Making Air Fryer Apple Crumble is a fast and simple way to enjoy this comforting dessert with a crispy topping and tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. Using an air fryer cuts down on baking time, giving you a warm, delicious apple crumble in a fraction of the time. Perfect for cozy evenings or whenever you’re craving a homemade treat!
What Is Air Fryer Apple Crumble?
Air Fryer Apple Crumble is a quick version of the classic dessert, featuring spiced apples topped with a buttery, crumbly oat mixture. The air fryer quickly cooks the apples until soft and juicy, while the crumble topping becomes golden and crisp. This easy method means you can have a dessert with minimal fuss and without turning on the oven.
Other Popular Recipes
- Mary Berry Devonshire Apple Cake
- Mary Berry Apple and Almond Cake
- Hairy Bikers Bread and Butter Pudding
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes with the help of an air fryer.
- No Oven Required: Great for small kitchens or when you want to avoid heating up the oven.
- Warm and Comforting: Deliciously spiced apples with a crispy topping.
- Perfectly Sized: Ideal for small servings, making it a quick dessert for one or two.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for a fuss-free dessert.
Ingredients Needed to Make Air Fryer Apple Crumble
For the Apples
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced) – Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn for a balance of sweetness and tartness.
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the apples.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon – Brings warm spice to the filling.
- 1 tsp lemon juice – Keeps the apples from browning and enhances flavor.
For the Crumble Topping
- 50g all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the crumble topping.
- 30g rolled oats – Adds texture and a chewy crunch.
- 50g brown sugar – Sweetens the topping and caramelizes as it bakes.
- 40g cold butter (cubed) – Creates a buttery, crumbly topping.
- Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer – For baking the apple crumble.
- Mixing bowls – For combining the apple filling and crumble topping.
- Small baking dish or ramekins – Fits in the air fryer basket and holds the apple crumble.
- Fork or pastry cutter – For mixing the crumble topping.
Instructions to Make Air Fryer Apple Crumble
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir well to evenly coat the apples with sugar and cinnamon, then set aside.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Assemble the Apple Crumble
Spoon the apple mixture into a small baking dish or two ramekins that fit into your air fryer basket. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
Step 4: Air Fry the Crumble
Place the baking dish or ramekins in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Carefully remove the apple crumble from the air fryer and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
What Goes Well with Air Fryer Apple Crumble
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Adds a cool contrast to the warm crumble.
- Whipped Cream: Light and creamy, it pairs beautifully with the spiced apples.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle on top for a sweet, decadent finish.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds a tangy flavor and a lighter topping option.
- Custard: For a classic, cozy pairing.
- Chopped Nuts: Adds crunch and enhances flavor.
Expert Tips for the Best Air Fryer Apple Crumble
- Use Tart Apples: Apples like Granny Smith work best for a balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Dice Apples Evenly: Cut apples into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Overfill the Ramekins: Leave room for air to circulate so the crumble topping cooks evenly.
- Check for Doneness: The crumble is ready when the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
- Serve Immediately: Air fryer apple crumble is best enjoyed warm for the perfect contrast between the soft filling and crispy topping.
Easy Variations of Air Fryer Apple Crumble
- Add Mixed Berries: Stir in blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries with the apples for extra flavor.
- Cinnamon Apple-Pear Crumble: Replace half the apples with pears for a fall-inspired twist.
- Nutty Crumble: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
- Spiced Crumble: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the crumble for more warmth.
- Gluten-Free Crumble: Substitute flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Best Practices to Store Air Fryer Apple Crumble
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the Air Fryer: Warm at 160°C (320°F) for a few minutes until heated through and crispy on top.
- Avoid Freezing: Apple crumble is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can affect the texture of the apples and crumble.
How Can I Make Air Fryer Apple Crumble Healthier?
- Reduce Sugar: Use a bit less sugar in the filling and topping or use a natural sweetener like honey.
- Add More Oats: Use more oats and reduce the flour for a healthier, whole-grain topping.
- Use Almond Flour: Replace flour with almond flour for added fiber and nutrients.
- Add Nuts: Chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts add healthy fats and protein.
- Use a Low-Fat Butter Substitute: Consider using reduced-fat butter or coconut oil.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 4g
FAQs
Can I Use Any Type of Apple for Air Fryer Apple Crumble?
Yes, you can use any type of apple for Air Fryer Apple Crumble, but tart varieties like Granny Smith or Braeburn work best. These apples hold their shape well and add a nice balance to the sweetness of the crumble topping.
Can I Make Air Fryer Apple Crumble in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and crumble topping in advance. Keep them separate in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then assemble and cook in the air fryer just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Do I Need to Preheat the Air Fryer for Apple Crumble?
Preheating is not strictly necessary for apple crumble, but preheating the air fryer for a few minutes can help the crumble topping cook more evenly and become crispier. If you prefer a crunchy topping, preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) before baking.
Can I Make Air Fryer Apple Crumble Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free flour or almond flour in the crumble topping. Substitute the regular flour with your preferred gluten-free option for a delicious, gluten-free apple crumble.
FAQs
Can I Use Any Type of Apple for Air Fryer Apple Crumble?
Yes, you can use any type of apple for Air Fryer Apple Crumble, but tart varieties like Granny Smith or Braeburn work best. These apples hold their shape well and add a nice balance to the sweetness of the crumble topping.
Can I Make Air Fryer Apple Crumble in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and crumble topping in advance. Keep them separate in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then assemble and cook in the air fryer just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Do I Need to Preheat the Air Fryer for Apple Crumble?
Preheating is not strictly necessary for apple crumble, but preheating the air fryer for a few minutes can help the crumble topping cook more evenly and become crispier. If you prefer a crunchy topping, preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) before baking.
Can I Make Air Fryer Apple Crumble Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free flour or almond flour in the crumble topping. Substitute the regular flour with your preferred gluten-free option for a delicious, gluten-free apple crumble.
Final Words
Air Fryer Apple Crumble is a deliciously quick way to enjoy a warm, homemade dessert. With its crispy topping and soft, spiced apples, it’s a treat that’s easy to make any time of the year. Serve it with your favorite toppings for a cozy dessert that’s sure to satisfy!
More Recipes By British Baking Recipes
- Mary Berry Apricot Tart
- Mary Berry Devonshire Scones
- Delia Smith Chestnut Stuffing
- John Torode Chicken Leek and Mushroom Pie
Air Fryer Apple Crumble
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 12
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Air Fryer Apple Crumble is a quick version of the classic dessert, featuring spiced apples topped with a buttery, crumbly oat mixture. The air fryer quickly cooks the apples until soft and juicy, while the crumble topping becomes golden and crisp. This easy method means you can have a dessert with minimal fuss and without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
For the Apples
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced) – Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn for a balance of sweetness and tartness.
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the apples.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon – Brings warm spice to the filling.
- 1 tsp lemon juice – Keeps the apples from browning and enhances flavor.
For the Crumble Topping
- 50g all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the crumble topping.
- 30g rolled oats – Adds texture and a chewy crunch.
- 50g brown sugar – Sweetens the topping and caramelizes as it bakes.
- 40g cold butter (cubed) – Creates a buttery, crumbly topping.
- Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir well to evenly coat the apples with sugar and cinnamon, then set aside.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Assemble the Apple Crumble
Spoon the apple mixture into a small baking dish or two ramekins that fit into your air fryer basket. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
Step 4: Air Fry the Crumble
Place the baking dish or ramekins in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Carefully remove the apple crumble from the air fryer and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.