Apple Crumble in Air Fryer

Imagine sinking your spoon into warm, tender apples topped with a golden, buttery crumble that’s perfectly crispy on top and soft underneath. This apple crumble in air fryer recipe delivers all the comfort of traditional baked desserts in half the time!

Did you know that air fryers can reduce cooking time by up to 40% while creating that coveted crispy texture we all love?

This recipe transforms your kitchen into a cozy bakery without the lengthy oven preheating or extended baking times. Just like our popular air fryer cinnamon rolls, this dessert proves that incredible flavors don’t require complicated techniques or hours of preparation.

What is Apple Crumble in Air Fryer?

Ever wondered why this beloved dessert earned such a delightfully simple name? Apple crumble gets its moniker from that irresistible topping that literally crumbles between your fingers before transforming into golden perfection. Picture this: your grandmother probably made something similar, but called it a “crisp” or “cobbler” depending on her mood!

The beauty lies in its honest simplicity – no fancy French names or complicated techniques required. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this recipe certainly proves that theory right. Ready to create some kitchen magic that’ll have everyone asking for seconds?

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumble in Air Fryer

Lightning-Fast Cooking Time

Your air fryer works like a mini convection oven, circulating hot air around your crumble to create that perfect golden-brown top in just 12-15 minutes. Compare that to 45 minutes in a traditional oven, and you’ve got yourself a weeknight dessert winner!

Budget-Friendly Family Treat

Making apple crumble in Air Fryer at home costs a fraction of bakery prices. With basic pantry staples like flour, butter, and sugar, plus affordable seasonal apples, you’re looking at under $5 for a dessert that serves 4-6 people. That’s less than a single slice from most restaurants!

Customizable Flavor Paradise

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Add warming spices like nutmeg and cardamom, toss in some cranberries for tartness, or sprinkle chopped pecans for extra crunch. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness that makes your taste buds dance.

Much like our air fryer apple chips recipe, this dessert celebrates the natural sweetness of apples while adding that irresistible homemade touch. Why not give it a try and discover your new favorite comfort food?

How to Make Apple Crumble in Air Fryer

Quick Overview

This apple crumble in Air Fryer combines the best of both worlds: traditional comfort food flavors with modern convenience. The air fryer creates an incredibly crispy, golden topping while keeping the apples perfectly tender underneath.

Total Time: 25 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Difficulty: Easy

Key Ingredients for Apple Crumble in Air Fryer

For the Apple Filling:

4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Crumble Topping:

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples

Wash, peel, and core your apples, then slice them into thin wedges (about 1/4 inch thick). Place the apple slices in a large mixing bowl and toss with brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cornstarch until evenly coated.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some larger butter pieces.

Step 3: Assemble Your Crumble

Lightly grease your air fryer-safe baking dish (6-7 inch round works perfectly). Spread the seasoned apple mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish, then sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes. Place the assembled crumble in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Remove the crumble from the air fryer and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period allows the juices to thicken slightly and prevents burns from the hot filling.

What to Serve Apple Crumble in Air Fryer With

Sweet Accompaniments:

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for that classic pairing
Salted caramel sauce drizzled over the warm crumble
Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey for a lighter option

Beverage Pairings:

Hot coffee or espresso to complement the warm spices
Black tea or chai tea for an afternoon treat
Cold milk for the kids (and nostalgic adults!)
Sparkling cider for a festive touch

Make it a Complete Dessert Spread: Serve alongside our air fryer donuts or pair with fresh berries for a beautiful dessert platter that’ll impress any dinner party guests.

Top Tips for Perfecting Apple Crumble in Air Fryer

Choose the Right Apples

Granny Smith apples hold their shape beautifully and provide the perfect tart contrast to the sweet topping. Honeycrisp apples offer more sweetness if you prefer a milder flavor. Avoid Red Delicious or Gala apples as they become too soft during cooking.

Don’t Skip the Cornstarch

This magical ingredient prevents your crumble from becoming watery by thickening the natural apple juices. If you don’t have cornstarch, substitute with an equal amount of flour.

Keep Your Butter Cold

Cold butter creates those coveted flaky pockets in your crumble topping. If your kitchen is warm, pop the butter cubes in the freezer for 5 minutes before mixing.

Size Matters for Even Cooking

Cut your apple slices uniformly to ensure even cooking. Too thick, and the centers won’t cook through; too thin, and they’ll turn to mush.

Check for Doneness

Your crumble is ready when the topping is golden brown and the apples are easily pierced with a fork. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil and continue cooking.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover apple crumble covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The topping may lose some crispness, but the flavors actually improve overnight as the spices meld together.

Freezing Instructions: You can freeze the assembled, unbaked crumble for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Cook directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating Methods:

Air Fryer: Reheat at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, though the topping won’t be as crispy
Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 8-10 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer available

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make apple crumble in air fryer without oats?

Absolutely! Simply replace the oats with an equal amount of flour for a more traditional crumble topping, or try crushed graham crackers for a unique twist.

What size air fryer do I need for this recipe?

This recipe works perfectly in air fryers 3.5 quarts and larger. For smaller air fryers, simply halve the recipe and use a smaller baking dish.

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw and drain them first to remove excess moisture. You may need to reduce the cooking time by 2-3 minutes since frozen apples are already partially softened.

How do I know when my apple crumble is done?

The topping should be golden brown and crispy, while the apples should be tender when pierced with a fork. The juices around the edges should be bubbling.

Can I double this recipe?

You can double the ingredients, but you’ll need to cook in batches unless you have a very large air fryer. The cooking time remains the same for each batch.

What’s the best way to prevent the topping from burning?

If your topping is browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of cooking. This allows the apples to finish cooking without over-browning the topping.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the crumble up to 4 hours ahead and store covered in the refrigerator. Cook directly from cold, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1/6 of recipe)
Calories	185
Total Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	95mg
Total Carbs	32g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Sugars	22g
Protein	3g
Vitamin C	8% DV
Calcium	2% DV

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Bonus Tips for Recipe Success

Seasonal Variations:

Fall Special: Add 1/4 teaspoon each of nutmeg and allspice to your topping
Winter Warmth: Include a tablespoon of maple syrup in your apple mixture
Spring Fresh: Mix in some fresh strawberries or rhubarb with your apples
Summer Twist: Try adding a handful of fresh blueberries for extra sweetness

Make it Healthier: Replace half the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, or substitute some of the flour with almond flour for added protein and a nutty flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues: If your crumble seems too dry, drizzle a tablespoon of melted butter over the topping before cooking. If it’s too wet, add an extra tablespoon of flour to the apple mixture.

This apple crumble in air fryer recipe proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or hours of baking time to create dessert magic. With its perfectly crispy topping and tender, spiced apples, it’s destined to become your go-to comfort food for any season. Happy air frying!