What’s better after a day of apple picking than warm, soft apples under a crispy, crunchy oat crust? That’s why this air fryer apple crisp is the perfect choice for those fresh fall apples. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and it’s so simple to make!
Apple crisp is a dessert that features cooked apples covered with an oat-based streusel topping. Typically the apples are seasoned with cinnamon, and pie filling may be used in place of fresh apples.
A crisp differs from other similar apple desserts in the topping. While the base of an Apple Cobbler is the same, cobbler has a soft dough topping that’s a consistency somewhere between a cake and a biscuit.
Meanwhile, Apple Crumble is very similar to crisp (sometimes the term is used interchangeably), but it does not contain oats in the topping. Instead, it’s just a simple combination of flour, sugar, and butter to form a sweet crumb topping.
Of course, you can mix and match and create mashups of toppings as well, to find the combination that you enjoy most!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
An apple crumble is a very easy dessert to make, but it still delivers big on taste! It requires just 6 ingredients and about 30 minutes to put together.
Plus, you can use nearly any type of apple for it, so it’s a great way to use up that bushel from apple picking!
What I love about using the air fryer is that it both preheats and cooks faster than a conventional oven! It’s also great for making small, individual servings in ramekins. Of course, you can use a larger pan as long as it fits to feed a crowd as well.
This perfect sweet treat pairs well with ice cream if you enjoy dessert a la mode, but it’s also great on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream as well.
Key Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and cut into approximately ½” cubes (about 2 – 2 ½ cups of fruit in total)
2 Tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
For the Crisp Topping:
½ cup old fashioned or rolled oats
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup cold salted butter, cubed
¼ cup all purpose flour
½ tsp cinnamon
Special Equipment Note: You’ll need some form of oven-safe pan that fits in your air fryer’s basket or rack for this recipe. I’m using four 7-ounce ramekins, but a cake pan, casserole dish, or similar works fine as well.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
I’m using Jazz apples today, as they’re slightly sweeter than Granny Smith, but are still a firm apple with good texture. However, you may use whatever variety you like. You may want to adjust the amount of sugar if you’re using a sweeter or tarter apple
You can also slice your apples instead of cubing them if you prefer
If you use unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to compensate. Margarine and plant butter alternatives (to make it vegan friendly) also work fine for this recipe
If you’re chopping your apples in advance, toss them in 1 tsp of lemon juice to prevent browning
Toppings and Variations
Nutty. Incorporate chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts into your topping for crunchy texture and flavor
Gluten Free. For a gluten free option, use almond flour or a similar gluten free flour in place of the all purpose. Also ensure that your oats are certified gluten free
Dried Fruit. Add dried raisins, cranberries, or apricots to your apple mixture to create unique flavor combinations
Spices. Change up cinnamon for different spices, such as ginger, cardamom, or allspice
Toppings. Finish your crisp with toasted shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or candied ginger for a fun twist
Caramel. Add chopped up caramel candies in with the apples, or simply drizzle caramel sauce over top of the crisp for a caramel apple variation
Step By Step Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and grease your baking dish
Mix the apple cubes, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, and ½ tsp cinnamon in a bowl until the apples are well coated. Place in the bottom of your baking pan (or divide evenly amongst smaller dishes)
Place the apple-filled dish into the preheated air fryer basket, and cook for 10-15 minutes on the air fry setting, until the apples begin to soften (exact time will vary based on variety and thickness of apples). If the apples start to burn, you can add 1 Tbsp of water into the dish
While the apples cook, prepare the topping by combining the oats, flour, and butter with the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon. Use a fork, your hands, or a hand mixer to combine until crumbles form
Once the apples are soft, add the crisp topping evenly over top of them
Cook for an additional 5 minutes on the air fry setting, or until the topping is browned to your liking
Can I Use Any Type of Apple for Air Fryer Apple Crisp?
Yes, you can use various apple varieties for your air fryer apple crisp. While Granny Smith apples are a popular choice due to their tartness and firm texture, you can experiment with different apples like Jazz, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala.
The choice of apple impacts the sweetness and texture of your dessert, so feel free to select your favorite or try a combination for a unique flavor profile.
How Do I Prevent the Topping from Becoming Too Soggy?
To keep the topping crisp, ensure that your apple slices aren’t overly wet before adding them to your dish. Also make sure to avoid overloading the air fryer basket, allowing proper air circulation for even cooking.
This is also another reason we pre-cook the apples in the air fryer, to release excess moisture before adding the topping.
Is It Possible to Make Air Fryer Apple Crisp Without Sugar?
Yes, it is possible to make a sugar-free or low-sugar version of air fryer apple crisp. You can replace sugar with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
Alternatively, experiment with sugar substitutes such as stevia or erythritol for a lower-calorie option.
What Other Fruits Can I Use in the Air Fryer to Make Crisps?
Apart from apples, you can use a wide range of fruits to make crisps in the air fryer. Popular choices include pears, peaches, berries (like blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries), and even mixed fruit combinations.
Adjust your recipe to match the fruit’s sweetness and moisture content.
Can I Prepare Air Fryer Apple Crisp in Advance and Reheat It?
Yes, you can prepare air fryer apple crisp in advance and reheat it. Store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to use it. Then, reheat in the air fryer at a lower temperature until heated through.
Crisp keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, or up to 3 months frozen.
What’s the Difference Between Air Frying and Baking Apple Crisp in a Conventional Oven?
The primary difference lies in the cooking method and time. Air frying uses hot, circulating air to cook food quickly and evenly. It often results in a crisper topping due to the efficient air circulation.
