The aroma of warm, buttery pastry filled with sweet fruit is enough to transport anyone back to the comforting moments of childhood. That’s exactly how I felt when I whipped up these Air Fryer Apricot Apple Dumplings! Combining the tartness of Granny Smith apples with luscious apricots, all enveloped in golden, flaky pastry, these cozy delights are a game-changer for quick desserts. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a warm, gooey treat that’s perfect for unexpected guests or a lazy night in.
Not only are these dumplings easy to prepare, but they also invite creativity! Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits like peaches or mixed berries, and try out different pastry options ranging from crescent dough to homemade pie crust. Let’s elevate those weeknight meals with this delightful dessert that promises to fill your home with happiness and deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Apricot Apple Dumplings?
Quick Preparation: You’ll have these delightful dumplings ready in under 30 minutes, making them a perfect option for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Deliciously Adaptable: With a variety of fruit swaps available, from peaches to mixed berries, you can customize these to suit your taste!
Golden, Flaky Pastry: The air fryer ensures a perfectly crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey filling, providing a mouthwatering texture with every bite.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether served at a family dinner or a casual get-together, these dumplings are sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth!
Satisfying Sweetness: The blend of tart apples and sweet apricots creates a flavor harmony that’s simply irresistible. For more quick dessert ideas, check out my guide on easy weeknight treats.
Air Fryer Apricot Apple Dumplings Ingredients
For the Filling
- Apples – Provide tartness and structure; Granny Smith works best for texture and flavor balance.
- Apricots – Add natural sweetness and a slightly soft texture; can substitute with other seasonal fruits like peaches or berries.
- Almond Paste – Adds a creamy consistency and nutty depth; may use marzipan as an alternative.
- Brown Sugar – Enhances the caramel flavor; white sugar can be substituted but will change the flavor profile.
- Caramel Sauce – Ensures a sweet, buttery coating; use homemade or store-bought; ensure it’s smooth.
- Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice; optional spices include nutmeg or cardamom for variation.
For the Pastry
- Puff Pastry Dough – Creates a crispy, flaky shell; crescent dough or homemade pie crust can be used instead.
- Unsalted Butter – Used in the caramel mixture for richness; can substitute with margarine if necessary.
How to Make Air Fryer Apricot Apple Dumplings
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Prep the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 325°F. This step ensures that your dumplings cook evenly, giving them that perfect golden finish!
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Prep the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut them into eight 6-inch rounds, making sure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
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Chop the Fruit: Peel, core, and chop the Granny Smith apples and apricots into small, bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook down nicely in the dumpling filling!
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Make the Caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and almond paste together with brown sugar. Stir in the ground cinnamon and caramel sauce, whisking until smooth and creamy.
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Mix Filling: Add the chopped fruit into the warm caramel, stirring until all the pieces are well-coated. The warmth will release the fruit’s juices, enhancing the flavor!
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Assemble Dumplings: On each pastry round, place a generous scoop of your warm fruit filling in the center. Fold the pastry over the filling and pinch the seams tightly to seal, ensuring there are no gaps.
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Air Fry: Carefully arrange the dumplings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray them with non-stick spray, sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon, and cook for about 22 minutes until they are golden brown and flaky.
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Cool: Let your dumplings cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the filling set slightly, making them easier to enjoy!
Optional: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Apricot Apple Dumplings
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Seal Carefully: Ensure all seams of the dumplings are tightly sealed to prevent any delicious filling from leaking out during cooking.
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Allow Airflow: Space out the dumplings in the air fryer basket. This is key for proper air circulation and ensures they cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness.
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Choose Firm Apples: Opt for Granny Smith apples; their tartness and firmness hold up better during cooking, preventing them from turning mushy in the filling.
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Prep in Advance: You can prepare and assemble the dumplings up to 2 days ahead. Just cook them fresh before serving for the best texture and taste!
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Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to swap out the apricots for your favorite fruits. This twist not only adds variety but also keeps the air fryer apricot apple dumplings exciting every time!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Apricot Apple Dumplings?
Indulging in these delightful dumplings creates a sweet symphony that calls for the perfect accompaniments to enhance your dessert experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey dumplings, creating a delightful temperature play in every bite.
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Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luscious touch that balances the sweetness of the filling and elevates the overall enjoyment.
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Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of extra caramel sauce not only enhances the flavor but also adds a rich, buttery layer that’ll make your taste buds sing with joy.
