These easy Airfryer apple puff pastry bundles are a quick, no-fuss dessert when you want a warm, comforting fall treat. Light, flaky pastry wrapped around spiced apple slices makes a simple strudel-style dessert that’s perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or baking with kids.
Recipe credit: Marliece, who inspired this version and shared the original idea.
About These Easy Airfryer Apple Puff Pastry Bundles
This recipe is a quick “cheat” approach to German-style apple strudel using store-bought puff pastry. Apple slices are tossed with brown sugar, almond flour (or breadcrumbs) and raisins, then rolled in strips of puff pastry. The result is a portable, flaky bundle with the familiar flavors of strudel—perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
The recipe is kid-friendly: younger helpers can help peel apples, mix fillings, and roll the bundles. It adapts well to dietary needs—use dairy-free margarine and an accidentally-vegan puff pastry for a vegan version, or choose gluten‑free pastry for a GF option.
FAQ
What dough should I use?
Puff pastry yields a flaky, strudel-like texture and is my preferred substitute for refrigerated bread stick dough. You can also use crescent dough or homemade puff pastry if you prefer.
Best apples to use?
Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firmness, but Pink Lady or other crisp apples also work well. Outside apple season, use your favorite available apple variety.
Can I use canned apple pie filling?
No—use fresh sliced apples. These bundles are open at the sides, and pie filling is too moist and saucy for this preparation.
Do apples need pre-cooking?
No, but you can par-cook them briefly if you prefer very soft apples. Baking time can also be increased slightly for a softer result.
Should I soak the raisins?
Soaking in orange juice or warm water for a couple of hours plumps them nicely but is optional.
Do I need an Airfryer?
An Airfryer speeds things up and crisps the pastry beautifully, but you can bake the bundles in a conventional oven with excellent results.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples (or similar crisp apples)
- 1 medium orange (zest and juice) or refrigerated orange juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (40 g) raisins (optional, soak if desired)
- 1/4 cup (25 g) almond flour or breadcrumbs
- 1 sheet defrosted puff pastry (or 11 oz package refrigerated bread sticks)
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted
- 1/4–1/2 cup (50–100 g) white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon-plus spice blend, pumpkin pie spice, or apple pie spice
- Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Kitchen tools:
- Apple peeler/corer/slicer or apple wedger
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Mixing bowl and measuring tools
- Citrus juicer and zester
- Pastry mat or parchment paper and rolling pin
- Pastry or pizza cutter
- Basting brush
- Air Fryer or conventional oven and baking trays
Recipe Variations, Notes & Tips
- Dried fruit: Substitute or add dried cherries, cranberries, apricots, or chopped dates.
- Pears or berries: Mix sliced pears or berries with apples for a different flavor profile.
- Citrus: Use lemon zest and juice or a mix of orange and lemon for brighter acidity.
- Flour alternatives: Breadcrumbs or panko replace almond flour; ground hazelnuts make a lovely variation.
- Nuts: Add chopped or slivered nuts—almonds, pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts work well.
- Leftovers: Reheat for 3–5 minutes in the Airfryer to re-crisp the pastry; they keep 2–3 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
How to Make Easy Airfryer Apple Puff Pastry Bundles
1. Defrost one sheet of puff pastry. Optional: soak raisins in orange juice or warm water for at least two hours.
2. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Place slices in a mixing bowl and drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Add brown sugar, almond flour or breadcrumbs, and soaked or dry raisins to the apples. Stir gently to coat the apple slices evenly.
4. Zest the orange and set the zest aside. Juice the orange and pour juice into the bottom of your baking pan or Airfryer-safe tray to add moisture and flavor.
5. Combine white sugar, your spice blend, and orange zest in a small bowl to create a cinnamon-sugar topping. Set aside.
6. Unroll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface or pastry mat. Roll slightly with a rolling pin if needed, and cut the sheet into 12 long strips.
7. Place 4–6 apple slices at the end of each strip and roll up to form bundles. Arrange the bundles seam-side down on your baking tray or Airfryer pan.
8. Brush each bundle with melted butter or margarine and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix over the tops.
9. Bake in an Airfryer at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, depending on how tender you like the apples. For a conventional oven, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
10. Serve warm on their own or topped with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. Reheat gently in the Airfryer for best texture.
Yield: 12 bundles
Prep Time: 10 minutes • Cook Time: 20 minutes • Total Time: 30 minutes
About Marliece
Marliece Thomas is a home baker and Pampered Chef consultant in Boise, Idaho. She developed this approachable apple bundle recipe inspired by her love of German baking and her experience baking abroad. Her version shines for its simplicity and adaptable flavor variations.