Name: Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar; 3 teaspoons apple pie spice; 1 can (8-count) Pillsbury Grand biscuits, not flaky layers; 1 cup (243 g) apple pie filling, with apples cut into small pieces; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted

These delightful Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites bring all the comfort of traditional apple pie in bite-sized form. Crispy on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside, these treats are coated with cinnamon sugar for the perfect finishing touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These apple pie bites are a game-changer for anyone craving homemade dessert without the fuss of making an entire pie. They cook in minutes in the air fryer, creating perfectly golden bites with a tender inside and slightly crisp exterior. The combination of warm spiced apples wrapped in soft dough and rolled in a sweet, spiced coating delivers all the nostalgic flavors of apple pie in a convenient, handheld format. Perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or whenever you need a quick sweet treat that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour is present in the ready-made biscuit dough, providing structure and that familiar bread-like texture we love in pastries.

Granulated sugar creates the sweet coating that gives these bites their dessert-worthy finish and balances the tartness of the apples.

Apple pie spice brings that quintessential fall flavor profile with its blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warm spices that make apple desserts so comforting.

Pillsbury Grand biscuits serve as the convenient shortcut for the dough, eliminating the need to make pastry from scratch while still delivering a fluffy, tender wrapper for the filling.

Apple pie filling provides ready-to-use spiced apples that save significant preparation time while delivering consistent flavor and texture.

Cinnamon adds an extra layer of warmth to the filling, enhancing the apple pie spice and creating that characteristic apple pie flavor we all love.

Unsalted butter helps the sugar coating adhere to the bites while adding richness and a beautiful golden sheen to the exterior.

Directions

In a medium bowl, mix the granulated sugar and apple pie spice. Set aside.
Remove the biscuits from the can and peel to separate each into two layers. Press each layer into a 4-inch circle, making 16 circles total.
In a small bowl, combine the apple pie filling with cinnamon and mix well.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the apple pie filling mixture into the center of each biscuit circle.
Fold the sides together, pinching to seal, and roll into balls.
Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
Place the balls in the basket about 2 inches apart in batches. Spray the tops with cooking spray.
Air fry at 350°F for 8-9 minutes, until golden brown.
Remove the balls carefully, dip each in melted butter, then roll in the sugar and apple pie spice mixture.
Repeat with remaining batches. Serve immediately or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 16 apple pie bites, which serves about 8 people (2 bites per serving). The preparation takes around 20 minutes, while the cooking time is just 9 minutes per batch in the air fryer. The total time from start to finish is about 29 minutes, making this a quick dessert option. Each serving contains approximately 280 calories.

Variations

Caramel Apple Pie Bites: Drizzle with caramel sauce after coating in the sugar mixture for an extra decadent treat.
Peach Pie Bites: Substitute peach pie filling for a summery twist on this recipe.
Cranberry Apple Pie Bites: Mix some dried cranberries into the apple filling for a tart contrast and festive holiday flavor.
Streusel-Topped Bites: Mix some crushed graham crackers with the sugar coating for added texture and flavor.
Vanilla Glazed Bites: Skip the sugar coating and instead drizzle with a simple powdered sugar and vanilla extract glaze.
Chai-Spiced Bites: Replace the apple pie spice with chai spice blend for a unique flavor profile.
Berry Bites: Use mixed berry pie filling instead of apple for a different fruit option.

Storage/Reheating

These apple pie bites are best enjoyed fresh, particularly for the contrast between the crisp exterior and warm filling. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place the bites in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. This helps restore some of the original crispness. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 15-20 seconds, though they won’t be as crisp. For the best texture after storage, you might want to add a fresh dusting of the sugar and spice mixture after reheating.

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the biscuit dough and filling can become compromised upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I make these apple pie bites in a conventional oven?

Yes, you can bake these in a conventional oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

What if I can’t find apple pie spice?

You can easily make your own apple pie spice by combining 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon allspice, and 1/2 teaspoon cardamom or ginger.

Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling works wonderfully. Just make sure the apple pieces are cut small and the filling isn’t too runny to prevent leaking.

Why did my bites burst open during cooking?

This usually happens if the seams aren’t pinched tightly enough or if there’s too much filling. Make sure to seal the edges firmly and don’t overfill the biscuit circles.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the balls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Wait to air fry and coat them until shortly before serving for the best texture.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a plant-based butter alternative for dipping. Most canned biscuits do contain some dairy, so check labels if you need a completely dairy-free option.

How do I prevent the bites from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Make sure to spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray before adding the bites, and also lightly spray the tops of the bites themselves.

Can I use other fruit fillings?

Definitely! Cherry, blueberry, or peach pie fillings all work well with this recipe. Just make sure the fruit pieces are small enough to fit inside the biscuit dough.

My sugar coating isn’t sticking well. What am I doing wrong?

Make sure the bites are dipped in butter while they’re still warm, but not too hot. If the butter is too cool or the bites have cooled down too much, the coating won’t adhere properly.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can reduce the amount of sugar in the coating mixture, but it will affect the texture and sweetness. Consider using a sugar substitute that measures like sugar if you’re looking to cut calories.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites combine convenience with the beloved flavors of traditional apple pie, all in a quick-to-make package. The contrast between the warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling and the sweet, crisp coating creates an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These bites showcase how modern kitchen tools like the air fryer can transform classic desserts into faster, easier versions without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re serving them for an after-school snack, weekend brunch, or holiday gathering, these apple pie bites are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. The best part? You’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying these delicious treats with your loved ones.