There’s something irresistibly comforting about digging into a warm dessert that’s both crispy on top and tender beneath. This Air Fryer Apple Crisp checks all those boxes and then some, making it a perfect beginner-friendly dessert that even the most novice cooks can tackle with confidence. In under an hour (including prep, cooking, and a short rest), you’ll have a delightful treat that brings together sweet, spiced apples and a golden, oat-studded crumble. With just a handful of pantry staples—apples, sugar, cinnamon, flour, oats, and butter—you’ll create a dessert that tastes like it’s straight out of a cozy café. Best of all, the air fryer speeds up the process and gives you that crisp topping without heating up your entire kitchen.
This recipe not only delivers on flavor but also on convenience. Preparation time is only about 15 minutes, cooking time around 25 minutes, and a quick 5-minute rest lets everything settle to perfection. Each serving clocks in at roughly 320 calories, making it an indulgence you can feel good about sharing with friends or family. Whether you’re craving a solo treat after a busy day or looking to impress guests at a casual gathering, this apple crisp shines in any setting. The warm, spiced apples paired with a crunchy oat mixture offer a balance of textures and flavors that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Plus, you get to enjoy that signature golden-brown top without firing up the oven—just set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let the magic happen.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN AIR FRYER APPLE CRISP
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s take a look at the star players that make this apple crisp so irresistible. Using simple, high-quality ingredients will elevate the flavor and texture, ensuring every bite is a harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and crunchy.
- Apples
These are the heart of the dessert, providing natural sweetness and a tender, juicy texture once cooked. Opt for a mix of varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp to balance tartness and sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar
This adds a subtle sweetness that helps the apples caramelize slightly as they cook, enhancing their natural flavors without overpowering them.
- Lemon Juice
A splash of acidity brightens the apple mixture, preventing browning and adding a gentle tang that complements the sugar and spices.
- Ground Cinnamon
This warm spice infuses the apples with a cozy, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the fruit’s natural sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour
When combined with oats and butter, the flour creates the sturdy base of the crumble topping, helping it hold together and achieve that irresistible crunch.
- Rolled Oats
These bring hearty texture and nutty flavor to the topping, ensuring each bite has a satisfying chewiness alongside the crumble.
- Brown Sugar
Packed with molasses, brown sugar deepens the topping’s flavor and helps it crisp up to a rich, amber hue in the air fryer.
- Salt
A small pinch balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors, making the dessert taste more rounded and complex.
- Unsalted Butter
Melted into the flour and oats, butter binds the topping ingredients together and browns beautifully in the air fryer, adding richness and flavor.
- Cooking Spray
A light coating prevents the apple mixture from sticking to the air fryer basket, ensuring an easy release and quicker cleanup.
HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER APPLE CRISP
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s talk through the process. Making this apple crisp in the air fryer is straightforward: we’ll start by preheating, then combine the apples with sugar and spices, layer the mixture in the basket, top it with a buttery oat crumble, and let the air fryer work its magic until everything is perfectly cooked and golden.
1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. This ensures the cooking chamber reaches an even temperature so the topping will crisp and the apples will cook through simultaneously.
2. In a mixing bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. Make sure each slice is evenly coated—this not only helps flavor every bite but also encourages the apples to soften uniformly.
3. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This simple step guarantees your apple crisp will slide out easily when it’s done.
4. Spread the apple mixture evenly in the bottom of the air fryer basket, creating a level layer. This promotes even cooking and ensures each section of apples gets that tender, juicy finish.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The goal is a sandy texture that will bake into a crunchy, golden topping.
6. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples in the air fryer basket, covering the fruit completely. An even layer helps the topping bake uniformly without any soggy spots.
7. Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the topping is deep golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
8. Carefully remove from the air fryer and allow to cool slightly before serving. This brief rest helps the juices settle and makes scooping easier.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR AIR FRYER APPLE CRISP
Once your apple crisp emerges from the air fryer with its bubbly apple filling and perfectly crunchy topping, it’s time to think about how you’ll plate it up. These serving ideas will make your dessert feel even more special, whether you’re indulging solo or treating a crowd.
- Add a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
The contrast between warm crisp and cold, creamy ice cream is pure bliss. Place a generous scoop right on top and watch it melt into the golden crumbles.
- Drizzle with Caramel Sauce
For an extra layer of indulgence, pour a ribbon of homemade or store-bought caramel over each serving. The sweet, buttery sauce accentuates the apple’s natural flavor.
- Sprinkle with Chopped Nuts
Toasted pecans or walnuts add a toasty crunch that complements the oat topping. Uniformly chop the nuts and scatter them over the finished crisp for extra texture.
- Dust with Confectioners’ Sugar
A light dusting of powdered sugar transforms the presentation, giving your dessert a delicate, bakery-style finish. Use a fine-mesh sieve for an even coating.
HOW TO STORE AIR FRYER APPLE CRISP
After enjoying a portion (or two!), you might have leftovers that deserve a second life. Proper storage ensures your apple crisp remains as delicious as when it first came out of the air fryer. Follow these tips to keep the topping crunchy and the filling flavorful.
- Refrigerate in an Airtight Container
Transfer cooled leftovers into a seal-tight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the filling from getting overly runny and preserves the topping’s texture.
- Freeze Individual Portions
Wrap single servings in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat Gently to Preserve Crunch
For best results, warm in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes. This revives the crisp topping without overcooking the apples.
- Revive Soggy Crunch
If the topping softens, sprinkle a few extra oats and a small pat of butter on top before reheating. The new crumbs crisp up quickly and restore that signature crunch.
CONCLUSION
There you have it: a complete, beginner-friendly guide to creating a warm and comforting Air Fryer Apple Crisp. We’ve walked through all the steps—from selecting your fresh, crisp apples to layering that buttery oat topping and cooking everything to golden perfection in just 25 minutes. This recipe highlights the best of fall flavors—sweet, spiced, and irresistibly crunchy—while taking advantage of the air fryer’s speedy precision. Whether you’re whipping this up on a crisp autumn afternoon or craving a cozy dessert any time of year, it’s a simple yet impressive treat that requires minimal effort for maximum satisfaction. Don’t forget that you can easily prep, bake, and serve all within an hour, making it ideal for both weeknight desserts and weekend gatherings.
Feel free to print this article or save it for future use so you can revisit these instructions whenever those cozy, apple-filled cravings hit. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ section to address any lingering questions you might have about variations, ingredient swaps, or troubleshooting. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear about your experience. Let me know in the comments if you experimented with different toppings, tried a nutty twist, or added a personal spin. Your feedback, questions, and stories help make this cooking adventure even more fun—whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the world of air frying. Happy baking and happy crunching!
Air fryer apple crisp
Description
Warm, spiced apples topped with a crunchy oat mixture create a delightful dessert. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer, it’s a comforting treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. Toss the apples until they are evenly coated.
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Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Spread the apple mixture evenly in the bottom of the air fryer basket.
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In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples in the air fryer basket.
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Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
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Carefully remove from the air fryer and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Note
- Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
- Substitute oats with nuts for an added crunch.
- Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of the apples.
- Ensure apples are cut uniformly for even cooking.
