This Air Fryer Apple Crisp is a warm treat that features sweet, spiced apples topped with a crunchy oat topping. It’s fun to make and even better to eat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Gala or Honeycrisp apples work great due to their sweetness and firmness. You can also use Granny Smith for a tart touch or a mix of different kinds for more flavor complexity.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol.
Cinnamon: A classic spice that compliments apples well. If you’re adventurous, try nutmeg or allspice for a different flavor profile.
Oats: Quick-cooking rolled oats are preferred for that perfect crunch. If gluten-free is your goal, ensure you’re using certified gluten-free oats.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. You can swap it with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for dairy-free options.
How Do You Achieve a Perfectly Crispy Topping?
Getting that crispy, golden topping is crucial for a great Apple Crisp. The technique is simple but needs attention.
- Make sure your butter is cold when mixing it with the dry ingredients. This helps create that crumbly texture.
- Do not overmix the topping; blend until it’s just combined, leaving some small butter pieces.
- When cooking in the air fryer, monitor closely towards the end. Depending on your model, the crisp can brown quickly.
Let it cool a bit after cooking for better texture, and then serve it warm. It’s delicious topped with ice cream or whipped cream!
Air Fryer Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 3 medium apples (such as Gala or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- Pinch of salt
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 15-20 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer. Overall, you can whip it up in about 30 to 40 minutes—perfect for a quick dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a mixing bowl, toss the chopped apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Make sure the apples are well coated with the mixture, and then set aside to let the flavors meld together.
2. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold butter pieces into this mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Assemble the Dish:
Take your air fryer-safe ramekin or small baking dish and place the apple mixture at the bottom. Evenly sprinkle the prepared oat topping over the apples, covering them well.
4. Air Fry the Crisp:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, place the ramekin in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, keeping an eye on it until the topping turns golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Once done, carefully remove the ramekin from the air fryer and let it cool slightly. Serve warm, and feel free to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream on top for an extra treat. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Apple Crisp!
Can I Use Any Type of Apples for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! While Gala and Honeycrisp are excellent choices, feel free to use Granny Smith for a tart flavor or any other variety that you enjoy. Mixing different apples can also add depth to the flavor.
What If I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
No problem! You can bake the apple crisp in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden and the apples are soft. Just use an oven-safe dish instead of a ramekin.
Can I Make This Apple Crisp Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and topping separately and store them in the fridge for up to 1 day. When you’re ready to bake, just combine them and follow the cooking instructions. You may need to adjust the cooking time if starting from cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through. You can add a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream again for an even tastier treat!
