Air Fryer Apple Crisp

Air fryer apple crisp has all the delicious flavor we love about traditional apple crisp with an even more delicious crumbly topping. The air fryer helps make the crisp topping even crispier and more intense with flavor, creating an apple crisp that's outta this world good.

Apple crisp has been a part of my life since I was a little girl. In the fall, when the apples were fresh, my grandmother would make the most delicious apple crisp I've ever had, even to this day.

She started with a fanny farmer apple crisp and modified from there. Anyone else remember that book from 1896?

Since I got my air fryer, I've been on a mission to make everything possible in it, which is why I took this classic apple crisp and converted it to a delicious apple crisp air fryer recipe.

It's so good, so crispy crumbly, and so packed with flavor. It's a real winner all the way around. 

Apple Crisp Air Fryer

Air fryer apple crisp takes everything we love about traditional apple crisp and makes it even easier. It also adds a bit of extra crispiness to the sweet oat topping that is just so wonderful.

This was inspired by my strawberry crisp recipe on this site, and pairs well with this white chocolate raspberry ice cream.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps you'll have a delicious dessert ready in 20 minutes.
• The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and apples creates a warm, caramel-like flavor that is irresistible.
• The air fryer ensures a buttery, crispy oat topping that works beautifully with the soft, tender apples underneath.

Ingredients

One of the great things about this air fryer apple crisp recipe is it only takes a handful of pantry staples to create it. You may only need to buy apples to make this delicious air fryer apple crisp with oatmeal.

• All-Purpose Flour - Gluten free flour is always an option if needed.
• Light Brown Sugar and/or Granulated Sugar - you can use white sugar as a substitute for brown sugar however, using brown sugar adds a richer flavor and moist texture.
• Ground Cinnamon and/or Ground Nutmeg - Use allspice, cloves, ginger, pumpkin pie or apple pie spice instead.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats - are best choice for a chewy texture. Instant or quick cooking oats are too finely cut to form a nice crunch but you can use if preferred.
• Kosher or Sea Salt - Use regular salt, if necessary.
• Unsalted Butter - Use salted butter and omit the salt.

Filling

• Granny Smith Apples - Use your favorite fresh apples or a combination instead.
• Fresh Lemon Juice - Use bottled if necessary as helps prevent the apples from browning and provides fresh flavor.
• Vanilla Extract - Vanilla is a universal crowd-pleaser, but feel free add your desired extract flavor to your apple filling like almond, coconut, peppermint, lemon, banana, maple, orange, or rum extract instead.
• Brown Sugar - Use more if you like the apples sweeter.

For Serving

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream, Whipped Cream and Caramel Sauce to make caramel apple crisp are my favorites.

See the recipe card below for the exact ingredients and quantities.

Substitutions and Variations

Don't have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this air fryer apple crisp.

• Add Nuts - Add your favorite chopped nuts to apple bottom or topping like peanuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, or walnuts to add crunch.
• Add More Fruit - Make your own version of fruit crisp and substitute some strawberries, peaches, apricots, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries instead of or with your apples.
• Caramel Apple Crisp - Serve with caramel sauce for a wonderful change.

Instructions

If you think the ingredients list is simple, just wait until you see the apple crisp air fryer recipe. This is an exceedingly simple air fryer dessert. The most work you'll do is dicing up the apples. After that, it's all a matter of mixing and air frying. It couldn't be easier.

Core and chop apples into bite-sized pieces. Add the apples to an oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer. Create a slurry by whisking together the cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.

Pour the slurry over the apples and add the cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt.

Stir together until the apples are evenly coated. In a medium shallow bowl add all the topping ingredients.

Using a fork combine all the ingredients (it’s ok if there are still little chunks of butter, just be sure all the flour is incorporated.)
Pour the mixture over the apples and pat down to form a secure crust so the topping doesn’t fly all around the air fryer.

Bake inside air fryer basket for 15 minutes at 370 degrees or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are softened.

Serve warm with Ice cream or whipped cream!

Hint: Avoid using Red Delicious apples as their texture does not hold up well when baked, resulting in a mushy apple crisp.

If you love easy dessert recipes like this, you may also enjoy our air fryer baked apples with old fashioned oats. And if your sweet tooth still isn't satisfied, then check out these wonderfully tasty brown sugar recipes!

Storage

If you have any leftovers or want to prepare your apple crisp in advance, here are some storage and reheating tips:

Once cooled, this apple crisp will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days in an air-tight container or covered in plastic wrap or tin foil. So if you made more than people ate - which is highly unlikely - you don't have to worry.

For longer storage, you can freeze this crisp for up to three months in an air-tight, freezer-safe container.

Be aware that refrigerating this crisp will make the topping soft. It's best to reheat the crisp either in the oven or for a few minutes in the air fryer to get the topping close to its original, crispy state. 

To reheat your Air Fryer Apple Crisp, transfer the portions you want to serve to an oven-safe dish or ramekin. Then, set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat the apple crisp for 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is best served either just as it is or topped with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, yogurt and a little caramel, strawberry sauce or maple syrup. The classic pairings are always the best in my opinion.

Chopped nuts, and fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries are also fantastic options for adding to your apple crisp recipe air fryer treat!

Tips

Remember these tips when you prepare your Air Fryer Apple Crisp recipe that will surely impress your family and friends.

• Apple Crisp Ramekin - I highly recommend making apple crisp in ramekins. Either a couple 4 inch ramekins or a packed 5 inch ramekin or 6 inch ramekin or pan for best, portion controlled results.
• Choosing the Right Apples - Consider using apples that maintain their shape when cooked. Tart apples like the Granny Smith or Gala apples. Sweet apples like Fuji and Honeycrisp. Use individually or in combination. We created a guide that covers the best apples for baking if you need it.
• Use lemon juice - A splash of lemon juice prevents apples from browning and adds a pleasant tang to the dessert.
• Grease your baking dish - Use butter for best results but cooking spray will also work if needed.
• Cooking times may vary - Depending on your air fryer it's a good idea to check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time, just in case.
• Cover top with foil - If you find the topping browning too quickly, simply cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the apples continue to cook.
• Allow air fried apple crisp to cool - Allow crisp rest for a few minutes after air frying to thicken slightly and become easier to serve.

FAQ

This is a super easy apple crisp in the air fryer recipe but there are a few common questions you might have about it.

Video

More Apple Recipes

Do you like apples? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.

Give This Air Fryer Apple Crisp a Try

Whether you serve up this air fryer apple crisp for a weeknight dessert, a party, potluck, or holiday treat, it's always a welcome addition to any table.