pie bombs with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt for a classic pairing.
- As a Breakfast Treat: These make an indulgent breakfast option — pair with black coffee or spiced chai.
- With a Sauce: Try a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar for a gourmet touch.
- For Entertaining: Place them on a tray with toothpicks for an easy finger-food dessert at parties.
Storage and Leftovers
- Storing: Store any leftover bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes or in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to restore the warmth and texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze unbaked bombs on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Engagement Features
We’d love to hear how your apple pie bombs turned out. Did you try a different filling or add your own twist? Maybe you swapped the apple for cherry or added a touch of nutmeg? Share your tips, successes, and even the mishaps — that’s part of learning. If you’re just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is a great confidence booster.
Cooking isn’t about perfection. It’s about learning, adjusting, and enjoying the process. Keep experimenting and making these recipes your own. We can’t wait to hear what you make next.
