Okay, friends, let me tell you about something that has completely revolutionized dessert time in my house: Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs! Seriously, these little bites of heaven are like if apple pie and donuts had a baby, and that baby was raised in an air fryer. I know, sounds wild, right? But trust me on this one. Imagine biting into a warm, slightly crispy dough, then getting a burst of sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. It’s like a warm hug on a cold day, but in dessert form. And the best part? They’re ready way faster than baking a full-sized apple pie. Think of it as a super simplified apple pie, perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want the fuss.
What are Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs?
So, what exactly *are* Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs? Well, they’re essentially miniature apple pies, all wrapped up in a deliciously simple dough and cooked to golden perfection in your air fryer. Think of it as a single-serving portion of apple pie that’s incredibly easy to make and even easier to eat! The name comes from the way they explode with flavor when you bite into them – a warm, sweet explosion that’s just irresistible. It’s essentially taking all the comfort and goodness of a classic apple pie and shrinking it down into a fun, bite-sized treat. They’re perfect for parties, snacks, or just a little something sweet after dinner. And honestly? They’re ridiculously addictive. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I even begin? There are SO many reasons to fall head-over-heels for these Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs. First off, the flavor is out of this world. You get that classic apple pie taste – sweet apples, warm cinnamon, a hint of nutmeg – all wrapped up in a slightly crispy, slightly chewy dough. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. What I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, even if you’re not a baker, you can totally nail this recipe. It takes minimal ingredients and the air fryer does all the hard work. Speaking of ingredients, they’re super budget-friendly! You probably have most of them in your pantry already. Apples are usually inexpensive, and the dough is made from basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter. Plus, they are SO versatile! You can serve them as a quick breakfast treat, a fun afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert after dinner. Top them with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or just enjoy them plain – they’re delicious any way you slice it (or should I say, bite it!). I even think they are the perfect size to serve as snacks for kids or adults. They’re smaller than a slice of pie but larger than an apple fritter. It’s just the perfect size.
How do you make an air fryer apple pie bomb?
Quick Overview
Making Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs is surprisingly simple. You’ll start by prepping your dough and apple filling. Then, you’ll cut out circles, fill them with the apple mixture, and fold them over to create little pockets of deliciousness. Finally, you’ll pop them into your air fryer for a few minutes until they’re golden brown and perfectly cooked. The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment or special skills. Just a few simple ingredients, an air fryer, and a little bit of patience are all you need to create these amazing treats. I think you might find that the ingredients you need are already available in your house.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- I always use unbleached flour for the best flavor. I like to use a whole wheat flour.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes. Make sure it’s cold for a flaky crust!
- Add ice water to dough and mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste.
For the Filling:
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored and diced: 1 large apple, 1 medium I like using Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balance of tartness and sweetness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adjust to your preference depending on the sweetness of your apples.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the filling.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A must for that classic apple pie flavor!
- What is the taste of ground nutmeg?
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and prevents apples from browning.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds richness and flavor to the filling.
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sift it for a smooth glaze.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Add slowly until you reach your desired consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely aroma.
What are the steps I
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even cooking! While it’s preheating, lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This prevents the bombs from sticking and ensures they release easily.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Set aside. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour. What is the best way to make coarse crumbs? The smaller the butter pieces, the flakier the crust will be!
Step 3: Add Water
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition, until the mixture is smooth. How does dough come together? Do not overmix! Overmixing will develop gluten and result in a tough dough.
Step 4: Chill Dough
Form dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. The gluten will relax and the butter will firm up, resulting in a more tender and flaky texture.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and melted butter. Set aside. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 6: Assemble the Bombs
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles. Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each circle. If you want to make a half moon shape, fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges with your fork. What is super important to keep all that delicious filling inside?
Step 7: Air Fry
Place the apple pie bombs in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Is it possible to Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Air fryers can vary in cooking time. Keep a close eye on them. I always check my phone at the 7 minute mark.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Remove the apple pie bombs from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. While they’re cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. How do you extract the lemon juice until Drizzle the glaze over the warm apple pie bombs. I like to let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs warm and enjoy! What are some good side dishes to serve with vanilla Ice Cream? drizzle of caramel sauce. What are some of the best treats for any occasion?
What should I serve it with?
Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a homemade apple pie bomb. What are the right accompaniments? What are some good ideas?
For Breakfast:Enjoy warm with a cup of coffee or latte. The sweetness of the bombs pairs perfectly with the bitterness of coffee. What’s a good morning treat?
For Brunch:Serve them as part of a brunch spread alongside savory items like quiche or scrambled eggs. What is the best way to serve a mimosa with your favorite beverage?
As Dessert:What are some great after-dinner treats? Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or caramel sauce. A glass of red wine or herbal tea would be a lovely accompaniment.
For Cozy Snacks:What are some good ways to enjoy apple cider on a chilly evening? What are some comfort food recipes?
My family loves when I serve them with a side of homemade Whipped Cream. It’s so easy to make – just whip together some heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. It adds a touch of elegance and makes these apple pie bombs even more irresistible.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs
Okay, let me share some insider tips that I’ve learned from making these Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs countless times. These little tricks will take your apple pie bombs from good to absolutely amazing.
Cold Butter is Key: This is probably the most important tip. Make sure your butter is *ice cold* when you’re making the dough. The cold butter creates little pockets of air in the dough, which results in a flaky crust. I sometimes even put my butter in the freezer for 15 minutes before using it.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which leads to a tough crust. Mix the dough just until it comes together. It’s okay if it looks a little shaggy.
Adjust the Sweetness of the Filling: The amount of sugar you need for the filling will depend on the sweetness of your apples. If your apples are very sweet, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar. Taste the filling before assembling the bombs and adjust accordingly.
Crimp the Edges Tightly: Make sure to crimp the edges of the dough tightly with a fork to seal in the filling. If the edges aren’t sealed properly, the filling can leak out during air frying.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Air fry the bombs in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can prevent the bombs from cooking evenly and can result in a soggy crust. Work in batches if necessary.
Customize the Glaze: Get creative with the glaze! You can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. You can also use different extracts, like almond or maple, to create a unique flavor profile.
I also found that using parchment paper cut into circles and placed underneath the apple pie bombs is the best way to keep them from sticking. You don’t even need to spray the basket.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftover Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them to maintain their deliciousness:
Room Temperature: You can store the apple pie bombs at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. However, the crust may lose some of its crispness.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, store the apple pie bombs in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. This will help to keep the crust from getting too soggy.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the apple pie bombs, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating Tips: To reheat the apple pie bombs, you can use the air fryer, oven, or microwave. For the best results, reheat them in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. This will help to restore the crispness of the crust. You can also microwave them for a quick reheat, but the crust may become a bit soft.
If you plan on freezing them, I recommend glazing them after reheating. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy during storage. They are also great without a glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs! I promise you, these little bites of heaven are worth every single bite. They’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious. What more could you ask for? If you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert That’s Sure to impress, look no further than these apple pie bombs. And if you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other air fryer recipes and dessert ideas. Happy baking (or air frying!), and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Share your creations in the comments below and let me know what variations you tried. Don’t forget to rate this recipe if you enjoyed it!