Apple Dumplings are sweet apple pie like desserts that are baked right in your air fryer. This crescent roll apple dumplings recipe is so delicious that your family and friends will be asking you to make these tasty morsels over and over. Even better is that this apple dumplings recipe takes less than 30 minutes to complete.
When I was growing up, my mom was a huge fan of attending craft fairs. One of her first stops was at the food trucks that sold the fried apple dumplings.
I remember that smell and taste.
They were the perfect mixture of apple and dough. These delicious fruit filled dough balls are fluffy and delicious.
Every time I make these Apple Dumplings in my air fryer, that sweet and fruity smell just brings back memories of those warm summer and fall days at the craft fairs with my mom.
We would browse booths of homemade crafts made by local vendors, looking for hidden gems that we just could leave the fair without.
Let me tell you, you find some of the most unique and exciting items while shopping from these local vendors. Not only do you get high quality handmade goods, but you also get tasty desserts like these Apple Dumplings.
Not too long ago, I desperately craved that fruity and decadent taste of the homemade apple dumplings, so I got into the kitchen and started experimenting.
I was looking for a way to keep the delicious flavor without all the fat from frying the apple dumplings. That’s where this Air Fryer recipe comes in. You still get all the yummy taste and crispy outside without needing to deep fry your apple dumplings.
What are Apple Dumplings
Apple Dumplings are puff pastry or some other type of dough filled with fresh sliced apples and sugar. Then they are air fried to make a puffy and crispy on the outside, and only on the inside, you have soft and tender flavorful apples.
It is similar to an apple pie. For this Apple Dumplings Recipe, I took these yummy apple dumplings up at a notch and covered them in caramel sauce.
How do I keep crescent roll apple dumplings from sticking
If you find that your apple dumplings stick to your air fryer while you are cooking them, I have a couple options for you. Don’t you just hate when you are cooking something delicious and then find that it has stuck to the pan.
I love when my food just slides right out of my air fryer basket without sticking. No worries, I have a couple methods to help you achieve this goal.
First, you can spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. You can use any type of cooking spray that you prefer. However, I do not recommend using baking spray in your air fryer when you are cooking.
You can use canola, olive oil, or even avocado oil spray, though.
Another method for preventing your dumplings from sticking to your air fryer is by using parchment paper. Any type of parchment paper you have on hand will work perfectly in your air fryer.
I personally prefer the pre-cut parchment sheets that are made for the air fryer. I purchased mine on Amazon so that I don’t have to go to the store. Having the items I need to be shipped directly to my house has become a lifesaver for me.
What kind of apples should I use for this Apple Dumplings recipe
You can use any type of apples that you prefer or have on hand. I like to use a mixture of sweet and sour apples. I will use something like a Pink Lady apple and a Granny Smith.
No matter what apples you have, these crescent roll apple dumplings should turn out delicious. Here is a list of some of my favorite apples to use.
- Golden Delicious
- Fuji
- Honeycrisp
- Cortland
- Pink Lady
- Jonagold
- Mutsu
- Winesap
- Granny smith
What should I top Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings with
For this delicious crescent roll apple dumplings recipe, I used a caramel sauce on top. I love mixing together caramel and apple flavors. There is just something so sinfully delicious in the caramel apple combination.
Don’t worry if you are not a fan of caramel. I.0 have a few more suggestions for you listed below.
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel ice cream
- Chocolate syrup
Can I freeze these
No, sadly, apple dumplings do not freeze well. Have no fear, though. I have no doubt that your family will want to devour these dumplings as fast as you can cook them in the air fryer.
How to store
If you do not eat all of your tasty apple dumplings, allow them to cool completely to room temperature and then place them into an airtight container. Once they are sealed completely, put in the fridge and store for up to three days.
I prefer to reheat my leftover apple dumplings into the air fryer again. Reheating in the air fryer allows your apple dumplings to have their fresh baked taste again. To reheat leftover apple dumplings, reheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Then, place your crescent roll apple dumplings in the air fryer and bake for 3 to 5 minutes until they are warm all the way through.
Just a note do not top all your dumplings if you are not going to eat them all. You do not want to reheat an apple dumpling that has already been topped.
What type of air fryer to do I need
You can use any type of air fryer that you have on hand. There’s no need to go out and purchase a particular air fryer. I have a basket style air fryer. I just prefer the basket and the way that a basket style air fryer takes up less room on my counter.
If you have an oven or rotisserie style air fryer, have no fear. You can still make these yummy treats. Just make sure to set your rack to the middle rack location for even cooking.
Ingredients for Apple Dumplings
- 2 apples, whichever color you like, peeled and cored (I used granny smith apples)
- 1 can crescent rolls
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- Caramel for drizzling (optional)
How to Make Apple Dumpling Recipe with Crescent Rolls
Step 1. Slice your apples into 8 slices each.
Step 2. Roll out your crescents and cut each triangle in half lengthwise, so you end up with 2 crescent roll triangles.
Step 3. Place one apple slice in each triangle and roll up.
Step 4. Line or spray the air fryer basket. I like to use parchment paper they sell for the air fryer.
Step 5. Place however many will fit in your size air fryer making sure they do not touch.
Step 6. Melt your butter.
Step 7. Mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Step 8. Brush each one with the butter.
Step 9. Sprinkle it with just a bit of the cinnamon sugar.
Step 10. Bake in the air fryer at 320 for about 6 minutes. Each air fryer is different, so you might want to start checking at 5 minutes and cook for longer if need be until golden brown.
Step 11. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a caramel drizzle.
Notes
- Be sure to space your dumplings out so that they do not touch while cooking. This allows them to cook evenly.
- Try to get all your apple slices the same size so that your apples cook evenly.
I know that fall is typically considered apple season. Still, there’s no need to wait until fall to enjoy these tasty mini desserts. Trust me, they are worth making right now. I know that by fall, you will be ready to make these again and again.
More Delicious Apple Dessert Recipes

Air Fryer Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Get out and measure all of your ingredients.
- Roll out your crescents and cut each triangle in half length wise, so you end up with 2 crescent roll triangles for a total of 16.
- Slice your apples into 8 slices each.
- Place one apple slice in each triangle and roll up.
- Mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle with just a bit of the cinnamon sugar.
- Line or spray the air fryer basket. I like to use parchment papers they sell for the air fryer.
- Place however many will fit in your size air fryer making sure they do not touch.
- Melt your butter. I usually just microwave it.
- Brush each one with the butter.
- Bake in the air fryer at 320 for about 6 minutes. Each air fryer is different so you might want to start checking at 5 minutes and cook for longer if need be.
- Remove from air fryer and get ready to serve them.
- Warm on top of ice cream with a caramel drizzle. Enjoy every bite.
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