Apple Crisp in the Air Fryer
Apple crisp in the air fryer bakes in about 22 minutes and gives you soft cinnamon apples under a golden, buttery oat topping, without heating a full oven. This small-batch air fryer apple crisp is made in a 6- to 7-inch baking dish and serves four. It is the quick fall dessert for a weeknight or a last-minute dinner party.
- Temperature
- 330°F170 °C
- Total time
- 47min
- Prep time
- 15min
- Servings
- 4
- Per serving
- 340kcal
Why the air fryer works for apple crisp
Apple crisp has two parts that need different treatment: soft, juicy apples and a crunchy, buttery topping. In a conventional oven the top is protected from the heat by the fruit's steam. In an air fryer the heat comes from above and moves around the dish, so the topping dries and browns quickly while the apples soften underneath. That makes the air fryer very good at the crisp part of a crisp.
A small pan keeps the layers thin, so the apples are done at the same time as the topping. Sliced apples about ¼ inch thick soften in about 20 minutes at 330 °F. A thicker layer or a dense pan slows the heat, so use a shallow dish and keep the apple layer to about 1½ inches.
How to make apple crisp in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Season the apples Toss the apple slices with 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp flour, 1 tsp cinnamon and the lemon juice. Spread them in a 6- or 7-inch baking dish or ceramic pan, about 2 inches deep, that fits in your basket with room around it.
- Make the topping In a bowl, mix the oats, ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ tsp cinnamon and the salt. Rub in the cold butter with your fingertips until the mixture forms clumps the size of peas.
- Top the apples Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples, pressing it lightly so it forms a layer that covers all the fruit.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 330 °F for . Lower the dish into the basket with a foil sling or oven mitts.
- Bake Cook for . The topping should be deep golden and the apples bubbling at the edges. If the topping browns before , lay a small piece of foil on top and crimp it to the rim of the dish.
- Rest Test the apples with a fork; they should be tender. Let the crisp rest for so the juices thicken, then serve warm.
Times and temperatures
| Apple Crisp | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 6- to 7-inch dish, 4 servingsFoil if top browns early | 330 °F (170 °C) | 22 min |
| Individual ramekin | 330 °F (170 °C) | 14–16 min |
| No-oat topping | 330 °F (170 °C) | 22 min |
| Reheating a portion | 320 °F (160 °C) | 3–4 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Pick firm apples. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp and Braeburn hold their shape. Mix a tart and a sweet apple for the best flavor.
- Keep the butter cold. Cold butter forms clumps that melt into crisp, crunchy pockets.
- Check at 15 minutes. Air fryers vary, and the topping can darken faster than you expect.
What to serve with apple crisp
Warm apple crisp goes well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a fall dessert menu, serve it alongside a slice of apple pie or a few cookies. More ideas are in the desserts category.
Storing and reheating
Cover leftovers and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the air fryer at 320 °F for 3–4 minutes until warm throughout and crisp on top. You can also freeze the unbaked, assembled crisp in a foil pan for up to 2 months and bake it from frozen at 320 °F for 30–35 minutes.
Variations
- Pecan crisp: Add ¼ cup of chopped pecans to the topping.
- Pear and apple: Replace one apple with a firm pear.
- Salted caramel: Drizzle 2 tbsp of caramel sauce over the apples before adding the topping.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free rolled oats and a gluten-free flour blend (not dairy-free).
If it does not turn out right
- The topping is burnt but the apples are firm
- The apples were sliced too thick or the air was too hot. Slice to ¼ inch, bake at 330 °F and crimp a piece of foil over the dish for the last 7 minutes.
- The crisp is watery
- Toss the apples with the flour, which thickens the juices, and let the dish rest for 10 minutes. Juicy apples such as McIntosh release more liquid.
- The topping is soggy, not crisp
- Keep the butter cold so it forms clumps, and do not pack the topping down. Leave a little space around the dish for air flow.
Questions and answers
How long does apple crisp take in the air fryer?
About 22 minutes at 330 °F for a 6- to 7-inch dish with ¼-inch apple slices. Individual ramekins take 14–16 minutes.
Can I make apple crisp with no oats?
Yes. Replace the oats with an extra ¼ cup of flour and 2 tbsp of chopped pecans for a crumble-style topping. Bake the same time.
Can I make a single-serve apple crisp?
Yes. Use 1 apple, a quarter of the topping and a 4-inch ramekin. Bake at 330 °F for 14–16 minutes.
How do I reheat apple crisp in the air fryer?
Warm a portion at 320 °F for 3–4 minutes. The topping crisps up again and the apples get hot.
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