Copycat Pillsbury Apple Filled Crescents

If you’ve been hunting for Pillsbury Apple Filled Crescents lately and coming up empty at the store, you’re not alone — they’ve become harder and harder to find on shelves. The good news? You don’t need the box at all. This copycat version gives you everything you loved about that little blue package — flaky crescent dough, warm cinnamon-apple filling, and a sweet drizzle of icing — using everyday ingredients and your air fryer.

They come together in under 20 minutes, taste even fresher than the kit, and you can make them any time of year whether or not the store has them in stock.

Looking for more easy air fryer desserts? Try my Air Fryer Caramel Apple Danish, Air Fryer Best Cherry Turnovers, and Air Fryer Nutella Croissants.

Are Pillsbury Apple Filled Crescents Discontinued?

This is the question I get most often, so let’s clear it up. As of now, Pillsbury still lists Apple Filled Crescents on its website, but availability has gotten spotty — many shoppers report they’re hard to find or no longer stocked at their local store, and some retailers have marked them as unavailable. Whether they’re being quietly phased out or are just regionally limited, the practical answer is the same: a lot of people who want them can’t buy them right now.

That’s exactly why this homemade copycat is so handy. You control the dough, the apple filling, and the sweetness — and you’ll never be at the mercy of what’s on the shelf.

What’s in the Box vs. Making Them From Scratch

The original Pillsbury kit included a can of crescent dough, a pouch of apple filling, and a packet of icing. To recreate it at home, you only need three simple components:

• Crescent dough — a standard can of refrigerated crescent rolls does the job perfectly.
• Apple filling — a quick stovetop cinnamon-apple filling, or a shortcut with canned apple pie filling.
• Icing — a two-ingredient powdered sugar glaze.

The result is fresher-tasting and, honestly, better than the original — because the apple filling isn’t sitting in a pouch.

Ingredients Needed

For the crescents

• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 triangles)

For the apple filling

• 2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken)

Shortcut: swap the fresh filling for 1 cup canned apple pie filling, chopped slightly so it rolls up easily.

For the icing

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

How To Make Copycat Apple Filled Crescents in the Air Fryer

Step 1: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring, for 4 to 5 minutes until the apples soften. If you’d like it thicker, stir the cornstarch into a teaspoon of water and add it during the last minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. (Skip this step if using canned pie filling.)

Step 2: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles on a flat surface — a cutting board makes a great workstation.

Step 3: Spoon about a tablespoon of the apple filling onto the wide end of each triangle. Don’t overfill, or they’ll leak as they bake.

Step 4: Starting at the wide end, roll each triangle toward the point and tuck the tip underneath. Place the crescents on a greased air fryer tray or in the basket, leaving space between them — they puff up as they cook. Use parchment or a silicone liner if your dough tends to stick.

Step 5: Cook at 320°F for 5 to 8 minutes, until golden brown. Cooking time varies by model, so check. Let cool a few minutes. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle over the warm crescents. Serve and enjoy!

Pro Tips

• This recipe works in any air fryer basket or oven-style model — Ninja Foodi, Instant Pot Vortex, Instant Pot Crisp Lid, and others. The recipe stays the same; only the timing may shift slightly.
• Leave room between crescents so the dough cooks all the way through.
• If the dough sticks, use parchment paper or a silicone liner.
• Check on them as they cook — air fryers vary, and the difference between golden and too-dark is a minute or two.

Substitutions and Variations

• No fresh apples? Use 1 cup of canned apple pie filling for an even faster version.
• Caramel apple twist: drizzle warm caramel over the top along with the icing.
• Add crunch: sprinkle chopped pecans into the filling before rolling.
• Cherry version: swap the apple filling for cherry — see my Air Fryer Pillsbury Cherry Filled Crescents.

Storage and Reheating

Store cooled crescents in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 2 to 3 minutes to bring back the flaky texture — the microwave will make them soft. For the best results, add the icing fresh after reheating.

Faqs

Are Pillsbury Apple Filled Crescents discontinued? Pillsbury still lists them, but availability has become limited and many shoppers can no longer find them in stores. This copycat recipe lets you make them at home anytime.

Can I use canned apple pie filling? Yes. Use about 1 cup, and roughly chop any large apple pieces so they roll up easily.

What apples work best? Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Both hold their shape well when cooked.

Can I make these in a regular oven? Yes — bake at 350°F for about 11–13 minutes, or until golden brown.

How do I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container up to 2 days at room temperature or 4 days refrigerated. Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 2–3 minutes.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Caramel Apple Hand Pies
• Easy Air Fryer Apple Pie Crescent Rolls
• Air Fryer Apple Pie Baked Apples
• Air Fryer Caramel Apple Danish