Air Fryer Apple Bombs: A Deliciously Easy Dessert Recipe

Apple bombs, those delightful little pockets of spiced apple goodness encased in flaky dough, are a treat that evokes feelings of warmth and comfort. Traditionally, they are baked or even fried, but this recipe brings a modern twist to this classic dessert: air frying! Using an air fryer results in crispy, golden-brown exteriors with perfectly tender apples inside, all while using significantly less oil. This makes them a slightly healthier and incredibly convenient alternative. Get ready to elevate your dessert game with these easy-to-make air fryer apple bombs!

## Why Air Fryer Apple Bombs?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore the advantages of making apple bombs in an air fryer:

* **Crisp Perfection:** The air fryer circulates hot air around the apple bombs, creating a uniformly crispy and golden-brown crust without the need for deep frying or copious amounts of butter.
* **Healthier Option:** Compared to traditional frying, air frying requires minimal oil, significantly reducing the fat content of the dessert. You can indulge in these treats guilt-free!
* **Quick and Convenient:** Air fryers heat up quickly and cook food faster than conventional ovens, saving you time and energy. Apple bombs can be ready in under 20 minutes!
* **Easy Cleanup:** Air fryers are generally easy to clean, especially if you use parchment paper liners. Say goodbye to scrubbing greasy pans!
* **Perfectly Portioned:** Apple bombs are individually sized, making them ideal for portion control and serving guests.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these irresistible air fryer apple bombs, gather the following ingredients:

* **Apples:** 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
* **Pie Crust:** 1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie crust, if you prefer)
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* **Granulated Sugar:** 2 tablespoons
* **Cinnamon:** 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* **Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1 tablespoon
* **Egg:** 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* **Turbinado Sugar (Optional):** For sprinkling on top
* **Powdered Sugar (Optional):** For dusting after cooking

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect air fryer apple bombs every time:

**Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling**

1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour.
2. Mix well to ensure all the apple pieces are coated with the spice mixture. The flour helps to thicken the filling as it cooks.
3. Set the apple filling aside while you prepare the pie crust.

**Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust**

1. Unroll the refrigerated pie crust on a lightly floured surface.
2. Using a 3-4 inch round cookie cutter or a knife, cut out circles from the pie crust. You should be able to get approximately 10-12 circles from one box of pie crust.
3. Re-roll any scraps to cut out additional circles, maximizing your yield.

**Step 3: Assemble the Apple Bombs**

1. Place a spoonful (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the apple filling in the center of each pie crust circle.
2. Moisten the edges of the circle with a little water. This will help the edges seal properly.
3. Fold the pie crust circle in half to form a half-moon shape. Gently press the edges together to seal them.
4. For extra security, you can crimp the edges with a fork to ensure they are tightly sealed. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during air frying.

**Step 4: Prepare for Air Frying**

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
2. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper liners, if desired. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
3. In a small bowl, beat the egg. This will be used for the egg wash, which helps the apple bombs brown beautifully.
4. Brush the tops of the assembled apple bombs with the beaten egg.
5. Sprinkle the tops with turbinado sugar, if desired, for added sweetness and a crunchy texture.

**Step 5: Air Fry the Apple Bombs**

1. Carefully place the apple bombs in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to air fry them in batches.
2. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, or until the apple bombs are golden brown and the filling is bubbly and cooked through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer.
3. Check the apple bombs halfway through the cooking time. If they are browning too quickly, you can reduce the temperature slightly.

**Step 6: Cool and Serve**

1. Once the apple bombs are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.
2. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, for an extra touch of sweetness.
3. Serve the air fryer apple bombs warm. They are delicious on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

## Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Apple Bombs

* **Choose the Right Apples:** Use apples that hold their shape well during cooking, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. These varieties will maintain a nice texture and won’t turn to mush.
* **Don’t Overfill:** Avoid overfilling the pie crust circles with the apple filling, as this can cause the bombs to burst open during air frying. Stick to about 1-2 tablespoons of filling per circle.
* **Seal the Edges Properly:** Make sure to seal the edges of the pie crust circles tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out. Crimp the edges with a fork for extra security.
* **Preheat the Air Fryer:** Preheating the air fryer ensures that the apple bombs cook evenly and develop a crispy crust.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Basket:** Air fry the apple bombs in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can prevent the air from circulating properly, resulting in uneven cooking.
* **Adjust Cooking Time as Needed:** The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer. Keep an eye on the apple bombs and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through and golden brown.
* **Use Parchment Paper Liners:** Using parchment paper liners can prevent the apple bombs from sticking to the air fryer basket and make cleanup easier.
* **Add a Touch of Lemon Juice:** The lemon juice helps to brighten the flavor of the apple filling and prevent the apples from browning.
* **Experiment with Spices:** Feel free to experiment with different spices in the apple filling. A pinch of ginger, cloves, or allspice can add a warm and cozy flavor.
* **Serve with Your Favorite Toppings:** Air fryer apple bombs are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of toppings, such as vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.

## Variations and Additions

Get creative and customize your air fryer apple bombs with these delicious variations:

* **Caramel Apple Bombs:** Add a drizzle of caramel sauce to the apple filling or top the finished apple bombs with a generous drizzle of caramel.
* **Nutty Apple Bombs:** Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the apple filling for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
* **Cranberry Apple Bombs:** Add dried cranberries to the apple filling for a tart and festive twist.
* **Chocolate Chip Apple Bombs:** Add mini chocolate chips to the apple filling for a decadent treat.
* **Apple Pie Bombs:** Enhance the apple pie flavor by adding a pinch of apple pie spice to the filling.
* **Vegan Apple Bombs:** Use vegan pie crust and a plant-based butter substitute to make these apple bombs vegan-friendly.

## Serving Suggestions

Air fryer apple bombs are a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways:

* **Warm and Cozy Dessert:** Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic and comforting dessert.
* **Afternoon Treat:** Enjoy them as a sweet afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
* **Party Appetizer:** Cut the apple bombs into smaller pieces and serve them as a delightful party appetizer.
* **Breakfast Pastry:** Warm them up and enjoy them as a delicious breakfast pastry.
* **Lunchbox Treat:** Pack them in a lunchbox for a special and satisfying treat.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerating:** Store leftover air fryer apple bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or microwave before serving.
* **Freezing:** For longer storage, freeze the apple bombs. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Recipe Notes

* The brand and type of air fryer can impact cooking times. Adjust accordingly.
* If your pie crust gets too warm while working with it, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
* For a richer flavor, use browned butter in the filling.
* Make sure that the apples are diced into small, even pieces so that they cook evenly.
* If you don’t have turbinado sugar, you can use granulated sugar for sprinkling on top.

## Air Fryer Apple Bombs Recipe

**Yields:** 10-12 apple bombs
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 8-12 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
* 1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie crust, if you prefer)
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
* 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Turbinado sugar (optional), for sprinkling on top
* Powdered sugar (optional), for dusting after cooking

**Equipment**

* Air Fryer
* Medium Bowl
* 3-4 inch Round Cookie Cutter or Knife
* Fork
* Small Bowl
* Pastry Brush
* Parchment Paper Liners (Optional)
* Wire Rack

**Instructions**

1. **Prepare the Apple Filling:** In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Mix well to coat the apples.
2. **Prepare the Pie Crust:** Unroll the refrigerated pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Using a cookie cutter or knife, cut out circles from the pie crust.
3. **Assemble the Apple Bombs:** Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each pie crust circle. Moisten the edges with water. Fold the circle in half to form a half-moon shape and seal the edges, crimping with a fork for extra security.
4. **Prepare for Air Frying:** Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. Line the basket with parchment paper, if desired. Brush the tops of the apple bombs with beaten egg and sprinkle with turbinado sugar, if using.
5. **Air Fry the Apple Bombs:** Carefully place the apple bombs in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
6. **Cool and Serve:** Remove the apple bombs from the air fryer and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Air Fryer Apple Bombs!

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of fall any time of the year. The air fryer makes the process quick, easy, and healthier than traditional methods. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your air fryer, and get ready to indulge in these delightful little pockets of apple perfection! Happy baking (or air frying!)!