In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine 3/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Add the diced Granny Smith apples, stir to coat, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the apples are just tender. Remove from the heat and allow the filling to cool to room temperature. I find it helps to spread the filling on a plate to cool it faster, especially if you’re in a hurry.

Unroll the crescent dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pinch together any seams and roll out the dough just until it is smooth and even. Cut the dough into 2½-3 inch squares. Place about 1 tablespoon of the cooled apple pie filling (from Step 1) in the center of each square. Fold the two ends over, then fold the sides over the filling and pinch together to seal the edges, forming a compact bomb shape.

Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F if you have a thermometer), add a few filled pie bombs at a time to the oil. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove them using a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. I like to fry in batches to avoid crowding the pan, which helps keep the oil temperature steady.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the fried pie bombs (from Step 3) on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and the exterior is crisp. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before moving to the next step.

In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Roll each baked pie bomb (from Step 4) in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle the finished pie bombs with caramel sauce just before serving. For extra indulgence, I sometimes serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.