If you’ve ever craved the nostalgic warmth of homemade apple pie but didn’t want the mess, fuss, or long baking time, these Air Fryer Apple Pie Roll Ups are about to become your new favorite dessert. With a golden, crispy tortilla shell, a gooey apple-cinnamon filling, and a sugar-kissed crust, this recipe delivers all the classic flavors of apple pie—without turning on the oven.
Perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or cozy family evenings, this sweet treat checks every box: quick, easy, budget-friendly, kid-approved, and absolutely crave-worthy.
Whether you’re new to air fryer desserts or already hooked, this recipe is a game-changer. Let’s dig into why this dish is as brilliant as it is delicious.
2. What Makes This Recipe So Special
✅ Fast and Easy:
From prep to plate in under 20 minutes.
✅ Minimal Ingredients:
Just a handful of pantry staples and some tortillas.
✅ Versatile:
Use any pie filling or wrap—apple, peach, cherry, even Nutella and banana!
✅ No Oven Needed:
Air fryer keeps your kitchen cool and cleanup minimal.
✅ Kid-Friendly and Adult-Approved:
Sweet, hand-held, and mess-free.
3. Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need—and why each one matters:
🍎 Apple Pie Filling
You can use canned apple pie filling for speed, or homemade if you’ve got extra apples on hand. Chop it into small pieces to avoid tearing the tortilla and ensure even distribution.
✅ Substitute: Peach, cherry, blueberry, or even homemade stewed fruit.
🌯 Flour Tortillas (Fajita Size)
Soft tortillas crisp beautifully in the air fryer. Use fajita size for the perfect roll-up to hand-held ratio.
⚠️ Avoid: Corn tortillas—they can crack when rolled.
🍬 Granulated Sugar
Coats the outside for a sweet, slightly crunchy shell.
✅ Alternative: Coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lighter option.
🌰 Ground Cinnamon
The essential spice for that warm, nostalgic apple pie flavor.
🧈 Melted Butter
Brushed on the outside to help the cinnamon-sugar stick and give the rolls their golden glow.
✅ Swap: Coconut oil or dairy-free butter for vegan/dairy-free versions.
🧴 Oil or Nonstick Spray (Optional)
Light coating in the air fryer basket helps prevent sticking. Avoid aerosol sprays—use a refillable mister or brush with oil.
4. How to Make Air Fryer Apple Pie Roll Ups – Step-by-Step
Total Time: ~18 minutes
Yields: 8 roll ups
Difficulty: Super easy
🔪 Step 1: Chop the Filling
Roughly chop the apple pie filling into smaller chunks. This prevents tearing and ensures the filling spreads evenly.
🌯 Step 2: Prep the Tortillas
Warm the tortillas slightly (10–15 seconds in the microwave) to make rolling easier. Lay one flat on a clean surface.
🥄 Step 3: Add Filling
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of apple filling onto the lower third of the tortilla.
🔁 Step 4: Roll It Up
Roll tightly like a burrito, tucking in the sides as you go. Place seam-side down to keep it sealed.
🧈 Step 5: Coat with Butter and Sugar
Brush the roll-up with melted butter. In a shallow dish, mix sugar and cinnamon (¼ cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon), then roll the buttered tortilla in the mixture until coated.
🔄 Optional: Double coat after air frying for extra crunch.
🍳 Step 6: Air Fry
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray or brush the basket with oil.
- Place roll ups seam-side down, spaced apart.
- Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway if needed.
⏲️ Step 7: Let Cool Slightly
Let cool for 2–3 minutes before biting—filling will be hot!
5. Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling = burst tortilla and messy air fryer.
- Use Warm Tortillas: Cold tortillas tear easily. Warm = flexible.
- Line Basket (Optional): Use perforated parchment liners to keep mess contained.
- Keep Rolls Tidy: Always place seam-side down in the fryer.
- Double Dip for Crispness: After air frying, give each roll a second sugar roll while still hot.
6. Easy Variations and Flavor Twists
Mix things up with these delicious ideas:
🥧 Different Pie Fillings:
- Peach Pie Filling with nutmeg and brown sugar
- Cherry Filling with almond extract
- Blueberry + Lemon Zest for brightness
🍫 Dessert-Inspired:
- Nutella + Banana for a churro-choco treat
- Cream Cheese + Strawberry Jam
- Apple + Caramel Bits for caramel apple flavor
🍩 Breakfast-Style:
- Swap pie filling for peanut butter + banana
- Add crushed granola inside
🌱 Vegan/Dairy-Free:
- Use vegan tortillas and plant-based butter or coconut oil
7. Making Roll Ups Ahead of Time
🕒 Meal Prepping Tips:
You can prepare roll ups up to 12 hours in advance:
- Roll with filling (don’t sugar-coat).
- Store on a tray, seam-side down, covered in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Just before air frying, brush with butter and coat in cinnamon-sugar.
🔄 Do not coat with sugar early—it melts and gets soggy in the fridge.
8. Storage, Reheating & Leftovers
🧊 Storing Leftovers:
- Cool completely before storing.
- Place in airtight container.
- Refrigerate up to 3 days.
❌ Freezing not recommended—texture becomes soggy.
🔥 Reheating:
- Best method: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes
- Avoid: Microwave—it softens the crispy shell
✅ Tip: Recoat in cinnamon sugar while warm if desired.
9. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake | Fix |
---|---|
Overstuffing | Use only 2 tbsp filling per tortilla |
Cold tortillas | Warm briefly in microwave |
Aerosol sprays in air fryer | Use oil brush or mister instead |
Uneven cooking | Don’t overcrowd basket; cook in batches |
Burning | Start with 6 minutes; check frequently |
10. FAQs
❓ Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
Yes! Just cook your apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until tender. Let cool before using.
❓ Can I make these low-carb?
Try low-carb tortillas and a low-calorie sweetener like erythritol.
❓ Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Yes, for best results. A preheated air fryer ensures even crisping and faster cooking.
❓ Can I use other fruit fillings?
Absolutely! Peach, cherry, blueberry, or even jam work beautifully.
❓ What dipping sauces go well with this?
- Caramel sauce
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Cream cheese glaze
11. Nutrition Information (per roll up)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 142 |
Sugar | 8g |
Fat | 6g |
Saturated Fat | 2g |
Sodium | 123mg |
Carbs | 22g |
Fiber | 1g |
Protein | 1g |
Note: Values vary depending on ingredients/brands.
12. Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Apple Pie Roll Ups are the kind of dessert that feels indulgent without all the time, effort, or cleanup of traditional baking. They’re quick enough for a weeknight treat and impressive enough for a brunch platter or holiday table.
This is more than just an air fryer dessert—it’s the kind of sweet recipe that brings people back for seconds, no matter the season. The crisp cinnamon-sugar coating, the gooey apple center, and the sheer ease of pulling them together make these roll ups a repeat favorite in any kitchen.
Whether you’re trying to avoid heating up your oven or just need a fast dessert fix, this recipe is your secret weapon.