If you’re looking for a fun and easy dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, Air Fryer Cherry Pie Bombs are the perfect treat! These little pastries are filled with delicious cherry pie filling and wrapped in a golden, flaky dough. Using the air fryer makes them incredibly quick and easy to prepare, with minimal mess. You’ll love how crispy they turn out, while the cherry filling remains warm and gooey inside. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a sweet snack, these cherry pie bombs are sure to impress!
The best part about these Air Fryer Cherry Pie Bombs is how versatile they are. You can easily switch up the filling to suit your tastes – try blueberry or apple if cherries aren’t your thing. Plus, they’re so simple to make, even if you’re not an experienced baker. Whether you’re in the mood for a mid-afternoon treat or a late-night snack, these little pies come together quickly and are the perfect way to satisfy your dessert cravings without all the fuss.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Cherry Pie Filling: The star ingredient of this recipe, cherry pie filling provides a sweet, juicy, and tart burst of flavor that perfectly complements the flaky dough. You can use store-bought filling for convenience or make your own at home for a more personalized touch.
Puff Pastry Sheets: These create a crispy and buttery exterior for the bombs. Puff pastry puffs up in the air fryer, giving your pie bombs that perfect golden finish. You can buy pre-made puff pastry or make your own if you prefer.
Egg: An egg is used to brush over the dough, giving the pie bombs a golden, glossy finish when cooked. It also helps the pastry stay sealed while cooking, keeping the cherry filling inside.
Cinnamon Sugar: A simple combination of cinnamon and sugar adds an extra layer of sweetness and warmth to the bombs. It’s sprinkled on top after they’ve been air-fried to create a delicious, sugary crunch.
Ingredients List
- 1 can of cherry pie filling (or homemade cherry pie filling)
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (typically comes in a package with 2 sheets)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar (for topping)
How to Make Air Fryer Cherry Pie Bombs
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Start by unrolling your puff pastry sheet on a clean surface. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into small squares, about 3 inches by 3 inches. This will be the base for your cherry pie bombs.
Step 2: Fill the Pastry
Spoon a small amount of cherry pie filling into the center of each square. You don’t need too much – just a teaspoon or so should be enough. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling can leak out when cooking.
Step 3: Seal the Pastry
Fold the corners of each pastry square over the filling, creating a little pouch or pocket. Press the edges together to seal the dough. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra touch of detail.
Step 4: Apply the Egg Wash
Beat the egg in a small bowl. Brush a light coating of the egg wash over each pie bomb. This will give them that beautiful golden color when air-fried.
Step 5: Air Fry the Cherry Pie Bombs
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie bombs in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry for 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Sugar
Once the bombs are cooked and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top while they’re still warm for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t Overfill: When adding the cherry pie filling, be mindful not to overstuff the pastry. Overfilling can cause the filling to leak out during cooking.
- Seal Well: Make sure the pastry is sealed tightly around the filling to avoid any leakage. Crimping the edges with a fork will help ensure they stay closed.
- Use a Liner: If your air fryer tends to stick, consider lining the basket with parchment paper to prevent the bombs from sticking to the surface.
- Experiment with Fillings: While cherry pie filling is delicious, don’t hesitate to experiment with other fruit fillings like apple, blueberry, or peach. The process remains the same, and you can enjoy different variations of this recipe.
- Serve with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve your cherry pie bombs with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
FAQs
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling? Yes, you can absolutely use homemade cherry pie filling! Just make sure it’s cooled before adding it to the pastry to avoid soggy dough.
Can I make these ahead of time? You can assemble the pie bombs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying. Just brush with the egg wash right before cooking.
Can I freeze these cherry pie bombs? Yes! You can freeze the unbaked pie bombs. Just assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, just air fry straight from the freezer, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the cook time.
What can I substitute for puff pastry? If you don’t have puff pastry, you can try using crescent roll dough or phyllo dough for a different texture and flavor. Both work well and will give you a delicious result!