Baking in a conventional oven typically takes longer and may produce slightly different textures. However, both methods can yield delicious apple crisps; the choice depends on your preference and available equipment.
What’s the Difference Between Apple Crisp and Apple Crumble?
Apple crisp and apple crumble are very similar desserts, often used interchangeably. Both dishes consist of baked fruit topped with a mixture of butter, sugar, and flour.
The main difference is that apple crisp typically includes oats in the topping, giving it a slightly more textured and crispier finish, while apple crumble generally does not include oats, resulting in a more crumbly texture. The choice of name often depends on regional preferences.
Do You Refrigerate Apple Crisp After Baking?
Yes, it’s a good practice to refrigerate any leftover apple crisp after baking. Store it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
Refrigeration helps maintain its freshness and prevents spoilage. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave, air fryer, or oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Is It Better to Freeze Apple Crisp Before or After Baking?
Freezing apple crisp is generally best done before baking. Prepare the apple crisp as you normally would, but instead of baking it, cover it well and place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake and serve, simply transfer the frozen crisp to the oven and bake according to your recipe’s instructions.
Freezing unbaked apple crisp helps preserve its texture and flavor. However, you can also freeze it after baking and reheat it if needed.
Is It Necessary to Peel Apples for Apple Crisp?
It is not necessary to peel apples for apple crisp, but rather a matter of personal preference. Some recipes call for peeled apples, while others leave the peels intact. Leaving the peels on can provide extra texture and flavor, as well as additional nutrients and fiber.
However, if you prefer a smoother texture or have a preference for peeled apples, feel free to peel them before slicing.
Recipe Pro Tips
You may also cover the apples with foil to help steam them when cooking, but you’ll need to raise the time to 20-25 minutes to account for the foil cover. I find they do fine without it for a shorter time
The apples will shrink as they cook when they release moisture. If your dishes look too full to add topping, don’t worry. You’ll have space by the time the apples soften
This recipe was created and tested using a Ninja air fryer. Other makes and models may vary slightly in terms of cooking times
Storage and Reheating Tips
Once cooled, store apple crisp wrapped in foil or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You may also wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months
To reheat, place a portion of apple crisp in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed to your liking. Use an oven safe bowl or a piece of foil to contain it. You can microwave it for 45-60 seconds as well, but the crisp will no longer be, well, crisp, if you do that
This air fryer apple crisp is everything I love about an easy dessert. It’s the perfect balance of soft apples, crispy oat crunch on the top, and just the right amount of sweetness.
It pairs perfectly with ice cream for a wonderful fall treat, but of course you can enjoy it any time of year.
With just 6 ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, you really can’t go wrong. This recipe is a delicious way to start baking with your air fryer, and it’s quicker than your conventional oven as well!
This easy air fryer crisp requires just 6 ingredients and takes about 30 minutes to put together. It’s a perfect dessert of soft sweet apples and crispy oat streusel topping!
4 7-Ounce ramekins(or a baking dish that fits in your air fryer)
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
3Mediumapples, peeled, cored, and cut into ½" cubes(about 2 – 2 ½ cups of fruit total)
2Tbspbrown sugar
½Tspcinnamon
For the Crisp Topping
½Cupold fashioned or rolled oats
¼Cupbrown sugar
¼Cupcold salted butter(cubed)
¼Cupall purpose flour
½Tspcinnamon
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and grease your baking dish
Mix the apple cubes, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, and ½ tsp cinnamon in a bowl until the apples are well coated. Place in the bottom of your baking pan (or divide evenly amongst smaller dishes)
3 Medium apples, peeled, cored, and cut into ½" cubes, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, ½ Tsp cinnamon
Place the apple-filled dish into the preheated air fryer basket, and cook for 10-15 minutes on the air fry setting, until the apples begin to soften (exact time will vary based on variety and thickness of apples). If the apples start to burn, you can add 1 Tbsp of water into the dish
While the apples cook, prepare the topping by combining the oats, flour, and butter with the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon. Use a fork, your hands, or a hand mixer to combine until crumbles form
½ Cup old fashioned or rolled oats, ¼ Cup brown sugar, ¼ Cup cold salted butter, ¼ Cup all purpose flour, ½ Tsp cinnamon
Once the apples are soft, add the crisp topping evenly over top of them
Cook for an additional 5 minutes on the air fry setting, or until the topping is browned to your liking
Top with ice cream if desired and serve warm
Notes
I’m using Jazz apples today, as they’re slightly sweeter than Granny Smith, but are still a firm apple with good texture. However, you may use whatever variety you like. You may want to adjust the amount of sugar if you’re using a sweeter or tarter apple
You can also slice your apples instead of cubing them if you prefer
If you use unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to compensate. Margarine and plant butter alternatives (to make it vegan friendly) also work fine for this recipe
If you’re chopping your apples in advance, toss them in 1 tsp of lemon juice to prevent browning
The apples will shrink as they cook when they release moisture. If your dishes look too full to add topping, don’t worry. You’ll have space by the time the apples soften
This recipe was created and tested using a Ninja air fryer. Other makes and models may vary slightly in terms of cooking times
Once cooled, store apple crisp wrapped in foil or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You may also wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months
To reheat, place a portion of apple crisp in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed to your liking. Use an oven safe bowl or a piece of foil to contain it
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and variety of ingredients, any sauces or toppings added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword air fryer apple crisp, air fryer apple crisp with oatmeal, air fryer apple recipes, air fryer desserts, easy apple crisp, homemade apple crisp, ninja air fryer apple crisp recipe
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
