This Air Fryer Apple Crisp is a warm and sweet treat packed with tender apples and a crunchy topping. It’s super easy to whip up and cooks quickly, perfect for when the craving hits!
Plus, the smell of apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen is just the best, isn’t it? 🍏 I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—such a cozy combo!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices due to their tartness and firmness. You can substitute with Fuji or Gala apples for a sweeter taste. If you want to mix it up, try adding pears for a different flavor profile!
Lemon Juice: This helps brighten the flavors and balance the sweetness. If you don’t have lemon juice, a splash of vinegar can work too, or just skip it if you prefer. It’s okay to tailor this to your taste!
Granulated Sugar: The recipe calls for granulated sugar, but you can replace it with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener. Just adjust the amount slightly since they can vary in sweetness.
Oats: Old-fashioned oats provide a hearty crunch. If you need a gluten-free option, simply use certified gluten-free oats. For a nutty flavor, you can swap in ground almonds or almond flour in place of some of the oats.
How Do You Get the Topping Just Right?
Creating the perfect topping is key to a great apple crisp. Follow these steps to ensure it’s crispy and delicious:
- Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl, then mix in melted butter until crumbly. Don’t overmix—you want it to be a little crumbly for texture.
- Spread the oat topping evenly over the apples. This way, every bite gets that yummy crunch.
- Air frying it creates that golden, crispy topping that makes apple crisp so irresistible.
Keep an eye on the topping towards the end of the cooking time. If it’s browning too quickly, simply cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Filling:
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Air Fryer Apple Crisp will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Overall, you can enjoy this sweet treat in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a medium bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the apples are well coated in the mixture. Set this bowl aside so the flavors can meld together.
2. Make the Crunchy Topping:
In another bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly and no dry ingredients remain. You want it to be evenly moistened for a perfect crispy topping!
3. Combine and Assemble:
Take the apple mixture and spread it evenly in an 8-inch (or a similarly sized) oven-safe baking dish that fits your air fryer basket. Then, sprinkle the prepared oat topping evenly over the apples.
4. Preheat and Cook:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. Once preheated, carefully place the baking dish into the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, being sure to check until the topping turns golden brown and the apples are nice and tender.
5. Cool and Serve:
Once done, carefully remove the dish from the air fryer (it will be hot!). Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired. It’s the perfect comforting dessert!
Enjoy this classic apple crisp with the wonderful crunch from the air fryer! 🍏✨
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work well, but you can also use Fuji, Gala, or even a mix of different apples for varied flavors and textures. Just make sure they’re firm to hold up during the cooking process.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. This will help crisp up the topping again!
Can I Make a Smaller or Larger Batch?
Yes! You can easily scale the recipe up or down. Just adjust the number of apples and the topping ingredients accordingly, keeping the same ratios. Remember to use an appropriately sized baking dish that fits in your air fryer!
What If I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
No problem! You can bake this apple crisp in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbly. Just keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.