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Fresh Berries: A side of fresh berries introduces a burst of tartness and vibrant color, making your dessert plate as visually pleasing as it is delicious.
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Mint Leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint can brighten the dish, lending a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the dumplings.
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Herbal Tea: Pair your dumplings with a fragrant cup of chamomile or mint tea to create a soothing, comforting end to your meal. It’s a delightful way to unwind.
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Chocolate Sauce: For the chocolate lovers, drizzling some warm chocolate sauce over your dumplings can elevate the flavor to a new level of decadence.
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Hazelnut Spread: A spoonful of hazelnut spread alongside creates a delightful nutty flavor, making for a unique and delicious twist on your traditional dessert experience.
Storage Tips for Air Fryer Apricot Apple Dumplings
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Fridge: Store leftover dumplings in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh for your next sweet craving!
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze dumplings on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a Ziploc bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy a cozy dessert anytime!
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Reheating: To bring back their delightful crispiness, reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds or in the air fryer at 325°F for about 3-5 minutes, restoring that golden texture!
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Enjoy Fresh: For the best flavor and texture, serve the air fryer apricot apple dumplings soon after preparation. They’re perfect warm from the air fryer!
Make Ahead Options
These Air Fryer Apricot Apple Dumplings are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time! You can prepare and assemble the dumplings up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator, covered, to maintain freshness. Simply place a scoop of the warm caramel-coated filling on each pastry round, fold, and seal before refrigerating. When you’re ready to serve, air fry them directly from the fridge for 22 minutes for that just-cooked texture and flavor. This way, you’ll have warm, gooey dumplings ready at a moment’s notice, allowing you to enjoy a delightful dessert without the last-minute fuss!
Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to make these dumplings your own with these fun and tasty twists that will delight every palate!
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Fruit Swap: Substitute apricots with pears, peaches, or mixed berries for a different flavor profile that suits your taste.
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Pastry Options: Use crescent dough or homemade pie crust if you’re looking for a quicker alternative to traditional puff pastry.
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Nutty Flavor: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for a delightful crunch. This not only enhances texture but brings a wonderful nuttiness that pairs beautifully with fruit.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the ground cinnamon for a surprising burst of heat that adds depth to the sweetness.
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Coconut Bliss: Stir in shredded coconut into the filling for a tropical twist. This adds a chewy texture and pairs well with both apples and apricots.
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Vegan Substitute: Replace butter with coconut oil and almond paste with silken tofu blended until smooth for a delicious plant-based version.
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Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the filling for a bright, citrusy note that complements the sweetness of the fruit.
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Choco Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled dumplings for a decadent finish that takes the cozy dessert to a whole new level!
Air Fryer Apricot Apple Dumplings Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for the dumplings?
For the best balance of tartness and texture, I recommend using Granny Smith apples. Their firmness holds up beautifully during cooking, ensuring a delicious bite without turning mushy.
How should I store leftover dumplings?
Store any leftover dumplings in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a Ziploc bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months!
Can I freeze Air Fryer Apricot Apple Dumplings?
Absolutely! To freeze them, first assemble the dumplings, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a Ziploc bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the air fryer at 325°F for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through.
Why are my dumplings leaking during cooking?
Make sure you seal the seams of the dumplings tightly before cooking. If there are gaps, the filling can escape into the air fryer. It’s best to pinch the edges firmly to secure the filling inside.
Can I use other fruits instead of apricots?
Very much so! You can swap the apricots for seasonal fruits like peaches, pears, or mixed berries. Each variation brings its own delightful sweetness and flavor, making these dumplings even more versatile.
Are there any specific dietary considerations for this recipe?
If you’re mindful of allergies, be aware that this recipe includes tree nuts due to almond paste. You can substitute almond paste with marzipan for a similar texture but ensure that you’re using nut-free alternatives if needed.
Air Fryer Apricot Apple Dumplings: A Quick Cozy Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 325°F to ensure even cooking.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut them into eight 6-inch rounds.
- Peel, core, and chop the Granny Smith apples and apricots into small, bite-sized pieces.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and almond paste together with brown sugar. Stir in the ground cinnamon and caramel sauce until smooth.
- Add the chopped fruit into the warm caramel, stirring until well-coated.
- On each pastry round, place a generous scoop of the warm fruit filling in the center. Fold and pinch the seams tightly to seal.
- Arrange the dumplings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spray with non-stick spray, and sprinkle with cinnamon. Cook for about 22 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the dumplings cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
