Air Fryer Apple Crisp Recipe
Warm cinnamon-spiced apples nestled under a golden, buttery oat topping, perfectly crisped in the air fryer for a quick and satisfying dessert.
Ingredients
<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Apple Filling:</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">600g apples (about 4-5 medium), peeled, cored and sliced (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">50g granulated sugar</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 teaspoons ground cinnamon</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon cornstarch (cornflour)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Crisp Topping:</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">100g rolled oats</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">75g all-purpose flour</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">100g brown sugar, packed</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">90g cold unsalted butter, cubed</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">40g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)</li> </ul>
Equipment
<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Heat-proof ramekins or small baking dishes that fit in your air fryer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Aluminum foil</li> </ul>
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Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Prepare your air fryer by preheating it to 160°C (320°F). This moderate temperature will allow the apples to soften while the topping gets crisp without burning. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, run it empty for 3 minutes before cooking. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> In a medium bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until evenly coated. The lemon juice prevents browning while adding brightness, and the cornstarch will thicken the apple juices as they release during cooking, creating a luxurious sauce. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Divide the apple mixture evenly among your ramekins or small baking dishes, pressing down slightly to compact them. Don't worry about packing them too tightly - the apples will shrink as they cook. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> For the topping, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Using your fingertips, work the cold cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining. These butter chunks will melt during cooking, creating delicious pockets of richness and a perfectly textured crisp topping. Fold in the chopped nuts if using. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Generously sprinkle the crisp topping over the apples, creating a thick, even layer. Don't press down on the topping - you want it to remain loose for maximum crispness. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Cover each ramekin loosely with aluminum foil and place them in your air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size. The foil prevents the topping from browning too quickly before the apples have a chance to soften. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Cook for 12 minutes covered, then carefully remove the foil and continue cooking for 8-10 minutes more, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. You'll know it's perfect when you can insert a knife into the apples and feel they're tender but not mushy. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Carefully remove the hot ramekins from the air fryer (they'll be very hot, so use oven mitts) and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This cooling time allows the filling to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect contrast to the warm, spiced apples. The heat from the crisp will begin to melt the ice cream, creating a creamy sauce that complements the dessert beautifully. </li> </ol>
Chef’s Notes
A few helpful details for making this recipe.
Can I make apple crisp in an air fryer without individual ramekins?
Yes, you can use any heat-proof dish that fits in your air fryer. A small cake pan or an oven-safe glass dish works well. If using one larger dish instead of individual servings, you may need to increase cooking time by 5-7 minutes to ensure the apples in the centre are tender.
Which apple varieties work best for a crisp texture in air fryer desserts?
Firm apple varieties that hold their shape during cooking work best, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Pink Lady, or Jazz. Avoid softer varieties like McIntosh or Red Delicious, as they tend to break down too much, resulting in a mushy rather than tender-crisp texture.
How do I prevent the oat topping from burning in my air fryer?
Covering the dessert with foil for the first part of cooking is crucial. Additionally, use a moderate temperature (around 160°C), check frequently during the final minutes, and position the ramekins away from the heating element if possible. The butter in the topping helps prevent burning when properly incorporated.
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