Air Fryer Apple Crisp

Air Fryer Apple Crisp – A Quick and Cozy Fall Dessert

Apple crisp is a beloved fall dessert known for its comforting combination of tart apples and a sweet, buttery crumble topping. When made in the air fryer, this classic dessert is quicker than ever while still delivering all the same delicious flavors you love. In just about 30 minutes, you can enjoy warm, gooey apple crisp with a perfectly crispy topping, making it an ideal treat for any day of the week.

The air fryer transforms this dessert, baking the apples to perfection while keeping the crumble topping crispy and golden brown. This method results in a dessert that is quicker to prepare, requiring less energy than a traditional oven. Whether you’re craving something sweet after dinner or hosting a casual gathering, air fryer apple crisp is sure to impress.

Why Air Fryer Apple Crisp Works

Quick and easy: Unlike traditional oven-baked recipes, air frying significantly reduces the cooking time.
Perfectly crisp topping: The hot circulating air in the air fryer creates a crunchy topping without the need to use excessive butter or oil.
Minimal cleanup: The air fryer basket does most of the work with little mess involved.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different apples or toppings based on your preference.

What Apples Are Best for Apple Crisp?

While any apple variety can work for apple crisp, some apples hold up better in baking than others. Granny Smith apples are a popular choice for their tartness and firmness. If you prefer a sweeter version, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples are excellent options. The goal is to have apples that don’t turn mushy too quickly, so they retain a pleasant texture after air frying.

The Perfect Apple Crisp Topping

The topping is just as important as the filling when it comes to apple crisp. It should be sweet, buttery, and crisp, with the perfect balance of oats and brown sugar. Here’s the trick: Use cold butter and cut it into the dry ingredients to get that crumbling texture. Don’t overmix—just enough to form pea-sized clumps. This will ensure your topping crisps up perfectly while baking.

Can I Make Air Fryer Apple Crisp Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble your apple crisp and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying. Just be sure to keep the topping separate if you’re making it in advance, as it will stay crispier when added right before air frying.

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Crisp

Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of lemon juice to enhance flavor.
Make the topping: Combine oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to create clumps.
Assemble the crisp: Layer the apple mixture in the bottom of the air fryer basket and sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
Air fry: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Serve: Let it cool slightly, then serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Tips & Tricks

Use different apples: Mix sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
Don’t overcrowd: Give the apples and topping room in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
Add nuts: Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for added texture.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free oats and flour for a gluten-free version of this dessert.
Serve immediately: Apple crisp is best when served warm, especially with ice cream or whipped cream on top.

Quick Recipe Summary