Easy Air Fryer Apple Crisp – A Cozy, Quick Dessert
Warm, bubbly apple crisp without heating up the whole kitchen? That’s the magic of the air fryer. This version keeps everything you love—tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a golden, buttery oat topping—ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (about 1.5 pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick; Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith work well
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or 2 teaspoons flour) for thickening
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 2–3 tablespoons chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts, optional)
Instructions
- Prep the air fryer: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. This helps the topping crisp right from the start.
- Choose the right dish: Use 2–4 oven-safe ramekins (8–10 ounces) or a small baking dish that fits your air fryer basket. Lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Mix the apple filling: In a bowl, toss sliced apples with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), vanilla, and cornstarch. The cornstarch helps the juices thicken so you don’t end up with a watery bottom.
- Make the topping: In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs. Stir in nuts if you like.
- Assemble: Divide the apple mixture evenly into your ramekins or spread in the baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, pressing gently so it adheres.
- Air fry: Place the dishes in the basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 12–16 minutes. Start checking at 12 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling juices around the edges and a deeply golden, crisp top.
- Adjust for dish size: Smaller ramekins cook faster; a single larger dish may need 16–20 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, tent lightly with foil.
- Rest and serve: Let the crisp cool for 5–10 minutes to set. Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or yogurt.