Looking for a sweet treat that combines the cozy flavor of apple pie with soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls? These Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Stuffed Apple Bombs are just what you need!
Each bite features tender cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in soft cinnamon roll dough, cooked until golden, and finished with melted butter, cinnamon sugar, and sweet vanilla icing. They taste like little homemade apple pies without the extra work of preparing pastry from scratch.
The best part is that this recipe uses refrigerated cinnamon roll dough and simple kitchen ingredients. Your air fryer does most of the work, making these apple-filled treats perfect for busy mornings, weekend desserts, fall gatherings, and holiday celebrations.
Serve them warm with caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert everyone will love.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Apple Filling Time: 7 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8–11 minutes per batch
- Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes
- Servings: 8 apple bombs
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Cooking Method: Air Frying
- Temperature: 320°F
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon cold water for mixing the cornstarch
For the Apple Bombs
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (8 rolls)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 packet of included cinnamon roll icing
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Pastry brush
- Air fryer-safe perforated parchment paper (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Peel both apples and remove their cores. Cut them into small, evenly sized cubes so they fit easily inside the cinnamon roll dough. Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples are excellent choices because they hold their shape during cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Cinnamon Apple Filling
Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of water to a small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften.
Step 3: Thicken the Filling
Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 teaspoon of cold water in a small bowl. Pour this mixture into the saucepan and stir for 1–2 minutes until the apple juices become slightly thick. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Dough
Open the refrigerated cinnamon roll package and separate all eight rolls. Place each roll on a clean surface and gently flatten it into a small round disc using your fingers. Keep the center slightly thicker to support the filling.
Step 5: Fill the Cinnamon Roll Dough
Place approximately 1 tablespoon of cooled cinnamon apple filling in the center of each dough disc. Keep the filling away from the edges to make sealing easier. Avoid overfilling because excess filling can leak during cooking.
Step 6: Shape and Seal the Apple Bombs
Bring the edges of each dough disc together over the apple filling. Pinch the edges firmly to seal the opening. Gently roll each piece between your palms to form a smooth ball. Place each ball seam-side down.
Step 7: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 320°F for approximately 3 minutes. Lightly grease the basket if needed or use perforated air fryer parchment paper. Make sure the paper does not block the airflow.
Step 8: Arrange the Apple Bombs
Place the stuffed cinnamon roll balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave enough space between them for hot air to circulate. Cook in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding.
Step 9: Air Fry Until Golden
Cook at 320°F for 8–11 minutes. Start checking after 7–8 minutes because cooking times vary between air fryer models. The outside should become golden brown, and the dough should be fully cooked in the center.
Step 10: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Combine the granulated sugar and ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush the warm apple bombs lightly with melted butter, then roll or sprinkle them with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Step 11: Add the Vanilla Icing
Allow the apple bombs to cool for 2–3 minutes. Warm the included cinnamon roll icing slightly if needed. Drizzle it over the tops of the pastries for a sweet finishing touch.
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the finished apple bombs to a serving plate. Serve warm with caramel sauce, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream. Enjoy them fresh while the dough is soft and the apple filling is tender.
Nutrition Information
Estimated nutrition per serving (1 apple bomb):
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 230mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the cinnamon roll brand, apple variety, and amount of icing used.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Use firm apples: Honeycrisp and Granny Smith provide excellent flavor and texture.
- Cool the filling completely: Warm filling can make the dough sticky and difficult to seal.
- Keep apple pieces small: Smaller pieces fit better and cook more evenly.
- Don’t overfill: Approximately 1 tablespoon of filling per roll is enough.
- Seal the dough carefully: Pinch all edges firmly to prevent leaks.
- Avoid overcrowding: Cook in batches to allow proper air circulation.
- Check the center: Golden pastry does not always mean the dough is fully cooked.
- Adjust cooking time: Different air fryer models may require slightly more or less time.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Allow leftover apple bombs to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze the cooled apple bombs in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. For the best quality, use within 2 months.
Reheating: Place refrigerated apple bombs in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–4 minutes until warmed through. Avoid overheating because the dough can become dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes. Chop the apple pieces into smaller chunks and drain excess syrup before filling the cinnamon roll dough.
2. What apples work best for this recipe?
Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, and Fuji apples are excellent choices for their flavor and texture.
3. Can I prepare these apple bombs ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble them a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to air fry.
4. Why is my cinnamon roll dough leaking?
Overfilling or poorly sealed edges can cause leaks. Use cooled filling and pinch the dough firmly.
5. Can I make these without icing?
Absolutely! Cinnamon sugar, caramel sauce, or powdered sugar makes a delicious alternative.
6. How do I know when the apple bombs are done?
The outside should be golden brown, and the dough should be fully baked in the center without raw or sticky spots.
7. Can I reheat leftover apple bombs?
Yes. Reheat them in an air fryer at 300°F for 2–4 minutes until warm.
8. Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?
Yes. Homemade dough works well, but cooking time may vary depending on its thickness and ingredients.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Stuffed Apple Bombs bring together everything you love about cinnamon rolls and homemade apple pie in one easy dessert. The sweet apple filling, warm cinnamon flavor, golden dough, and vanilla icing make them a wonderful treat for any occasion.
Make a batch for your next family gathering, fall celebration, or weekend dessert. Serve them warm with your favorite topping and enjoy every delicious bite!
Have you tried making apple-filled cinnamon rolls in your air fryer? Leave a comment and tell us whether you prefer caramel sauce or vanilla icing. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family!