The Cherry Pie Bombs are a game-changer for dessert lovers. With a buttery golden crust, a warm cherry filling, and a sweet vanilla glaze, each bite is a satisfying mini explosion of flavor. These bite-sized wonders are cooked right in the air fryer—no need to turn on the oven, making them the perfect summer treat.
Whether you’re serving a crowd or treating yourself, these are a go-to option for quick and easy indulgence. You can customize the filling to your fruit of choice, or stick with cherry for that classic pie flavor. Great for potlucks, weekday cravings, or just because.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
Pie Bombs:
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1 can (8-count) Pillsbury Grand biscuits, not flaky layers
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1 cup (255 g) cherry pie filling
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½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
Glaze:
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2 cups (250 g) confectioners’ sugar
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3–4 tablespoons whole milk, room temperature
Directions:
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Open the biscuit can and gently peel each biscuit into two layers to make 16 circles.
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Flatten each circle into a 4-inch round using your fingers.
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Add about 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling to the center of each circle.
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Fold the sides together, sealing the edges tightly and forming a ball shape.
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Brush each ball with melted butter, covering both tops and bottoms.
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Spray your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
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Place the cherry bombs in the air fryer basket, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Air fry at 330°F for 7–8 minutes, or until golden brown.
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While they cool slightly, mix the confectioners’ sugar and milk in a bowl to make a smooth glaze. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
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Dip or drizzle each pie bomb with glaze and place them on a wire rack to set. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 23 minutes Kcal: 133 kcal | Servings: 16 pie bombs
Why People Love Cherry Pie Bombs
There are several reasons why this recipe has grown so popular among home bakers and dessert enthusiasts. For one, it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need to be an experienced baker to get the texture, taste, and appearance just right. Using canned cherry pie filling and pre-made biscuit dough drastically cuts down on prep work while still resulting in a delicious end product.
Another reason is the versatility of these little treats. While cherry is a classic and beloved filling, the recipe can be adapted to incorporate different fruit fillings such as blueberry, apple, or even peach. The adaptability of this dish makes it a go-to dessert for every season and every palate.
Furthermore, the air fryer method allows for a faster cooking time compared to traditional baking while also achieving that beautiful golden finish. The air circulation in the fryer ensures that each pie bomb is cooked evenly, creating a crisp outside and a warm, gooey inside without the need for deep frying or large amounts of oil.
Tips for the Best Cherry Pie Bombs
To get the most out of this dessert, there are a few tips worth noting. First, when separating the biscuits and flattening them into rounds, consistency is key. You want each dough circle to be about the same thickness so that all the bombs cook evenly and retain a uniform texture. This ensures no bomb is undercooked or overdone.
Sealing the bombs well is another critical point. Because the filling is gooey and rich, any small gap in the dough could lead to leaks during the cooking process. Taking the time to pinch and smooth the edges closed will help keep the filling safely enclosed.
The glaze, though technically optional, is strongly recommended. It adds a final layer of sweetness and shine that elevates these cherry pie bombs from tasty to irresistible. A simple mixture of powdered sugar and milk goes a long way in creating that bakery-quality finish, and you can easily adjust the thickness to suit your personal taste—drizzle it lightly or fully dip each bomb for maximum coverage.
Alternative Ways to Prepare Cherry Pie Bombs
While the air fryer is the preferred method for this recipe, there are alternative ways to prepare cherry pie bombs. For those without an air fryer, baking in the oven is a solid option. Preheating your oven to 375°F and using a muffin tin can help maintain their round shape and catch any potential drips of filling. Though they may not achieve the exact same crispy texture as air frying, they’ll still be golden and delicious.
Another method could involve using puff pastry or crescent roll dough instead of biscuits. This changes the texture slightly, offering a flakier or softer finish depending on which you choose. Just be mindful that different dough types may require adjustments in cooking time and temperature.
For those wanting to experiment with flavors, adding a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the cherry filling can enhance the depth of flavor. You could even sprinkle sugar or cinnamon sugar on top before cooking for a caramelized crunch.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Cherry Pie Bombs are best enjoyed fresh, but they can certainly be made ahead of time if needed. Once cooled, they should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheating them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds restores their warmth and softness, making them taste like they were just made.
If you plan to freeze them, do so before glazing. Arrange the cooled pie bombs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months. When ready to serve, reheat them in the air fryer or oven, and then glaze them fresh for the best results.
This make-ahead ability makes Cherry Pie Bombs ideal for events, potlucks, or even as part of meal prep for those who enjoy having sweet snacks on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Pie Bombs can be served warm or at room temperature, making them incredibly convenient. They’re excellent on their own, but you can take things up a notch by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
If you’re making them for a brunch or dessert spread, consider creating a variety platter using different fruit fillings or decorative glazes. Powdered sugar dusting, chocolate drizzle, or even a sprinkle of crushed nuts can turn these simple treats into a visually impressive offering.
For a festive touch during the holidays or special occasions, you could use colored icing or edible glitter to match your theme. Their petite size and fun appearance also make them popular among kids, who will love both the look and the sweet burst of flavor.
The Appeal of Air Fryer Desserts
Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook at home, and Cherry Pie Bombs are a great example of how versatile and efficient this appliance can be. Unlike traditional ovens, air fryers cook quickly with less heat in the kitchen—perfect for warm-weather months or when you want to avoid long baking sessions.
Using the air fryer also results in a beautifully crisp exterior without the use of excessive oil. This creates a texture that rivals fried desserts but with a fraction of the calories and mess. It’s no wonder air fryer desserts are trending, and recipes like these bombs make the most of this modern kitchen tool.
Beyond just time-saving, air fryer desserts are generally more beginner-friendly. There’s no complicated timing or techniques involved, and most recipes require only a handful of ingredients. Cherry Pie Bombs prove that you don’t need to be a pastry chef to produce impressive and delicious results.
Conclusion
Cherry Pie Bombs are the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat after dinner, looking to impress guests with minimal effort, or just want a fun weekend baking project, this recipe has it all. The use of common ingredients, fast prep and cook time, and incredible flavor make it a staple in any home baker’s rotation.
The air fryer makes them quick, consistent, and crispy, while the gooey cherry filling provides that nostalgic comfort of a homemade pie. Best of all, they’re highly customizable—so once you master the technique, you can experiment with different flavors, glazes, and toppings to suit any occasion.
No matter how you serve them, Cherry Pie Bombs are guaranteed to be a hit. So grab a can of biscuits, your favorite pie filling, and your air fryer—and get ready to enjoy a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.