Air Fryer Apple Bombs Recipe – Easy, Crispy, and Delicious
The Air Fryer Apple Bombs Recipe is a delightful and easy treat that combines the flavors of baked apples with a crispy, golden crust. To make this dessert, start by coring an apple and filling it with a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and butter. Wrap the apple in a crescent roll dough, ensuring it’s fully covered. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and place the apple bombs inside. Air fry for about 12-15 minutes until the dough is golden and the apple is tender. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle a glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the top once they are done. The result is a warm, gooey inside with a crispy, flaky exterior that’s perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting dessert. The Air Fryer Apple Bombs Recipe is quick, easy, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Air Fryer Apple Bombs Recipe: A Sweet, Crispy Delight
Air fryer recipes are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience, speed, and ability to create crispy and delicious foods with less oil. One such recipe that has been taking the culinary world by storm is Air Fryer Apple Bombs. These treats combine the warm, comforting flavors of baked apples with the crispy texture of a deep-fried pastry, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Perfect as a dessert or a snack, Air Fryer Apple Bombs are a delightful fusion of sweet apples, cinnamon, and sugar, wrapped in a golden, flaky dough. Whether you’re making them for a family treat or a party, these bombs will certainly impress.
What Are Air Fryer Apple Bombs?
Air fryer apple bombs are small, sweet pastries filled with a spiced apple filling. They resemble dumplings or puff pastry parcels, but instead of being deep-fried, they’re air fried to crispy perfection with minimal oil. The result is a golden exterior that holds a tender, sweet apple filling. Apple bombs are perfect for those who crave the flavor of baked apples but prefer a quicker, lighter version without all the hassle of traditional baking.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 190-220 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 160mg
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough or puff pastry sheets
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray (for air frying)
Prep Time:
- 10 minutes
Active Time:
- 15 minutes
Resting Time:
- 0 minutes
Total Time:
- 25 minutes
Servings:
- 8 servings (depending on size of apple bombs)
Equipment Needed:
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Spoon or pastry brush
- Cutting board
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and dicing the apples into small cubes. This will ensure the apples cook evenly inside the pastry. Place the diced apples in a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
In the bowl with the diced apples, add the ground cinnamon, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the apples are well-coated with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Set the bowl aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Pastry
If you’re using refrigerated biscuit dough, separate the dough into individual biscuits. If you’re using puff pastry, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into squares (approximately 4-5 inches per side). You can also use crescent roll dough for a more flaky, buttery texture.
Step 4: Fill the Pastry
Place a spoonful of the spiced apple mixture in the center of each piece of dough. Be sure not to overfill, as the apples will cook down and release some juices, and you don’t want the filling to spill out. Fold the dough over the apple filling to form a neat parcel, pinching the edges to seal it. If you like, you can shape the dough into a ball to make it look more like a “bomb.”
Step 5: Air Fry the Apple Bombs
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the apple bombs in the air fryer basket, making sure there is some space between each one so they can cook evenly. Air fry at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Optional Finishing Touch
Once the apple bombs are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. If desired, you can dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. Serve them warm, and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Apple Type: Granny Smith apples give a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar, while Honeycrisp apples provide a sweeter flavor. Feel free to use any variety that you prefer.
- Pastry: You can use different types of pastry for these bombs. For a flakier result, puff pastry is ideal, while biscuit dough provides a slightly more bready texture.
- Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a delightful crunch.
- Caramel Sauce: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle caramel sauce over the apple bombs after cooking.
- Make-Ahead: You can prep the apple bombs in advance and store them in the fridge before air frying them. Just make sure to let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Why Use an Air Fryer?
Air fryers are a game-changer in the kitchen. They cook food by circulating hot air around it, which mimics the effect of deep frying but uses far less oil. This results in crispy, crunchy exteriors without the heavy use of fat. Air frying also cuts down cooking time, allowing you to prepare these apple bombs in just 25 minutes! Plus, you can achieve that golden-brown crispiness that makes these pastries so irresistible, all without the hassle of preheating a traditional oven.
Conclusion:
Air Fryer Apple Bombs are the perfect balance of sweet, crispy, and warm, making them an ideal dessert or snack for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick treat after a long day or something to impress at your next gathering, these apple bombs are sure to please. With just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can create a dessert that tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery but with a fraction of the effort.
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.